California Unemployment Benefits Estimator (2026)

Applies the EDD computation rules (Cal. Unemp. Ins. Code §1280–§1281) to the wages you enter. Estimates only — the EDD determines actual amounts.

How this tool works. The estimator divides your highest-quarter wages by 26 and rounds up, bounded by the statutory minimum ($40) and maximum ($450) weekly benefit amounts. For high quarters between $929 and $4,966, the official EDD benefit table (DE 1101BT5) applies divisors between 1/23 and 1/25, so actual awards in that range can be slightly higher than this estimate. The maximum benefit amount is the lesser of 26 × your weekly benefit or one-half of your base-period wages (Cal. Unemp. Ins. Code §1281). The eligibility check applies the monetary thresholds in DE 8714AB: at least $1,300 in the highest quarter, or at least $900 in the highest quarter with total base-period earnings of at least 1.25 × the highest quarter.

Limitations. This is a calculation, not a determination. Non-monetary requirements (unemployed through no fault of your own, able and available to work, actively seeking work, one-week unpaid waiting period) also apply and are assessed by the EDD after you file. This tool does not cover federal extensions, Disability Insurance, or Paid Family Leave.

Sources: EDD Unemployment Benefits Calculator; EDD DE 8714AB — How UI Benefits Are Computed; U.S. DOL, Significant Provisions of State UI Laws (January 2026). Rules last verified: July 5, 2026.

This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. RemoteLaws is not a law firm. © 2026 RemoteLaws.