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Unemployment calculator  →  Mississippi

Mississippi Unemployment Calculator (2026)

Mississippi pays between $30 and $235 per week in unemployment benefits in 2026 — the lowest maximum weekly benefit of any state. Benefits last 13 to 26 weeks, depending on your wages. The weekly amount is based on your highest-earning quarter, so even the top payment replaces only a small slice of most paychecks.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$30 – $235
Duration
13–26 weeks
Formula
highest quarter ÷ 26
Apply with
Mississippi's unemployment agency official
The actual rule

How Mississippi calculates it

Mississippi takes your highest-earning quarter in your base period and divides by 26. For example, if your best quarter was $5,200, your weekly benefit would be $200. To reach the $235 maximum, you need about $6,110 or more in your best quarter.

The weekly amount is capped between $30 and $235 in 2026 — the lowest cap in the nation, and it applies no matter how much you earned. Duration runs 13 to 26 weeks: your total payout is limited to the lesser of one-third of your base period wages or 26 times your weekly benefit, so steadier earnings across the year mean more weeks.

Your base period is generally the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Below the cap, your check scales with your best quarter — more past earnings, higher weekly benefit.

highest quarter ÷ 26, clamped to $30 – $235
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04
Qualifying

Do you qualify in Mississippi?

To qualify on wages in Mississippi, you need total base period wages of at least 40 times your weekly benefit amount, at least $780 in your highest quarter, and wages in at least two quarters of your base period.

You also must meet the non-wage rules: out of work through no fault of your own (layoffs qualify; quitting without good cause or misconduct firings usually don't), plus able to work, available for work, and actively looking. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security decides each claim.

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

Common questions

Mississippi unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Mississippi? +
Between $30 and $235 per week in 2026. Mississippi's $235 cap is the lowest maximum in the country, and it applies no matter how much you earned. The formula is your highest-earning quarter divided by 26 — a $5,200 best quarter gets you $200 a week; about $6,110 or more gets you the $235 maximum.
How long does unemployment last in Mississippi? +
Between 13 and 26 weeks. Your total payout is capped at the lesser of one-third of your base period wages or 26 times your weekly benefit — so if your earnings were concentrated in part of the year, you may get fewer than 26 weeks. People with steady wages across the base period get the longest claims.
How is the weekly benefit amount calculated in Mississippi? +
Take your highest-earning base period quarter and divide by 26. A best quarter of $5,200 means a $200 weekly benefit. The result is capped between $30 and $235 per week in 2026.
Can I work part-time and still get unemployment in Mississippi? +
Yes, but the allowance is small: Mississippi disregards only the first $40 you earn in a week. Earnings above $40 reduce your benefit. You must report all work and earnings for every week you claim — failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties.
Do I qualify for unemployment in Mississippi? +
On wages, you need at least $780 in your highest quarter, wages in at least two base period quarters, and total base period wages of at least 40 times your weekly benefit. You also must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and able, available, and actively seeking work. The state agency makes the final determination.
Is unemployment taxable in Mississippi? +
Yes, at the federal level — unemployment benefits are taxable income on your federal return. You can request 10% federal withholding by filing Form W-4V with the agency that pays your benefits. State tax rules vary, so check with your state's revenue department or a tax professional. This is general information, not tax advice.
When should I apply for unemployment in Mississippi? +
As soon as possible after your last day of work — claims generally aren't backdated to your layoff date, so waiting can cost you benefit weeks. Have your work and earnings history ready, and check with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for exactly what you'll need to file.
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