Unemployment Benefits Vary Widely by State, From Over $850 to Under $300 per Week
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Unemployment Insurance is a federal-state program providing cash benefits to eligible unemployed workers. States administer their own programs within federal guidelines.
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Massachusetts, Washington, and Minnesota offer the highest maximum weekly unemployment benefits, over $850 per week.
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Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Tennessee have the lowest maximums, $235-$275 per week.
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To qualify, one must be unemployed through no fault of their own, meet work/wage requirements, and meet additional state rules.
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Claims are filed with the state where one worked, by phone, online or in-person. It takes 2-3 weeks to get first payment after filing.