StateTally

Montana Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

Montana Department of Labor & Industry administers unemployment insurance under MCA § 39-51-2201, and unlike most states it can pay benefits for up to 28 weeks. The state uses the greater of two calculations – 1% of total base‑period wages or 1.9% of your two highest quarters – and then caps the weekly amount between $207 and $698 for 2026.

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: Montana Department of Labor & Industry — unemployment insurance — MCA § 39-51-2201; Montana DLI.

How Montana calculates it

  • Determine your total base‑period gross wages.
  • Calculate 1% of that total amount.
  • Calculate 1.9% of the wages from your two highest quarters.
  • Select the larger of the two calculated amounts.
  • Apply the state minimum of $207 and the maximum of $698 to that amount.
  • Pay the resulting weekly benefit for up to 28 weeks.

Worked example

With total base‑year earnings of $50,000, the calculation is 1.00% × $50,000 = $500, giving a weekly benefit of $500 for up to 28 weeks, which could total $14,000 if the full benefit period is drawn.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Montana for 2026?

The maximum weekly benefit is $698.

How many weeks of unemployment benefits can I receive in Montana?

Benefits can be paid for up to 28 weeks.

How does Montana calculate my weekly unemployment benefit?

Montana compares 1% of your total base‑period wages with 1.9% of the wages from your two highest quarters and uses the larger figure, then enforces a minimum of $207 and a maximum of $698.

What happens if my calculated benefit is below the $207 minimum?

If the calculation yields less than $207, the weekly benefit is raised to the $207 minimum.

Did anything change for Montana unemployment benefits in 2026?

For 2026 the weekly benefit range remains $207 to $698 and the benefit duration stays at up to 28 weeks; there were no recent increases to those figures.

Is the calculation different in Billings, Missoula or Great Falls?

No. Benefits are set by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Billings, Missoula, Great Falls is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in Montana. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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