How is the Missouri weekly benefit calculated?

Missouri pays a weekly benefit amount equal to 4.0% of the wages you earned in the highest-paid quarter of your base period, rounded down to a whole dollar. For example, $9,000 in your best quarter gives 4% = $360, which is then capped at the state maximum of $320 per week.

What is the maximum Missouri unemployment benefit?

The maximum weekly benefit amount in Missouri is $320. The minimum is around $35 if you otherwise qualify. Missouri pays benefits for up to 20 weeks, so the maximum total benefit is roughly $6,400, subject to the one-third-of-base-wages cap.

How many weeks can I collect unemployment in Missouri?

Missouri pays a maximum of 20 weeks of regular benefits, having reduced the cap from 26 weeks. The exact number of weeks you can collect is the lesser of 20 or your maximum total benefit divided by your weekly benefit amount.

What is the base period in Missouri?

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. Your highest-earning quarter within that period drives your weekly benefit, and your total base-period wages help determine how long benefits last.

Why is this only an estimate?

Actual eligibility depends on whether you have wages in at least two quarters, meet minimum earnings tests, were separated through no fault of your own, and remain able and available for work. This tool applies the dollar formula only and does not verify those eligibility rules.

Missouri Unemployment Benefit Estimator

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The Missouri Unemployment Benefit Estimator projects your weekly UI payment. Missouri pays 4.0% of your highest base-period quarter wages as your weekly benefit amount (WBA), capped at the state maximum of $320 per week, for up to 20 weeks.

How it works

Missouri ties your benefit to your best earning quarter:

WBA            = highest-quarter wages x 4.0%   (rounded down, max $320)
max by weeks   = WBA x 20
max by wages   = total base-period wages / 3
max benefit    = the lesser of the two
weeks          = max benefit / WBA   (no more than 20)

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. The highest-earning quarter sets your weekly amount, while your total base-period wages cap your overall payout at one third of those wages.

Example and notes

A claimant whose best quarter was $9,000 with $30,000 in total base wages:

WBA before cap: 9,000 x 4% = $360
WBA after $320 cap: $320
max by weeks: 320 x 20 = $6,400
max by wages: 30,000 / 3 = $10,000
max benefit: $6,400  ->  20 weeks of $320

A best quarter above $8,000 already hits the $320 weekly cap.
You must have wages in two or more quarters to qualify.
Separation reason and ongoing availability also affect eligibility.
Estimate only — runs entirely in your browser.