Idaho Unemployment Calculator: WBA, Eligibility & Duration

What Is the Idaho Unemployment Calculator?

The Idaho Unemployment Calculator is an online tool that estimates how much unemployment you may qualify for under Idaho law. It uses your reported wages from up to four calendar quarters (three-month periods) to determine:

• Your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) – the amount you could receive each week.
• Your Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA) – the total benefits you could receive in one claim.
• Your Benefit Duration – the number of weeks you may be eligible.
• The Base Period Used – which set of wage quarters Idaho uses to calculate your claim.

Important: The calculator gives an estimate only. The Idaho Department of Labor makes the final decision after you file your official claim.

How the Calculator Works

The calculator applies Idaho’s unemployment eligibility rules. Here’s what it looks at:

1. Base Period
   • Usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim date.
   • If you don’t qualify under the standard base period, an alternate period may be used.
2. High Quarter Wages
   • You must earn at least $1,872 in your highest quarter to be eligible.
3. Two Quarters Rule
   • You must have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period.
4. Total Wages Test
   • Your total base period wages must equal at least 1.25 times your high quarter wages.
5. Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)
   • Calculated as roughly 1/26 of your highest quarter wages.
   • Idaho sets a minimum of $72 and a maximum of $513 per week.
6. Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA)
   • The maximum is the smaller of:
     • 26 weeks × WBA
     • One-third of your total wages in the base period
7. Duration
   • The number of weeks you qualify for is calculated by dividing your MBA by your WBA.

How to Use the Idaho Unemployment Calculator

The calculator is designed to be straightforward. Here’s how you use it:

1. Enter your claim start date.
   This determines your base period. The calculator will automatically label each quarter.
2. Enter your wages for each quarter.
   You’ll see boxes for Quarter 1 through Quarter 4. Enter your gross wages (before taxes).
3. Click “Calculate Estimate.”
   The calculator will display your estimated:
   • Base Period Used
   • Weekly Benefit Amount
   • Maximum Benefit Amount
   • Duration in weeks
4. Review the results.
   If you don’t meet eligibility with the standard base period, the tool may check the alternate base period and prompt you for additional wage info.
5. Use “Reset” if needed.
   You can clear the fields and start again.

Example Scenario

Let’s say you enter the following wages:

• Q1: $6,000
• Q2: $6,500
• Q3: $6,200
• Q4: $6,800

Here’s what the calculator might show:

• Base Period Used: Standard Base Period
• Estimated Weekly Benefit: $230
• Estimated Maximum Benefit Amount: $5,980
• Estimated Duration: 26 weeks

This means you could receive around $230 per week for up to 26 weeks, with a total maximum benefit of $5,980.

Why This Calculator Is Useful

• Quick Estimates: No need to do the math yourself.
• Planning Ahead: Helps you budget during unemployment.
• Eligibility Check: Alerts you if you don’t meet wage or quarter requirements.
• Transparent Rules: Breaks down how Idaho law applies to your situation.

It’s especially helpful before you file a claim so you know what to expect.