California unemployment calculator
Estimate your California unemployment benefit: between 1/26 and 1/23 of your highest quarter, on a sliding scale, from $40 to $450 a week for up to 26 weeks. July 2026 rules.
- ๐บ๐ธ US federal & state rules
- DOL state law summary, July 2026
- See sources
Estimated California weekly benefit
$450.00
your highest quarter ร 1/26 to 1/23, capped at the $450 maximum
- Maximum weeks
- 26
- Total over the claim
- $11,700
- Per month
- $1,949
This is an example. Enter your numbers above and press the button to see your own result.
California rules
| Minimum weekly benefit | $40 |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $450 |
| Weeks | 14 to 26 |
| Waiting week | yes, one unpaid week |
| Dependents allowance | no |
- Duration in California ranges from 14 to 26 weeks depending on your base period wages. The total shown uses the maximum.
- Based on the U.S. Department of Labor summary of state laws, July 2026. Benefits are taxable income, and eligibility depends on why you left the job and whether you are looking for work.
Show the math
| Highest quarter | $12,000 |
|---|---|
| Second highest quarter | $11,000 |
| Base period total | $43,000 |
| Formula | your highest quarter ร 1/26 to 1/23 |
| Before limits | $461.54 to $521.74 |
| Weekly benefit | $450.00 |
What to do next
How it works
California sets the weekly benefit as between 1/26 and 1/23 of your highest quarter, on a sliding scale. The result is limited to a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $450 and paid for up to 26 weeks. Enter the wages from your base period quarters and the calculator applies that formula.
Things to keep in mind
The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Your highest quarter drives most formulas, so check your pay stubs for the quarter where you earned the most.
Figures come from the U.S. Department of Labor's summary of state laws, July 2026. The California agency makes the actual determination, and benefits are taxable income.
Sources
Rules applied as of 2026-07-01. See the sources below for details.
- Significant Provisions of State UI Laws, Effective July 2026Checked 2026-10-19
Frequently asked questions
How much is unemployment in California?
The weekly benefit is between 1/26 and 1/23 of your highest quarter, on a sliding scale, with a minimum of $40 and a maximum of $450. Benefits last up to 26 weeks.
How long does unemployment last in California?
Between 14 and 26 weeks. The number depends on your base period earnings.
Can I work part time and still collect in California?
Yes, with a reduced benefit. California disregards part of your earnings and reduces the benefit for the rest. Enter your weekly earnings above to see the effect.
Is there a waiting week in California?
Yes. The first eligible week is unpaid in California, so the first payment arrives after the second week of the claim.