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Unemployment calculator  →  Kansas

Kansas Unemployment Calculator (2026)

In 2026, Kansas pays unemployment benefits between $159 and $637 per week — one of the higher weekly maximums in the region. But benefits are short: Kansas pays only 10 to 16 weeks. Your weekly amount is 4.25% of your highest-earning quarter.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$159 – $637
Duration
10–16 weeks
Formula
4.25% × highest quarter
Apply with
Kansas's unemployment agency official
The actual rule

How Kansas calculates it

Kansas finds your highest-earning quarter in the base period and pays you 4.25% of those wages each week. For example, if your best quarter was $10,000, your weekly benefit is $425. A $12,000 quarter pays $510 a week.

The weekly benefit can't fall below $159 or rise above $637. To hit the $637 maximum, you'd need roughly $15,000 in your best quarter.

Duration is the trade-off. Kansas currently pays between 10 and 16 weeks, well below the 26 weeks many states offer. Your total payout is also capped at one-third of your total base period wages, so lower or uneven earnings can mean fewer weeks.

4.25% × highest quarter, clamped to $159 – $637
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04
Qualifying

Do you qualify in Kansas?

To qualify money-wise, your total base period wages must be at least 30 times your weekly benefit amount, and you need wages in at least two quarters of the base period.

You also have to meet the standard conditions: you're unemployed through no fault of your own, and you're able to work, available for work, and actively looking for a job each week you claim benefits.

Maximum total benefit: Lesser of 1/3 BPW or 26 x WBA.

Common questions

Kansas unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Kansas? +
Between $159 and $637 per week in 2026. Kansas pays 4.25% of your highest-quarter wages. For example, $10,000 in your best quarter means $425 a week. You'd need roughly $15,000 in your best quarter to reach the $637 maximum.
How long does unemployment last in Kansas? +
Only 10 to 16 weeks — noticeably shorter than the 26 weeks offered in many states. Your total payout is also capped at one-third of your base period wages, so your exact number of weeks depends on your earnings history.
How is the weekly benefit calculated in Kansas? +
Kansas multiplies your highest-quarter wages by 4.25%. The result is clamped between the state minimum of $159 and the maximum of $637 per week.
Can I work part-time and still get unemployment in Kansas? +
Yes. Kansas disregards earnings up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount — that much doesn't reduce your check. Earnings above that level reduce your benefit. You must report all work and gross earnings for each week you claim.
What are the wage requirements to qualify in Kansas? +
You need total base period wages of at least 30 times your weekly benefit amount, spread across at least two calendar quarters. You must also have lost your job through no fault of your own — layoffs qualify; misconduct firings and most voluntary quits don't.
Is unemployment taxable in Kansas? +
Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income on your federal return. You can request 10% federal withholding using Form W-4V. State tax treatment varies, so check with the state revenue agency or a tax professional.
What if my Kansas unemployment claim is denied? +
You can appeal. Your determination notice lists the deadline and instructions. Keep filing your weekly claims during the appeal — if you win, you can only be paid for weeks you actually claimed.
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