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Alaska Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (AS 23.20.350) sets a weekly unemployment benefit that tops out at $370—a ceiling that has stayed unchanged for 17 years. The benefit is calculated at roughly 0.89% of your total base‑period wages, with a statutory minimum of $56 and a possible future increase to $470 pending legislative action.

Reviewed 2026-09-02 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice.

Everything you earned in the base period (first four of the last five completed quarters), before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development — unemployment insurance — AS 23.20.350; Alaska DOLWD.

How Alaska calculates it

  • Determine your total base‑period gross wages.
  • Multiply that amount by 0.89% to get a preliminary weekly benefit.
  • If the result is below $56, the benefit is set to $56; if it exceeds $370, it is capped at $370 (or $470 if the new rate is in effect).
  • The approved weekly amount is payable for up to 26 weeks.
  • Alaska adds $24 per dependent child, up to three children, on top of the base weekly benefit (not included in the base calculation).
  • Check whether the May 2026 legislation raising the maximum to $470 has become effective for your claim.

Worked example

Total base-year earnings of $40,000: 0.89% × $40,000 = $356 — a weekly benefit of $356 for up to 26 weeks ($9,256 total if fully drawn).

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Alaska?

The statutory maximum is $370 per week, unchanged for 17 years, though a May 2026 law may raise it to $470 once it takes effect.

How many weeks of benefits can I receive?

Alaska provides unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks per claim.

How is the weekly benefit amount calculated?

Your total base‑period wages are multiplied by 0.89%; the result is then limited to a minimum of $56 and a maximum of $370 (or $470 if the new cap applies).

Are there additional payments for dependent children?

Yes, Alaska adds $24 per dependent child, up to three children, on top of the base weekly benefit; this example does not include those additions.

Does Alaska tax unemployment benefits?

Alaska has no state income tax, so unemployment benefits are not taxed at the state level, though they remain subject to federal tax.

Is the calculation different in Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau?

No. Benefits are set by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in Alaska. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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