Montana Unemployment Benefits (2026): Weekly Amount, Duration & Calculator
As of January 1, 2026, unemployment benefits in Montana range from $227 to $767 per week, payable for 8–24 weeks. Your weekly benefit amount is 1% of base-period wages, or 1.9% of wages in your two highest quarters.
Estimate your weekly benefit
How Montana calculates your benefit
Weekly benefit amount: 1% of base-period wages, or 1.9% of wages in your two highest quarters.
To qualify (earnings requirement): Base-period wages over 1½ × high-quarter wages and total wages over 7% of the state average annual wage; or base-period wages over 50% of the state average annual wage. You must also be unemployed through no fault of your own, and be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work.
Total benefits on the claim: A weighted schedule of base-period wages to high-quarter wages, × WBA.
Working part-time: the Montana partial-benefit rule
If you work reduced hours, Montana disregards part of your earnings before reducing your check: ¼ of your weekly benefit amount. Use the calculator to see what a part-time week would pay.
How Montana compares
Montana's $767 maximum ranks #10 of 53 U.S. jurisdictions. The highest maximums nationally:
- Washington — up to $1,152/week
- Massachusetts — up to $1,105/week
- New Jersey — up to $905/week
- Oregon — up to $872/week
- New York — up to $869/week
See the full state-by-state table.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Montana?
The maximum weekly benefit amount in Montana is $767 as of January 1, 2026, payable for 8–24 weeks.
How is the weekly benefit calculated in Montana?
1% of base-period wages, or 1.9% of wages in your two highest quarters. The result is capped between $227 and $767 per week.
Can I work part-time and still get unemployment in Montana?
Yes, if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount and remain otherwise eligible. Montana disregards the following before reducing your check: ¼ of your weekly benefit amount.
Does severance affect unemployment in Montana?
It depends on how the severance is characterized and paid. Some states delay or reduce benefits during weeks covered by severance or wages in lieu of notice; others do not. Report any severance when you file and let the agency make the determination — see our severance guide for how this generally works.
How long do unemployment benefits last in Montana?
Between 8 and 24 weeks of regular benefits, depending on your earnings history.