2026 · Montana
Montana unemployment benefits
Montana pays up to $767 a week for up to 24 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#11 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Montana's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $227 - $767 |
| Maximum duration | 24 weeks (8-24 indexed (NOTE: spec's '28' NOT confirmed; DOL ETA caps 24)) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | two high quarters |
| Taxed by Montana? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Montana
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $577 a week (within Montana's $227-$767 range). Over 24 weeks that's up to $13,848 in total. Montana has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Montana against its neighbors
Across the border in North Dakota, the weekly cap is $815, $48 a week more than Montana's $767. 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: Idaho , North Dakota , South Dakota , Wyoming .
Questions about Montana unemployment
How much does Montana pay in unemployment?
Between $227 and $767 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (two high quarters). The $767 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#11 of 51).
How long does Montana unemployment last?
Up to 24 weeks8-24 indexed (NOTE: spec's '28' NOT confirmed; DOL ETA caps 24). At the $767 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $18,408. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Montana 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 Montana unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Montana also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Montana unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Montana's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Montana Department of Labor & Industry before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Montana Department of Labor & Industry 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 Montana severance page.
File with Montana Department of Labor & Industry. This is an estimate, Montana Department of Labor & Industry determines your actual benefit.
Your Montana layoff toolkit
- Montana severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Montana paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Montana 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Montana'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.