How Much Unemployment Pays in Wisconsin
How Wisconsin calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit rate is 4% of the wages paid in your highest-paid base-period quarter. The minimum is $54, and below that you do not qualify. The maximum is $370. Wisconsin DWD, Qualifying Wages
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit rate is 4% of the wages paid in your highest-paid base-period quarter. The minimum is $54, and below that you do not qualify. The maximum is $370. Maximum $370 per week, as currently listed by DWD (handbook revised June 16, 2026). The page does not give an effective date. Source: Wisconsin DWD, Qualifying Wages |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | Your maximum benefit amount is 26 times your weekly benefit rate or 40% of your total base-period wages, whichever is smaller. That means up to 26 weeks at your full rate. |
| Waiting week | Yes. In each new benefit year, no benefits are paid for the first week you would otherwise be eligible. |
Where to get help in Wisconsin
More Wisconsin unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Wisconsin Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Wisconsin
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Wisconsin
- Unemployment After Quitting in Wisconsin
- How to File for Unemployment in Wisconsin
- All Wisconsin unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in Wisconsin?
Your weekly benefit rate is 4% of the wages paid in your highest-paid base-period quarter. The minimum is $54, and below that you do not qualify. The maximum is $370.
How long can you get unemployment in Wisconsin?
Your maximum benefit amount is 26 times your weekly benefit rate or 40% of your total base-period wages, whichever is smaller. That means up to 26 weeks at your full rate.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Wisconsin?
Yes. In each new benefit year, no benefits are paid for the first week you would otherwise be 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.