Wisconsin Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your Wisconsin weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. Wisconsin pays up to $370 a week for up to 26 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) 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
$370/week
≈ 37% of your weekly wage · Wisconsin · estimate only
You're at Wisconsin's $370 maximum.
Max Duration
26 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$9,620
Your wage is above Wisconsin's benefit cap, so you would receive the $370 maximum regardless of higher earnings.
Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA) = the lesser of 26 x WBR or 40% of total base-period wages, so duration can be under 26 weeks. Standard cap 26 weeks; not indexed to the unemployment rate.
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 52% up to Wisconsin's $370 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 Wisconsin Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR) = 4% of the wages paid in the highest quarter of the base period (equivalent to high quarter / 25), rounded down to the nearest dollar, clamped to the state min/max.
The result is capped at Wisconsin's $370 maximum and floored at its $54 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 26 weeks. Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA) = the lesser of 26 x WBR or 40% of total base-period wages, so duration can be under 26 weeks. Standard cap 26 weeks; not indexed to the unemployment rate.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
Who Qualifies in Wisconsin
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.), 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. High-quarter wages must produce a WBR of at least $54 (i.e. high quarter >= $1,350); total base-period wages must be at least 35 x WBR with wages outside the high quarter at least 4 x WBR. Wisconsin has no waiting week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin pays roughly 52% of your average weekly wage, from a $54 minimum up to a $370 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in Wisconsin?
Up to 26 weeks. Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA) = the lesser of 26 x WBR or 40% of total base-period wages, so duration can be under 26 weeks. Standard cap 26 weeks; not indexed to the unemployment rate.
How is my Wisconsin weekly benefit calculated?
Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR) = 4% of the wages paid in the highest quarter of the base period (equivalent to high quarter / 25), rounded down to the nearest dollar, clamped to the state min/max.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Wisconsin?
$370 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 Wisconsin's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) 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 Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.