Unemployment eligibility by state
See whether you'd likely qualify in your state, and roughly how much.
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Pick your state to see whether you'd likely qualify and a rough estimate of your weekly benefit. Nothing is sent anywhere. It all stays in your browser.
How this works
Eligibility turns mostly on why your job ended. Being laid off is the clearest path; quitting voluntarily is usually disqualifying unless you had state-recognized good cause. Pick your state and your reason and we'll show the likely outcome, your state's good-cause stance, and (if you add rough earnings) an illustrative weekly benefit capped at the state maximum. The agency makes the real decision, so we always link you to where you file.
What to know before you file
- Quitting usually means $0.Don't bank on benefits when planning a voluntary quit unless your good-cause case is strong.
- File quickly.Benefits generally aren't backdated, so waiting can cost you weeks of payments.
- The estimate is rough.Your real amount depends on your base-period wages and your state's formula.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get unemployment if I quit my job?
- Usually not. Voluntarily quitting without good cause is disqualifying in every state. The exception is quitting with 'good cause,' which most states limit to reasons connected to the work (like unsafe conditions or unpaid wages), and some extend to certain compelling personal reasons. Check your state's good-cause note above and, if your facts are strong, file anyway and let the agency decide.
- How is my weekly benefit amount calculated?
- Each state computes your benefit from your wages during a 'base period' (usually the first four of the last five completed quarters), subject to a state maximum. The estimate here is a rough illustration: about half of your weekly earnings, capped at your state max. Your real amount comes from the state, not from this tool.
- What counts as 'good cause' to quit?
- It varies by state. The common core is good cause attributable to the work or employer: for example unsafe conditions, illegal demands, or unpaid wages. Some states also recognize limited personal reasons such as domestic violence or a serious health or family situation. Read your state's note above for its specific stance.
- Does this tool decide my eligibility?
- No. Eligibility is decided by your state unemployment agency based on your full record, not by this tool. This is general information to help you understand the likely outcome and what to confirm before you file.