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Idaho Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

Idaho Code § 72‑1367 empowers the Idaho Department of Labor to administer unemployment insurance, capping weekly benefits at $590 for 2026 while guaranteeing a floor of $72 per week. The benefit period can stretch from 10 to 20 weeks depending on how evenly your earnings were spread across the base period.

Reviewed 2026-09-02 · 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: Idaho Department of Labor — unemployment insurance — Idaho Code § 72-1367; Idaho DOL.

How Idaho calculates it

  • Identify the wages earned in your highest‑earning quarter of the base period.
  • Divide that quarter’s total wages by 26 to get a preliminary weekly amount.
  • If the result is below $72, the weekly benefit is set to $72; if it exceeds $590, the weekly benefit is capped at $590.
  • The approved weekly amount is payable for up to 20 weeks, with the exact duration ranging from 10 to 20 weeks based on wage distribution.

Worked example

In the worked example, the claimant’s highest quarter wages are $12,500. Dividing $12,500 by 26 yields $481, which falls within the $72–$590 bounds, so the weekly benefit is $481 for up to 20 weeks, resulting in a total of $9,620 if the full benefit period is drawn.

Frequently asked questions

How is my weekly unemployment benefit amount calculated in Idaho?

Idaho uses the wages from your highest‑earning base‑period quarter, divides that total by 26, and then applies a $72 minimum and a $590 maximum to determine your weekly benefit.

What is the longest I can receive unemployment benefits?

Benefits can be paid for up to 20 weeks, but the actual duration may be as short as 10 weeks if your wages were not evenly spread across the base period.

Is there a waiting period before I start receiving benefits?

Benefits begin after your claim is approved and any required waiting week is satisfied, at which point the calculated weekly amount is paid.

What if my wages are low—do I still get a benefit?

Even if your calculated amount falls below $72, Idaho guarantees a minimum weekly benefit of $72, so you will receive at least that amount.

Did anything change for 2026?

Yes. The maximum weekly benefit increased to $590 for 2026, while the minimum remains $72 and the 20‑week maximum duration stays unchanged.

Is the calculation different in Boise, Meridian or Nampa?

No. Benefits are set by the Idaho Department of Labor under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Boise, Meridian, Nampa is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in Idaho. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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