2026 · Louisiana
Louisiana unemployment benefits
Louisiana pays up to $282 a week for up to 12 weeks, one of the lowest maximums in the country (#48 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Louisiana's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $35 - $282 |
| Maximum duration | 12 weeks (12-20, indexed; current 12) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | annual wages |
| Taxed by Louisiana? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Louisiana
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $282 a week that hits Louisiana's maximum. Over 12 weeks that's up to $3,384 in total. Louisiana has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Louisiana against its neighbors
Across the border in Texas, the weekly cap is $605, $323 a week more than Louisiana's $282. 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: Arkansas , Mississippi , Texas .
Questions about Louisiana unemployment
How much does Louisiana pay in unemployment?
Between $35 and $282 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (annual wages). The $282 maximum is one of the lowest maximums in the country (#48 of 51).
How long does Louisiana unemployment last?
Up to 12 weeks12-20, indexed; current 12. At the $282 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $3,384. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Louisiana 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 Louisiana unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Louisiana also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Louisiana unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Louisiana's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Louisiana Workforce Commission before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Louisiana Workforce Commission 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 Louisiana severance page.
File with Louisiana Workforce Commission. This is an estimate, Louisiana Workforce Commission determines your actual benefit.
Your Louisiana layoff toolkit
- Louisiana severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Louisiana paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Louisiana 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Louisiana'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.