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Unemployment calculator  →  California

California Unemployment Calculator (2026)

If you're laid off in California, unemployment insurance pays between $40 and $450 per week in 2026, for up to 26 weeks. Your exact amount depends on your highest-earning quarter in the base period. The $450 maximum has been the same since 2005.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$40 – $450
Duration
14–26 weeks
Formula
highest quarter ÷ 26 (EDD table)
Apply with
California EDD official
The actual rule

How California calculates it

California looks at your base period — roughly the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Take your highest-earning quarter and divide by 26: that's a close estimate of your weekly benefit. If you earned $10,400 in your best quarter, you'd get about $400 a week. At $11,700 or more, you hit the $450 cap.

The minimum is $40 and the maximum is $450 per week. The cap is not adjusted for inflation — it has sat at $450 since 2005, and a recent bill to raise it to $700 (SB 1434) did not pass. So for 2026, these are the numbers.

Your total payout is capped at the lesser of half your base period wages or 26 times your weekly benefit, which is why people with shorter work histories can run out before 26 weeks. One fine-print note: if your highest quarter was under about $1,850, the official EDD benefit table uses graduated divisors, and your actual weekly amount may be $1–$4 higher than the simple divide-by-26 estimate.

highest quarter ÷ 26 (EDD table), clamped to $40 – $450
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04
Qualifying

Do you qualify in California?

The wage test is one of the easiest in the country: you need at least $1,300 in your highest base period quarter — or at least $900 in your highest quarter with total base period wages of at least 1.25 times that quarter.

You also need to be out of work through no fault of your own (a layoff counts), be physically able to work, be available for work, and be actively looking. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) makes the final determination on every claim.

Maximum total benefit: Lesser of 1/2 BPW or 26 x WBA.

Common questions

California unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in California? +
Between $40 and $450 per week in 2026. For most wage levels, it's your highest-quarter earnings divided by 26. If you earned $11,700 or more in your best quarter, you get the $450 maximum.
How long does unemployment last in California? +
Up to 26 weeks. Your total benefit is capped at the lesser of half your base period wages or 26 times your weekly amount, so people with shorter or uneven work histories may get as few as about 14 weeks of full payments.
How is the California weekly benefit calculated? +
Divide your highest-earning base period quarter by 26 and round up — that matches the official EDD table exactly for weekly benefits of $72 and above, and it's capped between $40 and $450. Very low earners (top quarter between $900 and about $1,846) fall into a graduated part of the table that can pay a few dollars more than this estimate.
Can I work part-time and still collect unemployment in California? +
Yes. California disregards the greater of $25 or one-quarter of your weekly wages; the rest is subtracted from your benefit. As long as the reduced benefit is above zero, you can be paid for that week. Report all earnings to the EDD.
What do I need to qualify for unemployment in California? +
On wages: $1,300 in your highest base period quarter, or $900 in your highest quarter plus total base period wages of at least 1.25 times that quarter. Beyond wages: you must have lost the job through no fault of your own, and be able, available, and actively looking for work.
Is California unemployment taxable? +
Unemployment benefits are taxable on your federal return. You can request 10% federal withholding with Form W-4V. State tax treatment varies — check current California rules or ask a tax professional.
Why is California's maximum benefit still $450? +
The $450 cap was set in 2005 and state law does not index it to wages or inflation. A recent bill to raise it to $700 (SB 1434) failed, so the cap stays at $450 for 2026.
When should I apply for California unemployment? +
As soon as possible after your last day of work — benefits are tied to when you file, not when you were laid off. Processing times and first-payment timing vary; check with the EDD.
Compare

States with similar benefits

Delaware (max $450) →Arkansas (max $451) →District of Columbia (max $444) →Maryland (max $430) →All 53 states →