Mississippi unemployment calculator

Estimate your Mississippi unemployment benefit: 1/26 of your highest quarter of wages, from $30 to $235 a week for up to 26 weeks. July 2026 rules.

  • ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US federal & state rules
  • DOL state law summary, July 2026
  • See sources
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Of the base period, usually the first four of the last five completed quarters.

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$
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If you will work while claiming.

Example

Estimated Mississippi weekly benefit

$235.00

your highest quarter ร— 1/26, capped at the $235 maximum

Maximum weeks
26
Total over the claim
$6,110
Per month
$1,018

This is an example. Enter your numbers above and press the button to see your own result.

Mississippi rules

Minimum weekly benefit$30
Maximum weekly benefit$235
Weeks13 to 26
Waiting weekyes, one unpaid week
Dependents allowanceno
  • Duration in Mississippi ranges from 13 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
Formulayour highest quarter ร— 1/26
Before limits$461.54
Weekly benefit$235.00

What to do next

How it works

Mississippi sets the weekly benefit as 1/26 of your highest quarter of wages. The result is limited to a minimum of $30 and a maximum of $235 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 Mississippi agency makes the actual determination, and benefits are taxable income.

Sources

Rules applied as of 2026-07-01. See the sources below for details.

Frequently asked questions

How much is unemployment in Mississippi?

The weekly benefit is 1/26 of your highest quarter of wages, with a minimum of $30 and a maximum of $235. Benefits last up to 26 weeks.

How long does unemployment last in Mississippi?

Between 13 and 26 weeks. The number depends on your base period earnings.

Can I work part time and still collect in Mississippi?

Yes. Mississippi ignores the first $40 you earn in a week and reduces the benefit dollar for dollar above that.

Is there a waiting week in Mississippi?

Yes. The first eligible week is unpaid in Mississippi, so the first payment arrives after the second week of the claim.

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