How Much Unemployment Pays in Louisiana

How Louisiana calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.

Short answer: Your weekly benefit amount depends on your base period wages and will be between $35 and $282 per week. Louisiana Works, Unemployment Benefits Rights and Information (Rev. 08/2026), Monetary Determination

Weekly benefit amount	Your weekly benefit amount depends on your base period wages and will be between $35 and $282 per week. The maximum is set each year under a schedule tied to the unemployment trust fund balance and was previously $275; the agency's claimant FAQ page still shows $275. Source: Louisiana Works, Unemployment Benefits Rights and Information (Rev. 08/2026), Monetary Determination
How many weeks	For claims filed on or after January 5, 2025, total benefits equal 12 to 20 times your weekly benefit amount (12 to 20 weeks), based on the average of the three most recently published seasonally adjusted state unemployment rates. Claims filed before that date kept a 26-week cap. Up to 8 more weeks of Additional Benefits may be available if benefits end while you are in approved training. Source: Louisiana Works, Frequently Asked Questions about Benefits; Unemployment Benefits Rights and Information (Rev. 08/2026)
Waiting week	Yes. The first week after the effective date of a new claim is usually an unpaid waiting week. You must still file for it. If that week is not payable, the waiting week applies to the next week you qualify for payment. Source: Louisiana Works, Unemployment Benefits Rights and Information (Rev. 08/2026), Waiting Week

Where to get help in Louisiana

Louisiana Workforce Commission (Louisiana Works), Office of Unemployment Insurance Administration

More Louisiana unemployment benefits

FAQ

How much is unemployment in Louisiana?

Your weekly benefit amount depends on your base period wages and will be between $35 and $282 per week.

How long can you get unemployment in Louisiana?

For claims filed on or after January 5, 2025, total benefits equal 12 to 20 times your weekly benefit amount (12 to 20 weeks), based on the average of the three most recently published seasonally adjusted state unemployment rates. Claims filed before that date kept a 26-week cap. Up to 8 more weeks of Additional Benefits may be available if benefits end while you are in approved training.

Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Louisiana?

Yes. The first week after the effective date of a new claim is usually an unpaid waiting week. You must still file for it. If that week is not payable, the waiting week applies to the next week you qualify for payment.

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.