NH Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your weekly unemployment insurance benefits in New Hampshire.
What is the NH Unemployment Calculator?
The NH Unemployment Calculator is a tool designed to estimate the weekly benefit amount (WBA) an individual may receive from New Hampshire’s unemployment insurance program. When you become unemployed through no fault of your own, this program provides temporary financial assistance. This calculator uses the state’s benefit formula to give you a reliable estimate based on your past earnings, helping you plan your finances during your job search. It’s for anyone who has recently lost their job in New Hampshire and wants to understand what to expect from unemployment benefits.
NH Unemployment Calculator Formula and Explanation
New Hampshire determines your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings in a “base period.” The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file a claim. The state has eligibility requirements: you must have earned at least $2,800 in your base period, and at least $1,400 in two of those quarters.
The weekly benefit amount is calculated as a percentage of your total base period wages, specifically between 1.0% and 1.25% of your total annual earnings, but it cannot exceed a rate based on your highest earning quarter. A simplified and common estimation method is that the WBA is roughly your total base period earnings divided by 100, then adjusted. The final amount is capped at a state maximum of $427 per week and has a minimum of $32 per week.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterly Wages (Q1-Q4) | Gross wages earned in a 3-month calendar quarter. | USD ($) | $0 – $25,000+ |
| Base Period Wages | The sum of wages from the four quarters of your base period. | USD ($) | $2,800 – $100,000+ |
| High Quarter Wages | The highest amount of wages earned in a single quarter of the base period. | USD ($) | $1,400 – $25,000+ |
| Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) | The estimated weekly payment you may receive. | USD ($) | $32 – $427 |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Standard Earner
Let’s say a person had the following earnings in their base period:
- Quarter 1: $9,000
- Quarter 2: $9,500
- Quarter 3: $10,000
- Quarter 4: $9,200
Inputs: Q1=$9000, Q2=$9500, Q3=$10000, Q4=$9200
Results:
- Total Base Period Wages: $37,700
- High Quarter Wages: $10,000
- Estimated Weekly Benefit Amount: Approximately $377 (This is an estimate as the state uses a detailed benefits table).
Example 2: Lower or Part-Time Earner
Consider someone who worked part-time with more variable income:
- Quarter 1: $3,000
- Quarter 2: $4,000
- Quarter 3: $2,500
- Quarter 4: $3,500
Inputs: Q1=$3000, Q2=$4000, Q3=$2500, Q4=$3500
Results:
- Total Base Period Wages: $13,000
- High Quarter Wages: $4,000
- Estimated Weekly Benefit Amount: Approximately $130.
How to Use This NH Unemployment Calculator
- Find Your Base Period: Identify the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. For instance, if you file in January 2026, your base period is Oct 1, 2024, to Sept 30, 2025.
- Enter Quarterly Wages: Input your total gross (pre-tax) earnings for each of those four quarters into the corresponding fields.
- Click Calculate: Press the “Calculate Benefits” button.
- Review Your Results: The calculator will display your eligibility status, total base period wages, highest quarterly wage, and your estimated weekly benefit amount. The chart will also visualize your earnings per quarter.
Key Factors That Affect NH Unemployment Benefits
- Total Base Period Earnings: This is the primary driver of your benefit amount. Higher total earnings lead to a higher weekly benefit, up to the state maximum.
- High Quarter Earnings: You must have earned at least $1,400 in two separate quarters to be eligible.
- Reason for Separation: To be eligible, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own (e.g., layoff, lack of work). Quitting without good cause or being fired for misconduct can disqualify you.
- Ability and Availability to Work: You must be physically able to work and actively seeking new employment each week you claim benefits.
- State Maximum/Minimum: Your benefit amount cannot be higher than $427 per week or lower than $32 per week, regardless of your past earnings.
- Part-Time Earnings: If you work part-time while collecting benefits, your weekly payment may be reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a “base period”?
A base period in New Hampshire is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim for unemployment. Your earnings during this one-year period determine your eligibility and benefit amount.
2. How long can I receive unemployment benefits in NH?
You may receive benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks in a benefit year.
3. What are the minimum earnings required to qualify?
You must have earned at least $2,800 in your entire base period, with at least $1,400 earned in two of those quarters.
4. Does having dependents increase my benefit amount?
New Hampshire law does allow for a dependency allowance in some cases, but it is not a significant amount and specific conditions apply. This calculator provides an estimate of the base benefit amount.
5. Will I get a payment the first week I file?
No, the first week you are eligible is a waiting week, for which no benefits are paid.
6. What if I was a federal employee or in the military?
Special rules apply. You can use your federal or military wages to establish a claim in New Hampshire. You will need documents like your W-2 or pay stubs when you file.
7. Can I still get benefits if I was fired?
It depends on the reason. If you were fired for willful misconduct, you will likely be disqualified. If it was for a reason not constituting misconduct (e.g., not meeting performance standards), you may still be eligible.
8. What happens if my calculation shows a result of $0 or ‘Not Eligible’?
This means that based on the wages you entered, you do not meet the minimum monetary requirements set by the state of New Hampshire. Double-check your wage entries and the base period dates.