Connecticut Unemployment

Unemployed? We want to help.

Get Started

Unemployment Compensation

Max Weekly Benefit Amt.

$598

Max Weeks of Benefits

26

Max Benefit Amount

$15548


Unemployment Benefits Compensation

The Connecticut Department of Labor distributes unemployment insurance compensation to qualified applicants on a weekly basis via direct deposit or a prepaid debit card. Your pre-paid debit card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days of your initial claim for unemployment insurance benefits. Your unemployment benefit amount is based on the amount of income earned during your base period. The base period is the first four quarters (one calendar year) of the last five quarters prior to the date you filed for unemployment insurance benefits.

If you earned less than $600 in your regular base period, you can use the alternate base period to show more income. The alternate base period contains the most recent four quarters completed before filing your claim.

The maximum Weekly Benefit Amount is $616 as of October 2, 2016. You can estimate  your weekly benefits and maximum benefit amounts, but the best way to determine your eligibility and exact benefit totals is to file a claim.

Unemployed? We want to help.

Calculating Connecticut Unemployment Benefit Amounts

Determine Your Weekly Benefit Amount

To calculate your possible Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA), add up all your earnings from the two quarters when you earned the most. Divide the total by 26, then round down to the nearest dollar. If you have wages in only one quarter, divide those total wages by 26. If you earned less than $600 in your regular total base period, use the alternate base period and calculate your earnings the same way.

You can claim up to five dependents and receive an additional $15 per week for each one, up to $75 per week.

Determine Your Maximum Benefit Amount

To determine your Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA), multiply your WBA by 26, rounding down to the nearest whole dollar.