Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits Estimator 2026

Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits Estimator (2026)

Applies the DUA computation rules (M.G.L. c. 151A §§24, 29, 30; mass.gov benefit-determination guidance, benefit years on or after Oct. 5, 2025) to the wages you enter. Estimates only — DUA determines actual amounts after you file.

Wages in your highest-paid base-period quarter ($) The base period is the last 4 completed calendar quarters before your claim. Wages in your second-highest quarter ($) Enter 0 if you only had wages in one quarter. Total wages across the whole base period ($) All 4 quarters combined — used for the 36% benefit-credit cap and the 30× rule. Quarters with wages in the base period Qualifying dependent children Under 18, or under 24 if a full-time student, for whom you provide more than half the support. $25/child, capped at 50% of your weekly benefit; total payment never exceeds $1,105.

1. Did you earn at least $6,300 in your base period (last 4 completed calendar quarters)?

2. Did you have wages in at least two different quarters of the base period?

3. Are your total base-period wages at least 30 times the weekly benefit you would receive?

4. Did you lose your job through no fault of your own (layoff, lack of work)?

5. Are you able to work, available for full-time work, and actively searching?

How this tool works

The estimator computes your average weekly wage (AWW) as the sum of your two highest base-period quarters divided by 26 — or, if you had wages in two or fewer quarters, your highest quarter divided by 13. The weekly benefit amount is 50% of AWW, capped at $1,105 for benefit years beginning on or after October 5, 2025 (57.5% of the 2025 state average weekly wage of $1,922.48, per M.G.L. c. 151A §29). A $25 allowance per qualifying dependent child is added, capped at 50% of the WBA, and the combined payment never exceeds $1,105. Duration uses the maximum benefit credit: the lesser of 30×WBA (extended duration currently active under M.G.L. c. 151A §30) or 36% of total base-period wages.

Limitations

This is an estimate, not a determination. It does not model the alternate base period, out-of-state or federal/military wages, severance offsets, pension deductions, part-time partial benefits, or overpayment recoupment. DUA calculates the official amount when you file.

Sources

Mass.gov — How unemployment insurance benefits are determined (accessed July 6, 2026) · M.G.L. c. 151A §§24, 29, 30 · U.S. DOL, Significant Provisions of State UI Laws (Jan. 2026)