How Much Unemployment Pays in Utah
How Utah calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: For claims effective January 1 through December 31, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $806 and the maximum total benefit is $20,956. Utah DWS, Unemployment Insurance Benefit Schedule, January 2026
| Weekly benefit amount | For claims effective January 1 through December 31, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $806 and the maximum total benefit is $20,956. Your weekly amount comes from your highest base-period quarter of wages, using DWS's benefit schedule. For weekly amounts under $574, it is the high quarter divided by 26, minus $5. Maximum $806 per week, effective January 1, 2026. The schedule does not state a minimum weekly benefit. |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | Multiply your total base-period wages by 27%, then divide by your weekly benefit amount, dropping any fraction. The result is your number of weeks, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 26. |
| Waiting week | Yes. Utah law does not pay the first eligible week you claim, called the waiting week. You must still file for it and meet all requirements to get waiting-week credit. Your first payment usually comes about three weeks after you apply. |
Where to get help in Utah
More Utah unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Utah Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Utah
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Utah
- Unemployment After Quitting in Utah
- How to File for Unemployment in Utah
- All Utah unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in Utah?
For claims effective January 1 through December 31, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $806 and the maximum total benefit is $20,956. Your weekly amount comes from your highest base-period quarter of wages, using DWS's benefit schedule. For weekly amounts under $574, it is the high quarter divided by 26, minus $5.
How long can you get unemployment in Utah?
Multiply your total base-period wages by 27%, then divide by your weekly benefit amount, dropping any fraction. The result is your number of weeks, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 26.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Utah?
Yes. Utah law does not pay the first eligible week you claim, called the waiting week. You must still file for it and meet all requirements to get waiting-week credit. Your first payment usually comes about three weeks after you apply.
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.