Independent benefit estimator — not affiliated with any government agency. Estimates only.
✳AfterLayoff
Unemployment calculator  →  Montana

Montana Unemployment Calculator (2026)

In Montana, unemployment insurance pays between $227 and $767 per week in 2026 — one of the higher minimum benefits in the country. Depending on your earnings history, payments can last from 8 to 24 weeks.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$227 – $767
Duration
8–24 weeks
Formula
1% × annual wages
Apply with
Montana's unemployment agency official
The actual rule

How Montana calculates it

Montana calculates your weekly benefit two ways and pays you the higher result. The first way is 1% of all your base-period wages. The second way is 1.9% of your wages in your two highest quarters. For example, if you earned $40,000 over the base period, method one gives $400. If $22,000 of that came in your two best quarters, method two gives about $418 — so you would get $418.

Whatever the formulas say, your weekly benefit stays between the 2026 minimum of $227 and the maximum of $767.

Your total payout is set by a schedule based on how your base-period wages compare to your highest quarter, which is why the number of weeks ranges from 8 to 24. Note that Montana's 24-week maximum is shorter than the 26 weeks offered in many states.

1% × annual wages, clamped to $227 – $767
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04
Qualifying

Do you qualify in Montana?

Montana has two wage tests, and you only need to pass one. Either your total base-period wages are more than 1.5 times your highest-quarter wages and more than 7% of the state's average annual wage, or your total base-period wages are more than 50% of the state's average annual wage. In short, you qualify with either spread-out earnings or a high enough total.

Beyond wages, the usual rules apply: you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, able to work, available for work, and actively seeking a new job every week you claim benefits.

Maximum total benefit: Weighted schedule of BPW-to-HQW ratio x WBA.

Common questions

Montana unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Montana? +
Between $227 and $767 per week in 2026. Montana runs two formulas — 1% of your total base-period wages, or 1.9% of your two highest quarters — and pays whichever is higher, within those limits.
How long does unemployment last in Montana? +
From 8 to 24 weeks, based on your earnings history. Montana uses a schedule that compares your total base-period wages to your highest quarter. The maximum of 24 weeks is a bit shorter than the 26 weeks common in other states.
How is the weekly benefit calculated in Montana? +
Two ways, and you get the higher one: 1% of everything you earned in the base period, or 1.9% of your wages in your two best quarters. For example, $35,000 in total wages gives $350 under the first method; $20,000 in your top two quarters gives $380 under the second — you would receive $380, since it is higher.
Can I work part-time and still get unemployment in Montana? +
Yes, if you report all earnings. Montana disregards earnings up to one-quarter of your weekly benefit amount, so income below that level does not cut your check. Earnings above the disregard reduce your payment, and earning too much in a week means no benefit for that week.
Who qualifies for unemployment benefits in Montana? +
You pass the wage test if your base-period wages are more than 1.5 times your highest quarter and more than 7% of the state average annual wage — or if your total wages are more than half the state average annual wage. You also need to be out of work through no fault of your own, and able, available, and actively looking for work.
Is unemployment taxable in Montana? +
Unemployment benefits count as taxable income on your federal return. You can request federal withholding from your payments using Form W-4V. State tax rules vary, so check with your state tax agency or a tax professional about how your benefits are treated.
What if my Montana unemployment claim is denied? +
You can appeal. The denial notice explains why you were denied and how long you have to appeal, so don't wait. Keep filing weekly claims during the appeal — if you win, those weeks can be paid to you.
Compare

States with similar benefits

Colorado (max $767) →Vermont (max $757) →Rhode Island (max $745) →Utah (max $806) →All 53 states →