StateTally

North Dakota Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

Under N.D.C.C. § 52‑06‑04, Job Service North Dakota sets the 2026 weekly unemployment benefit range at $43 to $800, a drop from the prior year’s $815 cap that is reset each July at roughly 62%–65% of the state average weekly wage.

Reviewed 2026-09-11 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. Figures pending final verification against the current statute/schedule. · Ver esta página en español

Before taxes.
Before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Job Service North Dakota — unemployment benefit chart (2026) — N.D.C.C. § 52-06-04; Job Service ND benefit schedule 7/5/2026–7/3/2027.

How North Dakota calculates it

  • Identify your two highest‑earning quarters in the base period.
  • Find the third‑highest quarter and take half of that amount.
  • Add the half‑quarter amount to the sum of the two highest quarters.
  • Divide the combined total by 65 to produce the weekly benefit figure.
  • If the result is below $43, you receive $43; if above $800, you receive $800.
  • Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks, with duration set by total base‑period wages relative to the highest quarter (26 weeks if the ratio is 3.20 or more, 12 weeks if under 2.30).

Worked example

In the worked example, the two highest quarters are $14,000 and $13,000. Adding them and dividing by 65 yields $415, which falls within the $43‑$800 range, so the weekly benefit is $415. The claimant can receive this amount for up to 26 weeks, for a potential total of $10,790 if the full entitlement is drawn.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum weekly unemployment benefit in North Dakota?

The statutory minimum is $43 per week for claims effective July 5, 2026 through July 3, 2027.

What is the maximum weekly unemployment benefit in 2026?

The maximum weekly benefit is capped at $800 for the 2026 benefit year.

How many weeks of benefits can I receive?

Benefits can be paid for up to 26 weeks; the exact duration depends on your total base‑period wages, with 26 weeks granted if your wages ÷ highest quarter ratio is 3.20 or more, and as few as 12 weeks if the ratio is under 2.30.

Is there any allowance for dependents?

North Dakota does not provide a dependents’ allowance for unemployment benefits.

How is the weekly benefit amount calculated?

Your two highest quarters plus half of your third‑highest quarter are summed, then divided by 65. The result is bounded by the $43 minimum and $800 maximum.

Is the calculation different in Fargo, Bismarck or Grand Forks?

No. Benefits are set by the Job Service North Dakota under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in North Dakota. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

Embed this calculator

Attorneys, HR teams, and publishers: add this calculator to your own site free — copy the snippet below. Keep the credit line under the calculator: it links your readers to the source and its review date.

Unemployment by city in North Dakota

North Dakota applies one rule statewide, so the numbers do not change by city. These pages name the county court that actually hears the case and run the same verified formula.

Fargo · Bismarck · Grand Forks · Minot · West Fargo · Williston · Dickinson · Mandan · Jamestown · Wahpeton · Devils Lake · Valley City · Horace · Watford City · every city we cover

More calculators

Cite this page

Using these figures in an article, brief or report? Copy a citation — the link keeps readers on the source and its review date.

StateTally. (2026). North Dakota Unemployment Calculator 2026: up to $800/week. Retrieved September 17, 2026, from https://statetally.com/unemployment/north-dakota/