How Much Unemployment Pays in South Dakota
How South Dakota calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit is 1/26 of the wages paid in the highest quarter of your base period, up to a maximum tied to the state's average weekly wage. Effective July 5, 2026, weekly benefits range from $28 to $575. SD DLR, Benefit Amount/Wage Requirements
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit is 1/26 of the wages paid in the highest quarter of your base period, up to a maximum tied to the state's average weekly wage. Effective July 5, 2026, weekly benefits range from $28 to $575. Maximum $575 per week, effective July 5, 2026. |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | The most you can receive in a benefit year is one-third of your total base-period wages, up to 26 times your weekly benefit (26 weeks). |
| Waiting week | Yes. Everyone serves one unpaid waiting week per benefit year. It is the first weekly request for payment you file after you are found eligible. |
Where to get help in South Dakota
More South Dakota unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your South Dakota Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in South Dakota
- Unemployment After Being Fired in South Dakota
- Unemployment After Quitting in South Dakota
- How to File for Unemployment in South Dakota
- All South Dakota unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in South Dakota?
Your weekly benefit is 1/26 of the wages paid in the highest quarter of your base period, up to a maximum tied to the state's average weekly wage. Effective July 5, 2026, weekly benefits range from $28 to $575.
How long can you get unemployment in South Dakota?
The most you can receive in a benefit year is one-third of your total base-period wages, up to 26 times your weekly benefit (26 weeks).
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in South Dakota?
Yes. Everyone serves one unpaid waiting week per benefit year. It is the first weekly request for payment you file after you are found eligible.
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.