Unemployment Benefits Compensation
Max Weekly Benefit Amt.
Max Weeks of Benefits
Max Benefit Amount
Once it has been determined that you are eligible for benefits, you will get your first payment within four weeks. After that point, benefits will be paid biweekly and within four days after the claim is filed. You can opt to receive your payments through direct deposit or by a state issued debit card.
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Calculating Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefit Amounts
Determine Your Weekly Benefit Amount
The Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) is the total compensation you are eligible to receive weekly, assuming that benefits are not reduced or exhausted. This will be calculated based on the wages from your base year. For your base year, take the total gross wages and determine the quarter that you received the highest income. This will be your High Quarter. Then, reference the Rate and Amount of Benefits Chart which will provide the WBA allotted.
In addition, an allowance will also be provided for dependents you are supporting at the time of your application. You may receive $5 per week for the first dependent (spouse or child) and an additional $3 for the second dependent. Keep in mind that the only way to accurately receive this information is by applying for Unemployment Compensation.
Determine Your Maximum Benefit Amount
The Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA) is the total amount that will be paid over a benefit year. This is determined by taking the weekly benefit rate calculated above and then multiplying it by the number of credit weeks as calculated from the base year. Your MBA will be between 18 to 26 times your WBA.