2026 · Arkansas
Arkansas unemployment benefits
Arkansas pays up to $451 a week for up to 12 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#33 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Arkansas's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $81 - $451 |
| Maximum duration | 12 weeks (9-12, indexed) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | annual wages |
| Taxed by Arkansas? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Arkansas
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $451 a week that hits Arkansas's maximum. Over 12 weeks that's up to $5,412 in total. Arkansas has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Arkansas against its neighbors
Across the border in Oklahoma, the weekly cap is $649, $198 a week more than Arkansas's $451. That gap doesn't mean you can shop for a better rate: benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, not where you live now.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Louisiana , Missouri , Mississippi , Oklahoma , Tennessee , Texas .
Questions about Arkansas unemployment
How much does Arkansas pay in unemployment?
Between $81 and $451 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (annual wages). The $451 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#33 of 51).
How long does Arkansas unemployment last?
Up to 12 weeks9-12, indexed. At the $451 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $5,412. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Arkansas sizes the check off annual wages but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Arkansas unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Arkansas also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Arkansas unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Arkansas's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Arkansas Division of Workforce Services before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Arkansas Division of Workforce Services before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Arkansas severance page.
File with Arkansas Division of Workforce Services. This is an estimate, Arkansas Division of Workforce Services determines your actual benefit.
Your Arkansas layoff toolkit
- Arkansas severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Arkansas paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Arkansas 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Arkansas's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.