States With the Most Generous Unemployment Benefits

2026

Top 10 US states with the highest weekly maximum unemployment benefit and longest duration in 2026. Massachusetts and Washington lead with weekly maximums over $1,000.

Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Ranked by current 2026 maximum weekly benefit + duration weighting

Composite score: 70% weekly benefit cap (2026 announced max for sole claimant) + 30% maximum duration (most are 26 weeks; some less, MA goes to 30). Sources: each state UI agency 2026 rate announcements, US DOL Employment and Training Administration database.

  1. 1

    Washington

    Washington — $1,079/week max (2026, indexed to 63.5% of state average weekly wage). 26 weeks max duration. Eliminated waiting week 2020. Highest among 50 states by raw cap.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  2. 2

    Massachusetts

    Massachusetts — $1,033/week base + dependency $25/week per child up to half WBA = up to $1,549/week with dependents. 30 weeks max — longest in the country.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  3. 3

    Minnesota

    Minnesota — $890/week max (2026, 66 2/3% of SAWW). 26 weeks. Trust fund well above solvency threshold ($1.7B+).

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  4. 4

    New Jersey

    New Jersey — $905/week max, 26 weeks. Employee contribution funded (one of three states with employee UI tax — 0.3825% of wages).

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  5. 5

    New York

    New York — $504/week base + dependency. 26 weeks. NYS DOL weekly indexation lags some peers.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  6. 6

    Oregon

    Oregon — $836/week max (2026, indexed to 64% SAWW), 26 weeks. Frances Online portal launched 2024 unified UI + Paid Leave + Tax.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  7. 7

    California

    California — $450/week max (unchanged since 2005 — longest freeze in country). 26 weeks. EDD trust fund still in deficit; benefit cap legislatively frozen.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  8. 8

    Colorado

    Colorado — $781/week max (2026), 26 weeks. Eliminated waiting week 2020 permanent under HB 21-1264.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  9. 9

    Connecticut

    Connecticut — $735/week + $15 dependency/week up to $75. 26 weeks. ReEmployCT modernization eliminated waiting week 2022.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  10. 10

    Hawaii

    Hawaii — $763/week max (2026, indexed to 70% of SAWW — most generous indexation formula nationwide). 26 weeks.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →

Methodology note: This listicle is curated based on Q1 2026 data verified against each state's Department of Revenue + Tax Foundation 50-state reports. Rankings reflect tax structure and are not investment advice. Cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, and personal preferences should also factor into relocation decisions.