Skip to Content
Local Help

Find an American Job Center:


What is Unemployment Insurance?

Unemployment Insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers.


Unemployment insurance payments (benefits) are intended to provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Each state sets its own additional requirements for eligibility, benefit amounts, and length of time benefits can be paid.

In general, benefits are based on a percentage of your earnings over a recent 52-week period, and each state sets a maximum amount. Benefits are subject to federal and most state income taxes and must be reported on your income tax return. You may choose to have the tax withheld from your payment.

Find your state's Unemployment Insurance program