Every U.S. state and Washington, D.C., provides unemployment insurance to help residents during periods of job loss. Which states offer the most generous benefits? The average maximum weekly benefit amount (WBA) across all 50 states plus D.C. is $462, and the average total maximum benefit is $11,930. Some states exceed that, while others fall short.
Below is a ranked list of states from lowest to highest based on total maximum unemployment benefits, including key facts about each state’s unemployment program and where to file claims. All amounts are pre-tax. Dependent allowances are noted where applicable.
51. Florida
Lynne Sladky / AP Photo
Capital: Tallahassee
Population: 21.3 million
Main industries: Agriculture, tourism, international trade, aerospace and aviation
Unemployment rate: 2.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $275
Maximum weeks: 12
Total maximum benefit amount: $3,330
Where to file: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
Bottom line: Florida has the smallest total maximum benefit of any state, paying just $275 per week for up to 12 weeks. Approval can be difficult for some claimants, though the state’s low unemployment rate may ease job searches.
50. North Carolina
Gerry Broome / AP Photo
Capital: Raleigh
Population: 10.48 million
Main industries: Aerospace and defense, automotive, IT, biotech, pharmaceuticals, plastics, food processing
Unemployment rate: 3.6 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $350
Maximum weeks: 12
Total maximum benefit amount: $4,200
Where to file: North Carolina Department of Commerce
Bottom line: North Carolina’s weekly benefit is moderate, but benefits are limited to just 12 weeks, producing a relatively low total maximum.
49. Georgia
David Goldman / AP Photo
Capital: Atlanta
Population: 10.52 million
Main industries: Agriculture, energy, automotive, tourism
Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $330
Maximum weeks: 14
Total maximum benefit amount: $4,620
Where to file: Georgia Department of Labor
Bottom line: Georgia’s benefits are below the national average, and the relatively short benefit duration limits total payout.
48. Mississippi
Wong Maye-E / AP Photo
Capital: Jackson
Population: 2.97 million
Main industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, gambling, oil and gas
Unemployment rate: 5.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $235
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,110
Where to file: Mississippi Department of Employment Security
Bottom line: Mississippi has one of the lowest maximum weekly amounts and a high unemployment rate, producing a low total maximum benefit.
47. Arizona
Matt York / AP Photo
Capital: Phoenix
Population: 7.17 million
Main industries: Aerospace, defense, ambulatory health care
Unemployment rate: 4.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $240
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,240
Where to file: Arizona Department of Economic Security
Bottom line: Arizona’s weekly benefit is low, though it guarantees a modest minimum for eligible claimants.
46. Missouri
Jeff Roberson / AP Photo
Capital: Jefferson City
Population: 6.13 million
Main industries: Agriculture, bioscience, advanced manufacturing, health care, mining, defense, tourism, service
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $320
Maximum weeks: 20
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,400
Where to file: Missouri Department of Labor
Bottom line: Missouri offers a below-average weekly benefit for up to 20 weeks, producing a modest total maximum amount.
45. Louisiana
Patrick Semansky / AP Photo
Capital: Baton Rouge
Population: 4.64 million
Main industries: Tourism, oil and gas, chemicals, fishing, agriculture, food processing, service
Unemployment rate: 5.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $247
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,422
Where to file: Louisiana Workforce Commission
Bottom line: Louisiana’s maximum benefit is calculated as a percentage of base period wages, resulting in a low weekly amount despite a long benefit duration.
44. South Carolina
Mary Ann Chastain / AP Photo
Capital: Columbia
Population: 5.14 million
Main industries: Manufacturing, health care, automotive, biotechnology, aerospace, agriculture
Unemployment rate: 2.4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $326
Maximum weeks: 20
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,520
Where to file: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
Bottom line: South Carolina’s economy has added jobs rapidly, but unemployment benefits remain limited in amount and duration.
42.(t) Alabama
Gary Cosby Jr. / AP Photo/The Decatur Daily
Capital: Montgomery
Population: 4.88 million
Main industries: Health care, agriculture, manufacturing, chemicals, automotive, IT
Unemployment rate: 2.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $275
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $7,150
Where to file: Alabama Department of Labor
Bottom line: Alabama provides a low maximum weekly benefit and a low minimum weekly benefit, though the state’s unemployment rate is comparatively low.
42.(t) Tennessee
Josh Anderson / AP Photo
Capital: Nashville
Population: 6.82 million
Main industries: Education, entertainment, tourism, agriculture, automotive, health care
Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $275
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $7,150
Where to file: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Bottom line: Tennessee’s weekly benefit is low but paid over a longer period compared with some states, producing a modest total.
41. Michigan
Corey Williams
Capital: Lansing
Population: 9.98 million
Main industries: Automotive, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, aerospace and defense
Unemployment rate: 3.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $362
Maximum weeks: 20
Total maximum benefit amount: $7,240
Where to file: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Bottom line: Michigan’s maximum weekly benefit and duration yield a modest total amount; the state also sets a minimum weekly benefit for eligible claimants.
40. Kansas
Charlie Riedel / AP Photo
Capital: Topeka
Population: 2.91 million
Main industries: Agriculture, health care, manufacturing, transportation, professional services
Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $474
Maximum weeks: 16 (up to 26 if unemployment rises)
Total maximum benefit amount: $7,584
Where to file: Kansas Department of Labor
Bottom line: Kansas pays slightly above the national weekly average but limits weeks when unemployment is low; benefit duration can expand if unemployment increases.
39. Kentucky
David Goldman / AP Photo
Capital: Frankfort
Population: 4.46 million
Main industries: Health care, coal, automotive, government, tourism
Unemployment rate: 4.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $552
Maximum weeks: 16 (up to 26 during high unemployment)
Total maximum benefit amount: $8,832
Where to file: Kentucky Career Center
Bottom line: Kentucky’s weekly benefit is above average, but currently fewer weeks are available unless unemployment rises.
38. South Dakota
David Zalubowski / AP Photo
Capital: Pierre
Population: 882,235
Main industries: Banking, agriculture, manufacturing, bioscience, retail
Unemployment rate: 3.4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $345
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $8,970
Where to file: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Bottom line: South Dakota’s maximum weekly rate is modest but is available for a full 26-week period.
37. Arkansas
Brandon Johnson / Unsplash
Capital: Little Rock
Population: 3 million
Main industries: Ambulatory health care, agriculture, aerospace, transportation, food manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $451
Maximum weeks: 20
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,020
Where to file: Arkansas Division of Workforce Services
Bottom line: Arkansas pays slightly below the national weekly average but offers a full 20 weeks of benefits and generally lower cost of living.
35.(t) Alaska
Mark Brennan / Flickr
Capital: Juneau
Population: 737,438
Main industries: Oil and gas, fishing, tourism
Unemployment rate: 6 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $370
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,620
Where to file: Alaska Department of Labor
Bottom line: Despite higher living costs in Alaska, its maximum weekly benefit is below the national average and the state carries the highest unemployment rate among states.
35.(t) Wisconsin
Morry Gash / AP Photo
Capital: Madison
Population: 5.82 million
Main industries: Agriculture, food processing, aerospace, manufacturing, biotechnology, energy
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $370
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,620
Where to file: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Bottom line: Wisconsin’s benefits range from a modest minimum up to $370 weekly, available for most claimants for 26 weeks.
34. Virginia
Steve Helber / AP Photo
Capital: Richmond
Population: 8.53 million
Main industries: Health care, agriculture, aerospace, military, biotech
Unemployment rate: 2.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $378
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,828
Where to file: Virginia Employment Commission
Bottom line: Virginia’s total maximum is slightly below the national average, while the state maintains a healthy employment market.
33. Indiana
Michael Conroy / AP Photo
Capital: Indianapolis
Population: 6.73 million
Main industries: Pharmaceuticals, energy, automotive, manufacturing, transportation
Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $390
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $10,140
Where to file: Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Bottom line: Indiana’s maximum weekly benefit is below the national average, but claimants can receive benefits for a full 26 weeks.
32. Delaware
Carla Varisco / AP Photo
Capital: Dover
Population: 967,171
Main industries: Agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, mining
Unemployment rate: 4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $400
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $10,400
Where to file: Delaware Department of Labor
Bottom line: Delaware’s unemployment benefits are below the national average and can be influenced by the state’s unemployment tax fund balance during tougher economic times.
31. Idaho
Charlie Litchfield / AP Photo/Idaho Press-Tribune
Capital: Boise
Population: 1.78 million
Main industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, health care, food processing
Unemployment rate: 2.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $410
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $10,660
Where to file: Idaho Department of Labor
Bottom line: Idaho caps weekly benefits at $410 and includes a state minimum; the full 26-week duration yields a moderate total maximum.
30. West Virginia
David Goldman / AP Photo
Capital: Charleston
Population: 1.79 million
Main industries: Mining, chemicals, biotech, aerospace, tourism, automotive
Unemployment rate: 5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $424
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,024
Where to file: WorkForce West Virginia
Bottom line: West Virginia’s benefits are slightly below average while the state struggles with a high unemployment rate; online claim filing is now available statewide.
29. New Mexico
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Capital: Santa Fe
Population: 2 million
Main industries: Oil and gas, defense, tourism, mining, retail
Unemployment rate: 4.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $425
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,050
Where to file: New Mexico Workforce Connection
Bottom line: New Mexico’s weekly benefits are below the national average; the state allows modest dependent allowances and a low weekly minimum.
27.(t) Nevada
John Locher / AP Photo
Capital: Carson City
Population: 3.08 million
Main industries: Mining, gambling, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.6 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $427
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,102
Where to file: Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation
Bottom line: Nevada’s maximum weekly benefit is slightly below average and the state’s cost of living is modestly higher than the national average in some areas.
27.(t) New Hampshire
Jim Cole / AP Photo
Capital: Concord
Population: 1.35 million
Main industries: Mining, manufacturing, health care, energy, insurance
Unemployment rate: 2.6 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $427
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,102
Where to file: New Hampshire Employment Security
Bottom line: New Hampshire maintains a low unemployment rate and offers mid-range weekly benefits payable for a full 26 weeks.
26. Maryland
Patrick Semansky / AP Photo
Capital: Annapolis
Population: 6 million
Main industries: Aerospace and defense, fishing, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $430
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,180
Where to file: Maryland Department of Labor
Bottom line: Maryland’s weekly benefit is slightly below the national average, with modest dependent credits up to the statewide cap.
25. Nebraska
Nati Harnik / AP Photo
Capital: Lincoln
Population: 1.93 million
Main industries: Insurance, agriculture, financial services, health care, transportation
Unemployment rate: 2.9 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $440
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,440
Where to file: Nebraska Works
Bottom line: Nebraska sets its maximum annually and combines reasonable benefits with a relatively low cost of living.
24. District of Columbia
Carolyn Kaster / AP Photo
Population: 711,571
Main industries: Federal government, education, tourism
Unemployment rate: 5.2 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $444
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,544
Where to file: Department of Employment Services (D.C.)
Bottom line: D.C.’s total maximum is slightly below national averages while the cost of living remains high and unemployment is elevated.
23. Maine
Pat Wellenbach
Capital: Augusta
Population: 1.34 million
Main industries: Health care, retail, tourism, construction, fishing, government
Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $445
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,570
Where to file: Maine Department of Labor
Bottom line: Maine’s WBA is near the national average and includes a dependent allowance that can increase payments up to certain limits.
22. Iowa
Charlie Neibergall / AP Photo
Capital: Des Moines
Population: 3.15 million
Main industries: Insurance, agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, construction
Unemployment rate: 2.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $447 (up to $548 with dependents)
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,622 (up to $14,248 with dependents)
Where to file: Iowa Workforce Development
Bottom line: Iowa’s low unemployment rate and lower cost of living make its benefits comparatively useful, especially when dependent allowances apply.
21. California
Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP Photo
Capital: Sacramento
Population: 39.56 million
Main industries: Computer and electronics manufacturing, IT, agriculture, aerospace, tourism, film
Unemployment rate: 3.9 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $450
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,700
Where to file: California Employment Development Department
Bottom line: California’s maximum weekly benefit approaches the national average but is often insufficient to cover the high cost of living in many parts of the state; the state is generally claimant-friendly.
20. Vermont
Jim Cole / AP Photo
Capital: Montpelier
Population: 626,299
Main industries: Tourism, agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, health care, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 2.4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $458
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,908
Where to file: Vermont Department of Labor
Bottom line: Vermont’s unemployment benefits are close to the national average and the state enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates.
19. Illinois
Seth Perlman / AP Photo
Capital: Springfield
Population: 12.67 million
Main industries: Insurance, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, energy, biotech
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $471 (up to $645 with dependents)
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,246 (up to $16,770 with dependents)
Where to file: Illinois Department of Employment Security
Bottom line: Illinois provides above-average weekly benefits, with significant dependent allowances that can raise total payouts for families.
18. Ohio
John Minchillo / AP Photo
Capital: Columbus
Population: 11.68 million
Main industries: Manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, insurance, bioscience
Unemployment rate: 4.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $480 (up to $647 with dependents)
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,480 (up to $16,822 with dependents)
Where to file: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Bottom line: Ohio uses dependency categories to determine benefits, allowing higher maximums for claimants with dependents and higher prior earnings.
17. Montana
Matt Brown / AP Photo
Capital: Helena
Population: 1.06 million
Main industries: Agriculture, forestry, mining, energy, health care, retail
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $487
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,662
Where to file: Montana Works
Bottom line: Montana’s maximum weekly benefit is based on top earning quarters and can provide a solid safety net up to the statewide cap.
16. Wyoming
Matthew Brown / AP Photo
Capital: Cheyenne
Population: 0.57 million
Main industries: Mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, transportation
Unemployment rate: 3.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $489
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,714
Where to file: Wyoming Workforce Services
Bottom line: Wyoming’s maximum WBA hasn’t changed in recent years but can fluctuate based on state average wages; both minimum and maximum levels apply.
15. Utah
Rick Bowmer / AP Photo
Capital: Salt Lake City
Population: 3.2 million
Main industries: Banking, mining, manufacturing, tourism, oil and gas
Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $496
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,896
Where to file: Utah Department of Workforce Services
Bottom line: Utah provides above-average weekly benefits and maintains a very low unemployment rate.
14. New York
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Capital: Albany
Population: 19.45 million
Main industries: Banking, tourism, retail, health care, professional services, manufacturing, education
Unemployment rate: 3.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $504
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $13,104
Where to file: New York Department of Labor
Bottom line: New York’s benefits are higher than average, but living costs—particularly in New York City—can limit how far weekly payments stretch.
13. Texas
LM Otero / AP Photo
Capital: Dallas
Population: 29 million
Main industries: Oil and gas, energy, agriculture, finance, steel, tourism, defense, technology, health care
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $521
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $13,546
Where to file: Texas Workforce Commission
Bottom line: Texas offers a solid maximum weekly benefit for the full 26 weeks, which can be meaningful outside high-cost metro areas.
12. Oklahoma
Shawn Yorks / AP Photo
Capital: Oklahoma City
Population: 3.95 million
Main industries: Oil and gas, aerospace, bioscience, health care, agriculture
Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $539
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $14,014
Where to file: Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
Bottom line: Oklahoma uses a formula tied to highest-quarter earnings to determine benefits and offers a comparatively high maximum weekly benefit.
11. Pennsylvania
Matt Rourke / AP Photo
Capital: Harrisburg
Population: 12.8 million
Main industries: Broadcasting, IT, tourism, industrial machinery, chemicals
Unemployment rate: 4.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $572, plus dependent credits
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $14,872
Where to file: Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation
Bottom line: Pennsylvania provides a maximum weekly benefit that varies by highest-quarter wages, with modest dependent credits that can raise total benefits.
10. Rhode Island
David Klepper / AP Photo
Capital: Providence
Population: 1.05 million
Main industries: Insurance, health care, tourism, banking, education, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $586 (up to $732 with dependents)
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $15,236 (up to $19,032 with dependents)
Where to file: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Bottom line: Rhode Island offers generous dependent allowances that significantly increase total benefits for families.
9. Colorado
Will Powers / AP Photo
Capital: Denver
Population: 5.69 million
Main industries: Manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism
Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $618
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,068
Where to file: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Bottom line: Colorado’s $618 weekly maximum is among the highest nationally and can offer a reasonably livable short-term income for qualifying claimants.
8. Hawaii
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Capital: Honolulu
Population: 1.42 million
Main industries: Tourism, defense, agriculture, manufacturing, service
Unemployment rate: 2.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $630
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,380
Where to file: State of Hawaii Unemployment Insurance
Bottom line: Hawaii pays a high weekly maximum to reflect elevated living costs, while maintaining a low unemployment rate that can help job prospects.
7. Connecticut
Jennifer Szymaszek / AP Photo
Capital: Hartford
Population: 3.56 million
Main industries: Insurance, finance, healthcare, bioscience, manufacturing, digital media
Unemployment rate: 3.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $631
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,406
Where to file: Connecticut Department of Labor
Bottom line: Connecticut’s calculation method yields relatively high weekly benefits for those with substantial recent earnings.
6. North Dakota
Matthew Brown / AP Photo
Capital: Bismarck
Population: 760,077
Main industries: Oil and gas, agriculture, IT, advanced manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 2.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $633
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,458
Where to file: North Dakota Job Service
Bottom line: Fueled by regional energy growth, North Dakota pays strong weekly benefits while maintaining the lowest state unemployment rate.
5. Oregon
Rick Bowmer / AP Photo
Capital: Salem
Population: 4.19 million
Main industries: Electronics manufacturing, machinery, agriculture, forestry, food processing, tourism
Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $648
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,848
Where to file: Oregon Employment Department
Bottom line: Oregon’s $648 weekly maximum is generous and, combined with a full 26-week duration, provides strong short-term support for qualifying claimants.
4. New Jersey
Mel Evans
Capital: Trenton
Population: 8.88 million
Main industries: Health care, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, banking, manufacturing, technology
Unemployment rate: 3.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $713
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $18,538
Where to file: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Bottom line: New Jersey’s benefits are among the most generous, with dependent credits available for up to three dependents to increase weekly payments.
3. Minnesota
Jack Rendulich / AP Photo
Capital: Saint Paul
Population: 5.63 million
Main industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, energy, data centers, bioscience
Unemployment rate: 3.2 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $740
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $19,240
Where to file: Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
Bottom line: Minnesota offers one of the highest weekly maximums, calculated roughly as half of a worker’s average weekly wage during the base period.
2. Washington
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Capital: Olympia
Population: 7.61 million
Main industries: Agriculture, aerospace, forestry, tourism, publishing, green energy
Unemployment rate: 3.9 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $790
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $20,540
Where to file: Washington Employment Security Department
Bottom line: Washington’s maximum weekly benefit is among the highest nationally, with a generous minimum benefit also in place for eligible claimants.
1. Massachusetts
Robert F. Bukaty / AP Photo
Capital: Boston
Population: 6.9 million
Main industries: Banking, financial services, education, advanced technology, manufacturing, tourism
Unemployment rate: 2.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $823
Maximum weeks: 26 (up to 30 during high unemployment)
Total maximum benefit amount: $21,398 (up to $24,690 in high-unemployment periods)
Where to file: Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance
Bottom line: Massachusetts offers the nation’s highest maximum weekly benefit and the largest total maximum, including an extended-duration option when statewide unemployment rises.