These 5 states pay the most money in unemployment benefits
How much money individuals can receive varies drastically by state
Glassdoor Chief Economist Andrew Chamberlain on where the jobs are in America including sectors like e-commerce, health care and IT.
Close to 20 million Americans are currently receiving unemployment benefits as layoffs from the coronavirus pandemic and related lockdown continue to mount, even as many businesses have reopened.
How much money individuals can receive varies drastically by state, but the $2.2 trillion CARES Act signed into law at the end of March increased jobless aid by $600 per week through the end of July (although the sweetened benefits will likely expire a week earlier for most Americans).
EXTRA $600 IN UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ENDS NEXT MONTH AS MILLIONS OF AMERICANS REMAIN OUT OF WORK
At the end of 2019, the average weekly unemployment check was $378.
States, which administer the benefits, have their own complex unemployment laws to determine how much money an individual should receive based on your weekly earnings before being laid off and on the maximum amount of aid distributed by the state. In many states, you will be compensated for roughly half of your earnings, up to a certain threshold.
Benefits are typically paid for up to 26 weeks.
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IF YOU REFUSE TO GO BACK TO WORK?
Here are the five states with the highest weekly maximum, before the extra $600 per week went into effect, according to state departments of labor.
Massachusetts: $823
Washington: $790
Minnesota: $740
New Jersey: $713
Connecticut: $649
US JOBS RECOVERY PLATEAUS AS CORONAVIRUS CASE SURGE THREATENS ECONOMY
Generally, Americans who are self-employed, unable to work or do not have a recent earnings history are ineligible to receive the benefits. The program also tends to exclude people who were fired or quit their jobs without good cause.
However, the CARES Act expands eligibility to include self-employed people, those seeking part-time employment and independent contractors. Americans who are diagnosed with COVID-19, or who are unable to go to work because of quarantine, would also be eligible.
To apply for benefits, contact your state’s unemployment office. You can typically file your claim online, via phone or in person, although because of the outbreak, most offices were shut down.
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