The COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of people to be unemployed and seek unemployment insurance benefits—and a year and a half later (yeesh!), we’re still seeing high unemployment rates throughout the country.
The federal government has passed numerous bills aimed at providing unemployed Americans with enhanced federal unemployment benefits (most of which will expire on September 6, 2021), and many states have stepped in with their own measures to support the un- and underemployed.
Below is a comprehensive list of state-by-state resources to direct those affected to the latest information on changes to unemployment insurance benefits.
How Do I Set Up Payroll for the First Time? The Employer’s Guide for 2021
Finances and TaxesA number of enhanced state unemployment benefits expired in June and July of 2021, which means that the benefits rates rates have come back down to down to typical unemployment rates, but certain states are offering enhanced benefits through September 6, 2021.
Find your state in the table below:
| State | Maximum Unemployment Benefit | State Agency Website and Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $275/week | Alabama DOL (334)242-8025 |
| Alaska | $370/week | Alaska DOL (907)269-4700 |
| Arizona | $240/week | Arizona: How to Apply for UI (877)600-2722 |
| Arkansas | $451/week | Arkansas DOL (501)682-2121 |
| California | $750/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $451/week | California DOL 1(800)300-5616 |
| Colorado | $918/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $618/week | Colorado DOL (303)318-8000 |
| Connecticut | $949/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $649/week | Connecticut DOL (203)941-6868 |
| Delaware | $700/week through September 6, 2021 Then it will come down to $400/week | Delaware DOL 1(800)794-3032 |
| D.C. | $744/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $444/week | D.C. DOES (202)724-7000 |
| Florida | $275/week | Florida DEO 1(833)352-7759 |
| Georgia | $365/week | Georgia DOL 1(877)709-8185 |
| Hawaii | $948/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $648/week | Hawaii DOL Oahu: (808)586-8970 Hilo: (808)974-4086 Kona: (808)322-4822 Maui: (808)984-8400 Kauai: (808)274-3043 |
| Idaho | $463/week | Idaho DOL (208)332-8942 |
| Illinois | $784/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $484/week | Illinois DES 1(800)244-5631 |
| Indiana | $690/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $390/week | Indiana DOL 1(800)891-6499 |
| Iowa | $481/week | Iowa Workforce Development 1(866)239-0843 |
| Kansas | $788/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $488/week | Kansas DOL 1(800)292-6333 |
| Kentucky | $852/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $552/week | Kentucky Career Center (502)875-0442 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Workforce Commission 1(866)783-5567 | |
| Maine | $745/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $445/week | Maine DOL 1(800)593-7660 |
| Maryland | $730/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come to $430/week | Maryland DOL Contact Info |
| Massachusetts | $1,123/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $823/week | Mass DUA 1(877)636-6800 |
| Michigan | $662/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $362/week | Michigan Department of Labor and Opportunity Contact Info |
| Minnesota | $1,040/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $740/week | Minnesota Unemployment Insurance 1-877-898-9090 |
| Mississippi | $235/week | Mississippi DES 601-321-6000 |
| Missouri | $320/week | Missouri DOL Contact Info |
| Montana | $872/week through June 27, 2021 After this, it will come down to $552/week | Montana Unemployment Insurance Division 406-444-2545 |
| Nebraska | $440/week | NE Works 855-995-8863 |
| Nevada | $769/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $469/week | Nevada DOL Contact Info |
| New Hampshire | $427/week | New Hampshire Workforce Connect 1(800)852-3400 |
| New Jersey | $1,013/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $713/week | New Jersey DOL Contact Info |
| New Mexico | $811/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $511/week | New Mexico Workforce Connection Contact Info |
| New York | $804/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $504/week | New York DOL 1(888)581-5812 |
| North Carolina | $650/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $350/week | North Carolina DES 1(888)737-0259 |
| North Dakota | $618/week | North Dakota DOL (701) 328-4995 |
| Ohio | $498/week | Ohio Department of Job and Family Services 1(877)644-6562 |
| Oklahoma | $539/week | Oklahoma ESC 1(800)555-1554 |
| Oregon | $973/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $673/week | Oregon Employment Department 1(877)345-3484 |
| Pennsylvania | $872/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $572/week | Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation Contact Info |
| Rhode Island | $886/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $586/week | Rhode Island DLT (401)415-6772 |
| South Carolina | $326/week | South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce 1(866)831-1724 |
| South Dakota | $428/week | South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation (605)626-2452 |
| Tennessee | $275/week | Tennesse Department of Labor & Workforce Development 1(877)813-0950 |
| Texas | $535/week | Texas Workforce Commission 1(800)628-5115 |
| Utah | $580/week | Utah Workforce Services (801)526-9675 |
| Vermont | $831/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $531/week | Vermont DOL 1(877) 214-3332 |
| Virginia | $678/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $378/week | Virginia Employment Commission Contact Info |
| Washington | $1,144/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $844/week | Washington Employment Security Department 1(800)318-6022 |
| West Virginia | $424/week | Workforce West Virginia 1(800)379-1032 |
| Wisconsin | $670/week through September 6, 2021 After this, it will come down to $370/week | Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (608) 266-3131 |
| Wyoming | $508/week | WYUI (307)473-3789 |
As we mentioned above, these state benefits are in addition to federal benefits. Here’s an overview on how federal unemployment benefits work:
| Program | Purpose | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) | Extends unemployment insurance to those who may not have been eligible before COVID-19 (like freelancers and self-employed individuals) |
|
| Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) | Extends unemployment benefits after state unemployment benefits have been exhausted |
|
| Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) | Provides additional money (from a federal fund) on top of regular state unemployment benefits |
|
Keep reading
Q: What Is SUI (State Unemployment Insurance) tax? Is it Different Than SUTA Tax?
SUI is State Unemployment Insurance. SUI taxes are paid by employers through payroll taxes, and SUI pays stipends to workers who have lost their jobs.
Comments
Hi. When will we hear about options for self-employed/contractors?
It is my understanding that you can apply for unemployment (we are in NY) if your hours are reduced? Do you know if the extra $600 is also proportionally applied?
Hi Christina — since regulations may vary by state, we recommend you reach out to the New York unemployment office!
is it mandatory to put work search log at this outbreak covid19 time?
Hi Mohammad — since guidance varies by state and industry, we recommend reaching out to your state unemployment office!
I work at a manufacturing plant in Wausau wi. They remain open as they are qualified as an essential business who makes food grade products. In early Dec of 2019 , my 70 year old uncle sufferd a stroke, how now lives with me.
I was so afraid that I would bring that virus into my home and he would get sick. He isn’t in very good physical shape and I doubt he would make it. I asked my emoyer for a leave of absence for a few weeks so I could find a different living arrangement for him. None of the assisted living places are taking any new residents. I d k what to do. Would I, qualify for the unemployment benefits for this time off?
Hi Timithy, each state has its own rules regarding unemployment benefits, so you will want to check with your state unemployment office to confirm: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/
Oregon has not yet announced that the waiting week is being waived. Hopeful to see that announced soon.
Thanks for the catch, Michelle! We’ve updated the article.
Where are you getting your information for Oregon? There is no rule temporary or otherwise that is on an official page regarding waiving the waiting week for UI benefits. Only other requirements have been waived. Please advise as to your official source of this information.
Hi Teresa — thanks for the catch! We’ve updated the article.
Do I have to submit a weekly claim if I lost my job dued to covid 19 after my initial claim?
Hi Kenneth—since, it may depend on your state, you’ll want to check your individual state’s unemployment benefits website + consult a lawyer or HR expert for more specific guidance.
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