Unemployment Benefit Estimate Calculator

Work out unemployment benefit estimate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Unemployment Benefit Estimate Calculator

Unemployment benefit replaces a percentage of prior earnings up to a weekly cap, for a limited number of weeks. The cap means the effective replacement rate for a middle or higher earner is materially below the headline percentage.

Formulas

Weekly earnings

Weekly = Monthly earnings x 12 / 52

Weekly benefit

Benefit = min(Weekly earnings x Replacement rate %, Weekly cap)

Worked example

With the default values below, Unemployment Benefit Estimate Calculator returns Estimated weekly benefit of $9,000.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Previous monthly earnings: 65,000
Benefit replacement rate: 60
Weekly benefit cap: 9,000
Entitlement duration: 24 weeks

Results

Estimated weekly benefit: $9,000.00
Monthly equivalent: $39,000.00
Total over the entitlement period: $216,000.00
Effective replacement rate: 60.00%

Step by step

1Values used
2Weekly earnings
3Weekly benefit
4Estimated weekly benefit= 9,000.00
5Monthly equivalent= 39,000.00
6Total over the entitlement period= 216,000.00
7Effective replacement rate= 60.00

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions apply?

Typically a contribution history, involuntary job loss, availability for work and active job search evidenced through the employment service.

Does severance pay affect the benefit?

In many systems yes — benefit may be deferred until the period the severance is deemed to cover has elapsed.