How Long Does Unemployment Last?: Your Unemployment Benefits Questions Answered

With the negative effects of COVID-19 still lingering, we are in a time of cyclical unemployment. It can feel scary to not have any incoming cash to take care of your most basic needs. If that’s you, you’re not alone and there is help.

Some important components of financial assistance during COVID-19 are unemployment benefits. Since the pandemic has made it difficult for many people to survive or even thrive in their financial lives, these weekly benefits can help ease a lot of the burden.

If you’re wondering how long unemployment benefits last, the answers is that it depends. The amount you’ll receive and for how long will depend on the state you live in.

Depending on the state, you may qualify for different amounts of maximum weekly employment insurance benefit or compensation amounts. These programs are designed to help provide assistance when you’re out of work or in between jobs. You’ll want to check your state’s qualifying requirements and how to apply.

Take a look at the table below to see how much you could receive in unemployment benefits. The number of dependents you have and the amount you were earning when previously employed may affect the final amount you’ll receive.

Please note that since federal and state regulations tend to change rapidly in response to COVID-19, the information below should be for reference only. To make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date information, check your state’s unemployment website.

Unemployment benefits are separate from the stimulus checks that have gone out. Since December 30, 2020, some sections of the CARES, or Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act have been extended to continue supporting workers still affected by the pandemic.

One major advantage is that an additional $300 per week is included in all unemployment benefits lasting through March 14, 2021. Plus, you can receive an extension of unemployment benefits for another 11 weeks. This beyond the initial 39 weeks originally provided for by the CARES Act.

Some changes may benefit unemployed workers who may not have previously qualified. For instance, those who work part-time, independent contractors and the self-employed can qualify for unemployment benefits as long as they meet their state eligibility requirements.

For those who are self-employed, if you’ve earned at least $5,000 a year and have been previously disqualified from getting regular state unemployment benefits, you can now get up to $100 per week.

Now that you know how long unemployment benefits last in your state, you may be wondering what happens when these benefits expire. There’s a program called Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) — coverage has been extended until April 5, 2021 for those who qualify — which gives you the same amount as your regular state benefit.

Extended benefits may also be available if you’re no longer eligible for both regular and PEUC benefits. It’s not in all states, so check to see if you qualify. If you do, you should be able to receive a weekly benefit for a maximum of 13 weeks.

If these resources aren’t available for you, other options to consider are taking on any part-time work you can and taking out a loan. Though not ideal, a low-interest loan may be able to help you manage your finances for a while until you can get back on your feet.