
Comparison of State Unemployment Benefits
State | Unemployment Rate (%) | Max. Weeks of Benefits | Max. Weekly Benefits | Min. Weekly Benefits |
Minnesota | 4.1 | 26 | $762 | N/A |
Mississippi | 6.2 | 26 | $235 | $30 |
Missouri | 4.1 | 20 | $320 | N/A |
Montana | 3.7 | 28 | $552 | $163 |
What is the maximum unemployment benefit for Mississippi?
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own. ...
- You must be physically and mentally able to work. ...
- You must be available for work and seeking full-time work. ...
- You must have earned at least $780 during the highest quarter of your Base Period to monetarily qualify for benefits.
- You must have worked at least two quarters during your Base Period
How many weeks of unemployment can you collect in Mississippi?
This will detail the amount of weekly benefits you can receive. In Mississippi, this is between $30 and $235 and is based on the amount of wages you earned during your Base Period. You can collect benefits for up to 26 weeks if you continue to meet all eligibility requirements. Know how and when you will be paid.
Why is unemployment high in Mississippi?
“We know the factors that cause people not to be in the labor force, and we know there are more of those in Mississippi than in other states,” he said. “Disability is one of them. We know Mississippi has lower rates of high school and college attainment degree than the nation as a whole, so that’s probably attributing to it.
What states pay the highest unemployment?
- Connecticut: $649 max normal a week, up to $749 with dependents
- Illinois: $484 max normal a week, up to $667 with dependents
- Massachusetts: $823 max normal a week, up to $1,234 with dependents
- Ohio: $480 max normal a week, up to $647 with dependents
- Pennsylvania: $572 max normal a week, up to $580 with dependents

How long is the unemployment benefit waiting period in Mississippi?
If it is determined that you are eligible for benefits, the first eligible week that you file a claim will serve as your waiting period week. You will not be paid for this week.
What are the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits in Mississippi?
See full answerTo be eligible for UI benefits, one must:1. Must be unemployed through no fault of your own.2. File a weekly claim as required - Claims filed late may be denied.3. Be able to work - You must be mentally and physically able to work your normal work week.4. Be available for work - You must be ready to go to work. You must be willing to accept full-time work. You must have transportation and have made necessary childcare arrangements. You cannot have barriers or conditions, which prevent you from accepting work immediately.5. Be actively seeking work - To meet availability requirements you must make a "good faith" effort to find work. An active work search effort is required.
What if I go back to work full-time after unemployment in Mississippi?
Advise the MDES Call Center of the date you will return to work, or provide the date when filing your weekly claim form..
What are my rights if I disagree with an eligibility decision for unemployment benefits in Mississippi?
Whether you are an employer, or a claimant, you have the right to file an appeal and receive a hearing.
Where can I get information on unemployment benefits appeal in Mississippi?
You may call the Appeals department in the state office at (601) 321-6294.
How can I correct wrong information on my 'Monetary Determination' in Mississippi?
Once you file a claim for benefits, you will receive a Monetary Determination. The Monetary Determination shows the wages reported by your employer(s) during each quarter of your base period. Study the notice carefully. Be sure that it includes all wages paid during the quarters shown. If you believe that some wages you earned are not shown, you should contact the MDES Call Center and file a request for re-determination.
How long can I get unemployment?
How long will I receive benefits: Usually, most states permit an individual to obtain unemployment for a maximum of 26 weeks, or half the benefit the benefit year. A few states have standardized benefit duration, while most have different durations depending upon the worker.
How is unemployment computed?
Unemployment is computed and one half of what your weekly pay was at the time of the discharge up to your state's maximum benefit. You will have to verify with your state's unemployment office to see what the highest payout for your state is. For further details refer unemployment benefits article.
Can you claim a combined wage if you worked in more than one state?
If you worked in more than one state you may be eligible for a Combined Wage Claim. The base period wages from all states in which you worked are combined and you may be able to establish a combined wage claim under the law of a single state to qualify for benefits.
How much do you have to work to qualify for unemployment?
Must have earned at least $780.00 in the highest quarter of your base period. Must have earned 40 times your weekly benefit amount in your base period.
What is the maximum WBA in Mississippi?
Benefit Eligibility Requirements. The maximum Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) allowed in Mississippi at this time is $235.00. Your WBA for unemployment insurance benefits is based on the total wages in the highest quarter of your Base Period and by dividing that amount by 26.
What is the base period for unemployment?
The base period is always the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the effective date of the claim.
What is unemployment in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, unemployment benefits are administered through the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES). Unemployment insurance benefits are provided to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own , and are designed to ease the economic burden of a job loss on a temporary basis .
How long do you have to collect unemployment in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, this is between $30 and $235 and is based on the amount of wages you earned during your Base Period. You can collect benefits for up to 26 weeks if you continue to meet all eligibility requirements. Know how and when you will be paid. You will be paid after you you’re your second weekly claim.
How to file an initial claim with the MDES?
Filing initial and ongoing claims. You can file an initial claim two ways. To file by phone, call 601-855-3133 or 1-888-844-3577, Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4:30 pm. To file online, you can do so anytime by setting up an account on the MDES online employment services website.
What information do I need to file unemployment in Mississippi?
You will need: Your Social Security number. Your current mailing address. Your phone number.
Where to file an appeal for unemployment in Mississippi?
To file an appeal, within 14 days of the mailing date of your decision, you may file by mailing an appeal request to: MDES Appeals Department. PO Box 1699. Jackson, MS 39215-1699.
What is the maximum WBA in Mississippi?
Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) - The weekly amount payable to an individual based on a valid claim. In Mississippi, the maximum WBA is $235 and the minimum WBA is $30.
How much do you have to earn to qualify for unemployment?
You must have earned at least $780 during the highest quarter of your Base Period to monetarily qualify for benefits. You must have worked at least two quarters during your Base Period. You must have earned at least 40 times your Weekly Benefit Amount in your Base Period.
Register with MDES
The first thing you have to do is register with MDES Online Services. Whether you want to file a claim to receive weekly unemployment benefits or to search for a new job, you must register first. That’s how you get your personal User Name and PIN number to be able to use the online system whenever you need to.
Get the Details
Everything you need to know about filing for benefit claims, how to qualify to receive unemployment benefits, what to do to file your claim every week and how to prepare your work search record is here for you.
Claims Information
There are many types of unemployment benefits claims you can file, depending on your particular situation: regular claims, interstate claims, combined wage claims, federal civilian claims and federal military claims. Everything you need to know about each is here in one convenient location, along with additional programs that may benefit you.
