North Dakota Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your North Dakota weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. North Dakota pays up to $815 a week for up to 26 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your North Dakota 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 Job Service North Dakota (JSND) 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
$500/week
≈ 50% of your weekly wage · North Dakota · estimate only
Max Duration
26 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$13,000
Duration ranges from 12 to 26 weeks, computed by dividing total base-period wages by the high-quarter wages (more even wage distribution = more weeks, up to 26).
North Dakota 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 North Dakota's $815 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 North Dakota Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
WBA = (sum of the two highest base-period quarters PLUS one-half of the third-highest quarter) / 65, rounded DOWN to the nearest dollar, clamped to min $43 / max $815.
The result is capped at North Dakota's $815 maximum and floored at its $43 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 26 weeks. Duration ranges from 12 to 26 weeks, computed by dividing total base-period wages by the high-quarter wages (more even wage distribution = more weeks, up to 26).
Source: Job Service North Dakota (JSND).
Who Qualifies in North Dakota
To draw benefits you generally must have earned enough during the base period (Standard: first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters. Alternate base period available if needed to qualify.), 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. Must have wages in at least 2 quarters of the base period and total base-period wages meeting the state's minimum (a multiple of the high quarter). North Dakota also has a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in North Dakota?
North Dakota pays roughly 50% of your average weekly wage, from a $43 minimum up to a $815 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in North Dakota?
Up to 26 weeks. Duration ranges from 12 to 26 weeks, computed by dividing total base-period wages by the high-quarter wages (more even wage distribution = more weeks, up to 26).
How is my North Dakota weekly benefit calculated?
WBA = (sum of the two highest base-period quarters PLUS one-half of the third-highest quarter) / 65, rounded DOWN to the nearest dollar, clamped to min $43 / max $815.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in North Dakota?
$815 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 North Dakota's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by Job Service North Dakota (JSND) 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 2026-06-02. Only Job Service North Dakota (JSND) can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.