2026 · Mississippi
Mississippi unemployment benefits
Mississippi pays up to $235 a week for up to 26 weeks, one of the lowest maximums in the country (#51 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Mississippi's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $30 - $235 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (up to 26 (13-26 by earnings)) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | high quarter |
| Taxed by Mississippi? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Mississippi
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $235 a week that hits Mississippi's maximum. Over 26 weeks that's up to $6,110 in total. Mississippi has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Mississippi against its neighbors
Across the border in Arkansas, the weekly cap is $451, $216 a week more than Mississippi's $235. 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: Alabama , Arkansas , Louisiana , Tennessee .
Questions about Mississippi unemployment
How much does Mississippi pay in unemployment?
Between $30 and $235 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (high quarter). The $235 maximum is one of the lowest maximums in the country (#51 of 51).
How long does Mississippi unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeksup to 26 (13-26 by earnings). At the $235 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $6,110. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Mississippi sizes the check off high quarter 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 Mississippi unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Mississippi also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Mississippi unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Mississippi's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) 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 Mississippi severance page.
File with Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES). This is an estimate, Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) determines your actual benefit.
Your Mississippi layoff toolkit
- Mississippi severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Mississippi paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Mississippi 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Mississippi'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.