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California Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026 Weekly Amount)

California pays unemployment through the EDD, and your check is driven by one number: the wages in the highest-earning quarter of your base period. For most claimants the weekly benefit is about 1/26 of that quarter — roughly half your average weekly wage — but it stops hard at the state maximum of $450/week, a cap that hasn't moved in over a decade. This calculator gives you the estimate the EDD's own table would.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice.

The 3-month calendar quarter of your base period in which you earned the most, before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: California Employment Development Department — unemployment insurance — Cal. Unemp. Ins. Code § 1280; EDD benefit table.

How California calculates it

  • Your standard base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.
  • The EDD looks up your highest quarter in its benefit table; for middle and higher earners this works out to about 1/26 of that quarter's wages (lower earners get closer to 55% of weekly pay).
  • The weekly amount is bounded at $40 minimum and $450 maximum.
  • Regular claims last up to 26 weeks of full benefits within a 52-week benefit year.
  • If you don't qualify under the standard base period, an alternate base period using more recent quarters can be applied.

Worked example

You earned $11,700 in your best quarter (about $46,800/year). $11,700 ÷ 26 = $450 — exactly at the cap, so your estimated check is $450/week for up to 26 weeks. Anyone earning more gets the same $450.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my California benefit capped at $450?

The Legislature has not raised the maximum weekly benefit since 2005, so anyone whose highest quarter tops about $11,700 hits the same $450 ceiling — one of the lowest effective replacement rates among large states.

Do I qualify if I was fired?

Being fired only disqualifies you if the employer proves misconduct — a deliberate violation of a reasonable workplace rule. Poor performance or being a bad fit generally does not block benefits.

Is there a waiting period?

Yes, one unpaid waiting week at the start of every claim, served after you file and certify.

Are the benefits taxable?

Federally yes; California does not tax unemployment compensation on your state return.

Can I receive benefits while working part-time?

Yes. The first $25 or 25% of your weekly earnings (whichever is more) is disregarded; the rest reduces that week's benefit. Reduced weeks stretch your claim's total duration.

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