For those who are momentarily out of work, unemployment benefits are a vital lifeline that helps them bridge the financial gap until they can find new employment.
However, from state to state, the length of these benefits can differ greatly.
Unemployed people can get up to 26 weeks of benefits through the standard state-funded unemployment compensation program in the majority of states.
It’s crucial to remember that not all states follow this common timeframe, though. Two states offer more weeks of benefits, while thirteen states give fewer.
State Differences
With a maximum of 28 weeks, Montana is now the only state to grant more than 26 weeks of unemployment benefits.
After July 2, 2023, Massachusetts, which generally grants 28 weeks, will only grant 26 weeks to new claimants.
Due to the low unemployment rate in the state and the absence of a federal extended benefits program, this change was necessary.
A few states provide shorter terms than the typical 26-week maximum:
Arkansas offers regular benefits for up to 16 weeks.
For claims submitted after July 3, 2022, Iowa lowered its maximum to 16 weeks.
Michigan initially expanded the limit during the COVID-19 emergency to 26 weeks, but in 2021 it went back to 20 weeks for new applicants.
The length of unemployment insurance in Oklahoma is 16 weeks.
UI benefits are available for up to 20 weeks in South Carolina and Missouri.
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States Modify Maximum Weeks of Unemployment Benefits
Based on changes in the state’s unemployment rate, the remaining seven states modify their maximum weeks of UI:
Alabama presently grants new entrants up to 14 weeks of unemployment insurance, with a further five weeks granted to individuals enrolled in state-approved training programs.
Georgia presently offers 14 weeks of unemployment insurance, as the COVID-19 emergency’s rise to 26 weeks has passed.
For claims submitted after January 1, 2022, Florida offers a maximum of 12 weeks.
Idaho offers new enrollees up to 21 weeks of coverage based on the state’s unemployment rate for November.
Kansas provides UI benefits for up to 16 weeks.
Up to 12 weeks are provided by North Carolina.
Based on its average rate of unemployment throughout July to September 2022, Kentucky grants up to 12 weeks.
The length of benefits in many states with a 26-week limit varies on the worker’s earnings history.
Other states have particular laws. It’s critical to be aware of these differences and to keep up with any modifications to your state’s unemployment benefits program.
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Source: Marca
