StateTally

Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

Under Pennsylvania’s unemployment compensation law (43 P.S. § 804) and the 2026 rates issued by the Department of Labor & Industry, claimants receive 50% of their average weekly wage, never less than $68 and never more than $605 per week, with an extra supplement of up to $8 for dependents. Benefits can be paid for up to 26 weeks, though the actual duration ranges from 18 to 26 weeks depending on the number of credit weeks you have earned.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. · Ver esta página en español

Roughly your highest-quarter wages divided by 13 — Pennsylvania pays about half of it.
The law behind this calculator: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry — unemployment compensation — 43 P.S. § 804; Pa. Bulletin (2026 rates).

How Pennsylvania calculates it

  • Determine your average weekly wage during the base period.
  • Multiply that average by 50% to get the base benefit amount.
  • If the result is below $68, use $68; if it exceeds $605, cap it at $605.
  • Add up to $8 per week if you are supporting dependents.
  • Pay the resulting weekly amount for up to 26 weeks, with total duration set by your credit weeks (18–26 weeks).

Worked example

With an average weekly wage of $1,000, the calculation is 50% × $1,000 = $500, giving a weekly benefit of $500 for up to 26 weeks, which totals $13,000 if the full benefit period is drawn.

Frequently asked questions

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

The statutory maximum is $605 per week for 2026, and it remains unchanged because the trigger for an increase was not met.

How many weeks can I receive unemployment benefits in Pennsylvania?

Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks, but the total entitlement ranges from 18 to 26 weeks based on the number of credit weeks you have earned.

Is there a minimum benefit amount if my wages were low?

Yes. Even if 50% of your average weekly wage falls below $68, you will receive the state minimum of $68 per week.

Do dependents increase my unemployment benefit in Pennsylvania?

Claimants who support dependents may receive a supplement of up to $8 per week on top of the regular benefit.

Why didn’t the $605 maximum increase for 2026?

The Pennsylvania Bulletin notes that the statutory trigger for raising the maximum was not met, so the $605 cap stays in effect for 2026.

Is the calculation different in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Allentown?

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

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StateTally. (2026). Pennsylvania Unemployment Calculator 2026: up to $605/week. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://statetally.com/unemployment/pennsylvania/