Pennsylvania unemployment calculator
Estimate your Pennsylvania unemployment benefit: 1/25 of your highest quarter of wages plus $2, times 0.98, from $68 to $605 a week for up to 26 weeks. July 2026 rules.
- ๐บ๐ธ US federal & state rules
- DOL state law summary, July 2026
- See sources
Estimated Pennsylvania weekly benefit
$472.36
(your highest quarter ร 1/25 + $2) ร 0.98
- Maximum weeks
- 26
- Total over the claim
- $12,281
- Per month
- $2,045
This is an example. Enter your numbers above and press the button to see your own result.
Pennsylvania rules
| Minimum weekly benefit | $68 |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $605 ($613 with dependents) |
| Weeks | 18 to 26 |
| Waiting week | yes, one unpaid week |
| Dependents allowance | yes |
- Pennsylvania adds an allowance for dependents, which is not included. The state's maximum with dependents is $613.
- Duration in Pennsylvania ranges from 18 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 1/25 + $2) ร 0.98 |
| Before limits | $472.36 |
| Weekly benefit | $472.36 |
What to do next
How it works
Pennsylvania sets the weekly benefit as 1/25 of your highest quarter of wages plus $2, times 0.98. The result is limited to a minimum of $68 and a maximum of $605 and paid for up to 26 weeks. Enter the wages from your base period quarters and the calculator applies that formula. Pennsylvania also pays an allowance for dependents, which is not included in the estimate.
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The weekly benefit is 1/25 of your highest quarter of wages plus $2, times 0.98, with a minimum of $68 and a maximum of $605 ($613 with dependents). Benefits last up to 26 weeks.
How long does unemployment last in Pennsylvania?
Between 18 and 26 weeks. The number depends on your base period earnings.
Can I work part time and still collect in Pennsylvania?
Yes, with a reduced benefit. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Yes. The first eligible week is unpaid in Pennsylvania, so the first payment arrives after the second week of the claim.