Every U.S. state provides unemployment insurance to help residents through financial hardship. Which states offer the most generous support when you lose a job?
The national average maximum weekly benefit (WBA) across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., is $462, and the average total maximum benefit amount is $11,930. Some states provide substantially more, while others offer considerably less.
Below is a ranked summary of states by their total maximum unemployment benefit amount, including key details and where to file a claim. Figures reflect individual benefit amounts; dependent allowances are noted where applicable. All amounts are pre-tax.
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%
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 offers the lowest total maximum among all states—just $275 per week for a maximum of 12 weeks. Approval can be difficult in some cases, and the short duration limits overall support despite a relatively low unemployment rate.
50. North Carolina
Gerry Broome / AP Photo
Capital: Raleigh
Population: 10.48 million
Main industries: Aerospace and defense, automotive, IT, biotechnology, chemicals, food processing
Unemployment rate: 3.6%
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 maximum is higher than the lowest states, but benefits last only 12 weeks, capping total support at $4,200. The state also has a low minimum WBA.
49. Georgia
David Goldman / AP Photo
Capital: Atlanta
Population: 10.52 million
Main industries: Agriculture, energy, automotive, tourism
Unemployment rate: 3.1%
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 maximum weekly benefit is below the national average and payable for a limited period, resulting in a modest total benefit amount.
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%
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’s weekly maximum is the lowest in the nation, though it is paid over a longer period—up to 26 weeks—resulting in a modest total benefit that reflects a weaker labor market.
47. Arizona
Matt York / AP Photo
Capital: Phoenix
Population: 7.17 million
Main industries: Aerospace, defense, health care
Unemployment rate: 4.5%
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 maximum is low but it maintains a modest minimum. The state has faced criticism for claimant friendliness and job-placement support.
46. Missouri
Jeff Roberson / AP Photo
Capital: Jefferson City
Population: 6.13 million
Main industries: Agriculture, bioscience, manufacturing, health care, tourism
Unemployment rate: 3.5%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $320
Maximum weeks: 20
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,400
Where to file: Missouri Department of Labor
Bottom line: Missouri’s weekly benefit is below average and paid for fewer weeks than most states, producing a modest overall benefit cap. Proposals to further reduce benefit duration under low-unemployment conditions have surfaced in recent years.
45. Louisiana
Patrick Semansky / AP Photo
Capital: Baton Rouge
Population: 4.64 million
Main industries: Tourism, oil and gas, chemicals, fishing, agriculture
Unemployment rate: 5.3%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $247
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,422
Where to file: Louisiana Workforce Commission
Bottom line: Louisiana calculates benefits as a percentage of base period wages, capping weekly payments at $247. The state’s relatively high unemployment rate and low weekly cap limit overall support for claimants.
44. South Carolina
Mary Ann Chastain / AP Photo
Capital: Columbia
Population: 5.14 million
Main industries: Manufacturing, health care, automotive, life sciences, aerospace
Unemployment rate: 2.4%
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 strong manufacturing growth has driven low unemployment, but the state’s unemployment insurance provides only a modest weekly benefit for a shorter duration than many states.
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%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $275
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $7,150
Where to file: Alabama Department of Labor
Bottom line: Alabama’s weekly maximum is low and its minimum WBA is also minimal. Still, the state has maintained a relatively low unemployment rate in recent years.
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%
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 provides limited weekly benefits for a standard 26-week period. The state’s unemployment rate is moderate.
41. Michigan
Corey Williams
Capital: Lansing
Population: 9.98 million
Main industries: Automotive, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, aerospace
Unemployment rate: 3.8%
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 amount is below the national average and comes with a modest minimum. Many counties in the state report average weekly wages below the national mean.
40. Kansas
Charlie Riedel / AP Photo
Capital: Topeka
Population: 2.91 million
Main industries: Agriculture, health care, manufacturing, transportation
Unemployment rate: 3.1%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $474
Maximum weeks: 16 (up to 26 in high unemployment)
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 benefits to 16 weeks when unemployment is low; the duration expands if unemployment rises.
39. Kentucky
David Goldman / AP Photo
Capital: Frankfort
Population: 4.46 million
Main industries: Health care, coal, automotive, government, tourism
Unemployment rate: 4.3%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $552
Maximum weeks: 16 (up to 26 in high unemployment)
Total maximum benefit amount: $8,832
Where to file: Kentucky Career Center
Bottom line: Kentucky’s WBA is well above average but is payable for fewer weeks under normal conditions; benefit duration can expand during higher unemployment.
38. South Dakota
David Zalubowski / AP Photo
Capital: Pierre
Population: 882,235
Main industries: Banking, agriculture, manufacturing, bioscience, retail
Unemployment rate: 3.4%
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 WBA is below many nearby states, but it provides the benefit for the full 26-week period.
37. Arkansas
Brandon Johnson / Unsplash
Capital: Little Rock
Population: 3 million
Main industries: Health care, agriculture, aerospace, transportation, food manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.5%
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’ weekly benefit is slightly below the national average and paid over a shorter period than the typical 26 weeks, though the state’s lower cost of living makes the benefit relatively more useful.
35. (t) Alaska
Mark Brennan / Flickr
Capital: Juneau
Population: 737,438
Main industries: Oil and gas, fishing, tourism
Unemployment rate: 6.0%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $370
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,620
Where to file: Alaska Department of Labor
Bottom line: Alaska’s cost of living is high for some essentials, yet its maximum WBA is below the national average and the state has 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
Unemployment rate: 3.5%
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 weekly benefits range from a modest minimum to a maximum of $370 and are payable for a full 26 weeks.
34. Virginia
Steve Helber / AP Photo
Capital: Richmond
Population: 8.53 million
Main industries: Health care, agriculture, aerospace, military, biotechnology
Unemployment rate: 2.7%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $378
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,828
Where to file: Virginia Employment Commission
Bottom line: Virginia provides a weekly maximum below the national average, but the state enjoys a healthy employment environment.
33. Indiana
Michael Conroy / AP Photo
Capital: Indianapolis
Population: 6.73 million
Main industries: Pharmaceuticals, energy, automotive, manufacturing, transportation
Unemployment rate: 3.1%
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 WBA is modest and reflects a lower cost of living; full maximum payments total $10,140 over 26 weeks.
32. Delaware
Carla Varisco / AP Photo
Capital: Dover
Population: 967,171
Main industries: Agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, mining
Unemployment rate: 4.0%
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 benefits are below the national average and the state adjusts benefits based on the balance of its unemployment tax fund, which can tighten support during downturns.
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%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $410
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $10,660
Where to file: Idaho Department of Labor
Bottom line: Idaho offers a $410 maximum WBA with a statutory minimum; benefit duration and totals are standard at 26 weeks.
30. West Virginia
David Goldman / AP Photo
Capital: Charleston
Population: 1.79 million
Main industries: Mining, chemicals, biotech, aerospace, tourism
Unemployment rate: 5.0%
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 total maximum is slightly below average and the state has a higher-than-average unemployment rate; its online filing system is a relatively recent development.
29. New Mexico
Getty Images
Capital: Santa Fe
Population: 2 million
Main industries: Oil and gas, defense, tourism, mining, retail
Unemployment rate: 4.8%
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 WBA is below the national average and the state allows limited dependent additions; unemployment remains relatively high compared with many states.
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%
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 weekly maximum is slightly below average, and the state’s cost of living can be higher than the national norm in some regions.
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%
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 achieves low unemployment and provides a mid-range WBA payable for a standard 26-week period.
26. Maryland
Patrick Semansky / AP Photo
Capital: Annapolis
Population: 6 million
Main industries: Aerospace and defense, fishing, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.3%
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 maximum WBA sits slightly below the national average; dependent allowances can add a modest amount but cannot exceed the 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%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $440
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,440
Where to file: Nebraska Works
Bottom line: Nebraska updates its maximum benefit annually and maintains a relatively strong labor market; its benefits are serviceable given the state’s 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%
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 the national average, and its high cost of living and elevated unemployment rate can make benefits less sufficient for many residents.
23. Maine
Pat Wellenbach
Capital: Augusta
Population: 1.34 million
Main industries: Health care, retail, tourism, construction, fishing
Unemployment rate: 3.1%
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 allows a limited dependent allowance of $10 per dependent up to half of the WBA.
22. Iowa
Charlie Neibergall / AP Photo
Capital: Des Moines
Population: 3.15 million
Main industries: Insurance, agriculture, food processing, advanced manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 2.8%
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 WBA is slightly under the national average but its lower cost of living and dependent allowances make the benefits more meaningful in many areas.
21. California
Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP Photo
Capital: Sacramento
Population: 39.56 million
Main industries: Tech, agriculture, aerospace, tourism, film
Unemployment rate: 3.9%
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 weekly maximum is close to the national average but often insufficient in high-cost metros. The state, however, has processes that many consider claimant-friendly.
20. Vermont
Jim Cole / AP Photo
Capital: Montpelier
Population: 626,299
Main industries: Tourism, agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, health care
Unemployment rate: 2.4%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $458
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,908
Where to file: Vermont Department of Labor
Bottom line: Vermont offers benefits near the national average and enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates, which can make re-employment easier.
19. Illinois
Seth Perlman / AP Photo
Capital: Springfield
Population: 12.67 million
Main industries: Insurance, manufacturing, agriculture, transport, energy
Unemployment rate: 3.5%
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 benefits, and dependent allowances can significantly increase total support 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%
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 classifications to determine benefit amounts; totals can be substantially higher for claimants with dependents.
17. Montana
Matt Brown / AP Photo
Capital: Helena
Population: 1.06 million
Main industries: Agriculture, forestry, mining, energy, health care
Unemployment rate: 3.5%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $487
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,662
Where to file: Montana Works
Bottom line: Montana’s calculation method ties benefits to top earning quarters and yields a solid maximum weekly amount leading to a substantial total over 26 weeks.
16. Wyoming
Matthew Brown / AP Photo
Capital: Cheyenne
Population: 0.57 million
Main industries: Mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.7%
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 has been stable in recent years; benefits are modest at the minimum and generous at the maximum when measured against population averages.
15. Utah
Rick Bowmer / AP Photo
Capital: Salt Lake City
Population: 3.2 million
Main industries: Banking, manufacturing, mining, tourism
Unemployment rate: 2.5%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $496
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,896
Where to file: Department of Workforce Services (Utah)
Bottom line: Utah provides above-average weekly benefits and enjoys a very low unemployment rate, making it favorable for both job seekers and those relying on temporary benefits.
14. New York
Getty Images
Capital: Albany
Population: 19.45 million
Main industries: Finance, tourism, health care, professional services, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.8%
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 WBA is higher than average and includes a reasonable minimum, though high living costs in cities like New York City reduce the benefit’s real purchasing power.
13. Texas
LM Otero / AP Photo
Capital: Dallas
Population: 29 million
Main industries: Oil and gas, energy, agriculture, finance, tech, health care
Unemployment rate: 3.5%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $521
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $13,546
Where to file: Texas Workforce Commission
Bottom line: Texas offers strong maximum weekly benefits for a full 26 weeks, which can be helpful outside of high-cost metros.
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%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $539
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $14,014
Where to file: Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
Bottom line: Oklahoma calculates benefits using a fraction of the highest quarter wages; its maximum weekly amount is well above average, producing a healthy total maximum.
11. Pennsylvania
Matt Rourke / AP Photo
Capital: Harrisburg
Population: 12.8 million
Main industries: Broadcasting, IT, tourism, manufacturing, chemicals
Unemployment rate: 4.7%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $572 plus $8 per dependent (up to limits)
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $14,872
Where to file: Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation
Bottom line: Pennsylvania provides a structured benefit schedule tied to highest quarterly wages, with dependent allowances that modestly increase weekly payments.
10. Rhode Island
David Klepper / AP Photo
Capital: Providence
Population: 1.05 million
Main industries: Insurance, health care, tourism, banking, education
Unemployment rate: 3.4%
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 boosts weekly benefits significantly for claimants with dependents, raising total potential support well above many states.
9. Colorado
Will Powers / AP Photo
Capital: Denver
Population: 5.69 million
Main industries: Manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism
Unemployment rate: 2.5%
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 offers one of the nation’s more generous weekly payment rates, which can make temporary unemployment more manageable financially.
8. Hawaii
Getty Images
Capital: Honolulu
Population: 1.42 million
Main industries: Tourism, defense, agriculture, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 2.7%
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’s weekly maximum is high to reflect the island state’s elevated cost of living; benefits are paid for the standard 26-week duration.
7. Connecticut
Jennifer Szymaszek / AP Photo
Capital: Hartford
Population: 3.56 million
Main industries: Insurance, finance, healthcare, bioscience, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.7%
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 maximum weekly amount is well above average, calculated by averaging top quarterly earnings; however, its job market is mixed compared with other states.
6. North Dakota
Matthew Brown / AP Photo
Capital: Bismarck
Population: 760,077
Main industries: Oil and gas, agriculture, IT, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 2.3%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $633
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,458
Where to file: North Dakota Job Service
Bottom line: North Dakota’s oil-driven economy supports one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S., and the state provides a strong maximum WBA for the standard 26 weeks.
5. Oregon
Rick Bowmer / AP Photo
Capital: Salem
Population: 4.19 million
Main industries: Electronics, machinery, agriculture, forestry, food processing
Unemployment rate: 3.3%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $648
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,848
Where to file: Oregon Employment Department
Bottom line: Oregon provides a high weekly maximum, which can make a meaningful difference for claimants during extended unemployment spells despite a somewhat higher cost of living.
4. New Jersey
Mel Evans
Capital: Trenton
Population: 8.88 million
Main industries: Health care, pharmaceuticals, finance, manufacturing, technology
Unemployment rate: 3.8%
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 formula yields one of the country’s highest weekly amounts; limited dependent credits can further increase the benefit for families.
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%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $740
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $19,240
Where to file: Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
Bottom line: Minnesota’s benefits replace roughly half of prior average weekly wages for many claimants, making it one of the nation’s most generous programs.
2. Washington
Getty Images
Capital: Olympia
Population: 7.61 million
Main industries: Agriculture, aerospace, forestry, tourism, software
Unemployment rate: 3.9%
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 in the country, providing substantial temporary replacement income for eligible workers.
1. Massachusetts
Robert F. Bukaty / AP Photo
Capital: Boston
Population: 6.9 million
Main industries: Finance, education, technology, manufacturing, tourism
Unemployment rate: 2.8%
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $823
Maximum weeks: 26 (up to 30 in high unemployment)
Total maximum benefit amount: $21,398 (up to $24,690 in high unemployment)
Where to file: Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance
Bottom line: Massachusetts offers the most generous maximum weekly benefit in the country. Under normal conditions the state pays up to 26 weeks; that period can extend when unemployment is elevated, increasing the total possible payout.