Missouri Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your Missouri weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. Missouri pays up to $320 a week for up to 20 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your Missouri weekly unemployment benefit from your wages. The state agency makes the actual decision based on your full wage record and why your job ended. File your claim with Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Employment Security (DES) to get your real amount.
More exact? Enter your highest-paid quarter
Most states base your benefit on your highest-earning quarter of the base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Enter it for a closer estimate; leave blank to use your annual income.
Estimated Weekly Benefit
$320/week
≈ 32% of your weekly wage · Missouri · estimate only
You're at Missouri's $320 maximum.
Max Duration
20 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$6,400
Your wage is above Missouri's benefit cap, so you would receive the $320 maximum regardless of higher earnings.
Maximum 20 weeks of regular benefits during the benefit year (Missouri reduced max duration to 20 weeks). Not rate-indexed in the standard tier.
Missouri has a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
This is an estimate, not a determination. The state agency calculates your actual benefit from your full base-period wage record, and eligibility also depends on why your job ended and your ongoing work search.
Your weekly benefit is based on your wages in the "base period" (usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters), replaced at roughly 50% up to Missouri's $320 maximum. Eligibility also depends on earning enough in the base period and on why your job ended (generally you must be out of work through no fault of your own). This is an estimate, not legal advice or a determination, and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
How Missouri Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
WBA = 4% of the average of the two highest quarters of the base period, i.e., 4% x ((sum of two highest quarters) / 2), clamped to the state maximum of $320.
The result is capped at Missouri's $320 maximum and floored at its $35 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 20 weeks. Maximum 20 weeks of regular benefits during the benefit year (Missouri reduced max duration to 20 weeks). Not rate-indexed in the standard tier.
Source: Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Employment Security (DES).
Who Qualifies in Missouri
To draw benefits you generally must have earned enough during the base period (Standard: first four of the previous five completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the quarter the claim begins. Alternate base period available.), be unemployed through no fault of your own (laid off, not fired for misconduct and generally not quitting without good cause), and be able, available, and actively looking for work. At least $2,250 in base-period wages (at least $1,500 in one quarter and at least $750 in the remainder), and total base-period wages of at least 1.5x high-quarter wages. Missouri also has a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in Missouri?
Missouri pays roughly 50% of your average weekly wage, from a $35 minimum up to a $320 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in Missouri?
Up to 20 weeks. Maximum 20 weeks of regular benefits during the benefit year (Missouri reduced max duration to 20 weeks). Not rate-indexed in the standard tier.
How is my Missouri weekly benefit calculated?
WBA = 4% of the average of the two highest quarters of the base period, i.e., 4% x ((sum of two highest quarters) / 2), clamped to the state maximum of $320.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Missouri?
$320 per week in 2026. The maximum is set by the state and usually updated each year.
Is this calculator official?
No. It is a free estimate based on Missouri's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Employment Security (DES) from your complete wage record and the reason your job ended. It is not legal advice and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice, a benefit determination, or a guarantee of eligibility. Unemployment formulas and maximums change (often annually); figures are current as of 2026-08-21. Only Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Division of Employment Security (DES) can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.