2026 · Connecticut
Connecticut unemployment benefits
Connecticut pays up to $721 a week for up to 26 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#15 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Connecticut's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $44 - $721 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (uniform 26; max frozen $721 through Oct 2028) |
| Waiting week | No waiting week |
| How it's figured | two high quarters |
| Taxed by Connecticut? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Connecticut
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $577 a week (within Connecticut's $44-$721 range). Over 26 weeks that's up to $15,002 in total. Connecticut has no waiting week, benefits can start from your first eligible week.
Connecticut against its neighbors
Across the border in Massachusetts, the weekly cap is $1,105, $384 a week more than Connecticut's $721. 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: Massachusetts , New York , Rhode Island .
Questions about Connecticut unemployment
How much does Connecticut pay in unemployment?
Between $44 and $721 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (two high quarters). The $721 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#15 of 51).
How long does Connecticut unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeksuniform 26; max frozen $721 through Oct 2028. At the $721 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $18,746. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Connecticut sizes the check off two high quarters 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 Connecticut unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Connecticut also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Connecticut unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Connecticut's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Connecticut Department of Labor before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Connecticut Department of Labor 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 Connecticut severance page.
File with Connecticut Department of Labor. This is an estimate, Connecticut Department of Labor determines your actual benefit.
Your Connecticut layoff toolkit
- Connecticut severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Connecticut paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Connecticut 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Connecticut'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.