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Unemployment calculator  →  Louisiana

Louisiana Unemployment Calculator (2026)

Louisiana pays between $35 and $282 per week in unemployment benefits in 2026 — one of the lower maximums in the country. Benefits last 12 to 20 weeks. Your weekly amount is based on your average earnings across all four quarters of your base period, so gaps in work history pull the number down.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$35 – $282
Duration
12–20 weeks
Formula
avg quarterly wage ÷ 25
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Louisiana's unemployment agency official
The actual rule

How Louisiana calculates it

Louisiana averages your wages across all four quarters of your base period, then divides by 25. That's the same as dividing your total base period wages by 100. For example, if you earned $25,000 over your base period, your weekly benefit would be about $250.

The result is capped between $35 and $282 per week in 2026 — even high earners top out at $282. Duration runs from 12 to 20 weeks, and because the formula averages all four quarters (not just your best ones), any quarter with low or no earnings lowers your weekly amount.

Your base period is generally the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. You'd need about $28,200 or more in total base period wages to reach the $282 maximum.

avg quarterly wage ÷ 25, clamped to $35 – $282
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04
Qualifying

Do you qualify in Louisiana?

To qualify on wages in Louisiana, you need at least $1,200 in total base period wages, wages in at least two quarters of the base period, and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest-earning quarter.

You also must meet the standard non-wage rules: you lost your job through no fault of your own (a layoff qualifies; quitting without good cause or a misconduct firing usually doesn't), and you're able to work, available for work, and actively looking. The Louisiana Workforce Commission decides every claim.

Maximum total benefit: N/A.

Common questions

Louisiana unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Louisiana? +
Between $35 and $282 per week in 2026. The quick estimate is your total base period wages divided by 100 — so $25,000 in base period earnings means about $250 a week. The $282 cap is one of the lowest in the country and applies no matter how much you earned.
How long does unemployment last in Louisiana? +
Between 12 and 20 weeks in 2026 — shorter than the 26 weeks many states offer. The exact duration depends on your claim, so check with the Louisiana Workforce Commission for what applies when you file.
How is the weekly benefit amount calculated in Louisiana? +
Louisiana averages your wages across the four quarters of your base period and divides by 25 — the same as your total base period wages divided by 100. Because it averages all four quarters instead of using only your best ones, quarters with little or no work lower your weekly amount. The result is capped between $35 and $282.
Can I work part-time and still get unemployment in Louisiana? +
Yes, but the allowance is modest: Louisiana disregards the lesser of half your weekly benefit or $50 — so at most $50 of weekly earnings won't touch your check. Earnings above that reduce your benefit. Report all work and earnings every week you claim.
Do I qualify for unemployment in Louisiana? +
On wages, you need at least $1,200 in your base period, wages in at least two quarters, and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. You also must be out of work through no fault of your own, and able, available, and actively searching for work. The state agency makes the final call.
Is unemployment taxable in Louisiana? +
Yes, at the federal level — unemployment benefits count as taxable income on your federal return. You can request 10% federal withholding by filing Form W-4V with the agency paying your benefits. State tax treatment varies, so check with your state's revenue department or a tax professional. This is general information, not tax advice.
What if my Louisiana unemployment claim is denied? +
You have the right to appeal. The denial notice will explain how to file and the deadline — these windows are short, so move quickly. Keep filing your weekly claims during the appeal, because you can only be paid for weeks you claimed. Contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission for the exact process.
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