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South Dakota Unemployment Benefits Calculator (2026)

Under SDCL § 61‑6‑2, the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation (DLR) caps weekly unemployment benefits at $514 for 2026, with a floor of $28, and sets the maximum at 50% of the state’s average weekly wage.

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: South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation — SDCL § 61-6-2; South Dakota DLR.

How South Dakota calculates it

  • Determine the wages earned in your highest‑earning quarter of the base period.
  • Divide that quarter’s wages by 26 to get a preliminary weekly amount.
  • If the result is less than $28, the weekly benefit is raised to the $28 minimum.
  • If the result exceeds $514, the weekly benefit is reduced to the $514 maximum.
  • The approved weekly amount can be paid for up to 26 weeks.

Worked example

If your highest quarter wages are $10,500, dividing by 26 yields $404, which falls within the $28–$514 bounds, so you would receive $404 each week for up to 26 weeks, for a total of $10,504 if you collect the full benefit period.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum weekly unemployment benefit in South Dakota?

For 2026 the maximum weekly benefit is $514, as set by SDCL § 61‑6‑2 and the DLR.

What is the minimum weekly benefit I can receive?

The law guarantees a minimum weekly benefit of $28 regardless of earnings.

How many weeks of benefits can I collect?

Benefits are payable for up to 26 weeks if you remain eligible each week.

Are unemployment benefits taxed in South Dakota?

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

How is my weekly benefit amount calculated from my wages?

Your highest‑earning quarter’s wages are divided by 26; the resulting figure is then adjusted to stay within the $28 minimum and $514 maximum.

Is the calculation different in Sioux Falls, Rapid City or Aberdeen?

No. Benefits are set by the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation under one statewide formula, so a claim filed from Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen is computed exactly like one from anywhere else in South Dakota. Only your wages — not your city or county — change the result.

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