Vermont Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your Vermont weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. Vermont pays up to $705 a week for up to 26 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your Vermont 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 Vermont Department of Labor 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
$578/week
≈ 58% of your weekly wage · Vermont · estimate only
Max Duration
26 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$15,028
Standard maximum 26 weeks; not indexed to the unemployment rate.
Vermont 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 58% up to Vermont's $705 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 Vermont Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
WBA = (total wages paid in the two highest quarters of the base period) divided by 45, rounded, clamped to the state min/max.
The result is capped at Vermont's $705 maximum and floored at its $79 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 26 weeks. Standard maximum 26 weeks; not indexed to the unemployment rate.
Source: Vermont Department of Labor.
Who Qualifies in Vermont
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 (last 4 completed quarters) available if the claimant does not qualify on the standard period.), 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 meet the minimum qualifying wage in the highest quarter plus total base-period earnings (qualifying-wage thresholds are reset annually each July 1). Vermont also has a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in Vermont?
Vermont pays roughly 58% of your average weekly wage, from a $79 minimum up to a $705 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in Vermont?
Up to 26 weeks. Standard maximum 26 weeks; not indexed to the unemployment rate.
How is my Vermont weekly benefit calculated?
WBA = (total wages paid in the two highest quarters of the base period) divided by 45, rounded, clamped to the state min/max.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Vermont?
$705 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 Vermont's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by Vermont Department of Labor 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 Vermont Department of Labor can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.