Pennsylvania Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your Pennsylvania weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. Pennsylvania pays up to $605 a week for up to 26 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry - Office of Unemployment Compensation 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 · Pennsylvania · estimate only
Max Duration
26 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$13,000
Duration ranges 18-26 weeks. MBA = WBR x credit weeks in base year, not to exceed 26 x WBR (must have at least 18 credit weeks to qualify).
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 Pennsylvania's $605 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 Pennsylvania Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
WBR is set from a statutory 'Rate and Amount of UC Benefits' table keyed to the High Quarter (the base-year quarter with the most wages). The WBR is approximately 1/23 to 1/25 of high-quarter wages (about 4% of high-quarter wages); the table is the controlling source. Claimant must also have qualifying base-year wages outside the high quarter and at least 18 credit weeks.
The result is capped at Pennsylvania's $605 maximum and floored at its $68 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 26 weeks. Duration ranges 18-26 weeks. MBA = WBR x credit weeks in base year, not to exceed 26 x WBR (must have at least 18 credit weeks to qualify).
Dependents: $5/week for a dependent spouse PLUS $3/week for one dependent child (or, if no dependent spouse, $5 for the first dependent child plus $3 for a second), capped at $8/week total. Allowance is paid only for the number of weeks corresponding to the maximum benefit amount.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry - Office of Unemployment Compensation.
Who Qualifies in Pennsylvania
To draw benefits you generally must have earned enough during the base period (Standard base year = first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the application for benefits (AB) date. Alternate base years (e.g., last four completed quarters) available if the standard base year does not 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 at least 18 credit weeks in the base year, sufficient high-quarter wages to establish a WBR, and a required amount of base-year wages outside the high quarter (roughly 37% of total base-year wages must be paid outside the high quarter per the 'qualifying wages' test). Pennsylvania has no waiting week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania pays roughly 50% of your average weekly wage, from a $68 minimum up to a $605 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in Pennsylvania?
Up to 26 weeks. Duration ranges 18-26 weeks. MBA = WBR x credit weeks in base year, not to exceed 26 x WBR (must have at least 18 credit weeks to qualify).
How is my Pennsylvania weekly benefit calculated?
WBR is set from a statutory 'Rate and Amount of UC Benefits' table keyed to the High Quarter (the base-year quarter with the most wages). The WBR is approximately 1/23 to 1/25 of high-quarter wages (about 4% of high-quarter wages); the table is the controlling source. Claimant must also have qualifying base-year wages outside the high quarter and at least 18 credit weeks.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Pennsylvania?
$605 per week in 2026, or up to $613 with the dependent allowance. The maximum is set by the state and usually updated each year.
Is this calculator official?
No. It is a free estimate based on Pennsylvania's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry - Office of Unemployment Compensation 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 Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry - Office of Unemployment Compensation can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.