How Much Unemployment Pays in California
How California calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit amount is based on the wages paid in the highest-paid quarter of your base period. It ranges from $40 to $450 per week. California EDD, Unemployment Eligibility Requirements; UI Calculator
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit amount is based on the wages paid in the highest-paid quarter of your base period. It ranges from $40 to $450 per week. The U.S. Department of Labor's July 2026 summary of state laws also lists California at $40 to $450, figured as 1/23 to 1/26 of high-quarter wages. |
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| How many weeks | Your maximum award is 26 times your weekly benefit amount or one-half of your total base period wages, whichever is less, so up to 26 weeks of full benefits. The claim year lasts 52 weeks from the claim start date. |
| Waiting week | Yes. You must serve a one-week unpaid waiting period on your claim before getting paid, once per 52-week claim year. Your first certification usually includes the waiting week. |
Where to get help in California
More California unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your California Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in California
- Unemployment After Being Fired in California
- Unemployment After Quitting in California
- How to File for Unemployment in California
- All California unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in California?
Your weekly benefit amount is based on the wages paid in the highest-paid quarter of your base period. It ranges from $40 to $450 per week.
How long can you get unemployment in California?
Your maximum award is 26 times your weekly benefit amount or one-half of your total base period wages, whichever is less, so up to 26 weeks of full benefits. The claim year lasts 52 weeks from the claim start date.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in California?
Yes. You must serve a one-week unpaid waiting period on your claim before getting paid, once per 52-week claim year. Your first certification usually includes the waiting week.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.