West Virginia Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your West Virginia weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. West Virginia pays up to $662 a week for up to 26 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your West Virginia 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 WorkForce West Virginia 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
$551/week
≈ 55% of your weekly wage · West Virginia · estimate only
Max Duration
26 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$14,326
Standard maximum 26 weeks (max benefit per wage class = 26 x the weekly rate). Not indexed to the unemployment rate.
West Virginia 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 55% up to West Virginia's $662 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 West Virginia Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
WBA is read from a statutory wage-class benefit table (W. Va. Code 21A-6-10) based on total base-period wages; it works out to roughly 1.06% of base-period wages per week, capped at the table maximum. The table is the controlling authority - percent is an approximation for the calculator.
The result is capped at West Virginia's $662 maximum and floored at its $24 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 26 weeks. Standard maximum 26 weeks (max benefit per wage class = 26 x the weekly rate). Not indexed to the unemployment rate.
Source: WorkForce West Virginia.
Who Qualifies in West Virginia
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.), 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 $2,200 in total base-period wages (below $2,200 = ineligible), with wages in at least 2 quarters. West Virginia also has a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in West Virginia?
West Virginia pays roughly 55% of your average weekly wage, from a $24 minimum up to a $662 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in West Virginia?
Up to 26 weeks. Standard maximum 26 weeks (max benefit per wage class = 26 x the weekly rate). Not indexed to the unemployment rate.
How is my West Virginia weekly benefit calculated?
WBA is read from a statutory wage-class benefit table (W. Va. Code 21A-6-10) based on total base-period wages; it works out to roughly 1.06% of base-period wages per week, capped at the table maximum. The table is the controlling authority - percent is an approximation for the calculator.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in West Virginia?
$662 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 West Virginia's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by WorkForce West Virginia 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 WorkForce West Virginia can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.