Neal Caffrey

Calculators

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Unemployment Calculator: WBA, Eligibility & Duration

New Hampshire Unemployment Calculator

Your base period is determined by the date you file your claim

Estimated Weekly Benefit

Weekly Benefit Amount: $0.00
Based on Highest Quarter: $0.00
Eligibility Status: Checking…
This calculator provides an estimate of your potential unemployment benefits. The actual amount you receive will be determined by the New Hampshire Employment Security. Current minimum weekly benefit is $32, maximum is $427. You must have earned wages in at least two quarters and meet total earnings requirements. Benefit amounts may change annually.

What is the New Hampshire Unemployment Calculator?

The New Hampshire Unemployment Calculator is an online estimator that uses your past wages to figure out whether you’re eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and, if so, how much you may receive.

It is not the official determination—that decision is made by the New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) office after you file your claim—but it provides a reliable snapshot so you can plan ahead.

How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator follows the same rules NHES uses when reviewing claims. Here’s the process broken down:

  1. Enter Your Claim Start Date
    Your benefits are tied to a specific base period. This is a 12-month window in your recent work history that the state uses to calculate wages.
  2. Enter Your Wages for Each Quarter
    You’ll fill in your gross earnings (before taxes) for four quarters. These are three-month periods based on your base year.
  3. Check Eligibility Requirements
    • At least $1,400 in one quarter
    • At least $2,800 total across the base period
    • Wages in at least two separate quarters
  4. Calculate Your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)
    The calculator estimates your WBA as about 1.2% of total base wages, with a minimum of $32 and a maximum of $427 per week.
  5. Review Your Duration and Maximum Benefits
    If you qualify, the calculator shows:
    • Weekly Benefit Amount
    • Maximum Benefit Amount (up to 26 weeks of payments)
    • Which Base Period Was Used (standard or alternate)

Example: Estimating Benefits

Let’s say you earned the following over four quarters:

  • Quarter 1: $6,000
  • Quarter 2: $6,500
  • Quarter 3: $6,200
  • Quarter 4: $6,800

The calculator would recognize that you meet eligibility (since you earned more than the minimums in multiple quarters). Based on the formula, your weekly benefit amount would likely fall close to the higher end, capped at $427 per week, for up to 26 weeks.

That equals a possible $11,102 in total unemployment benefits.

Why Use the Unemployment Calculator?

  • Clarity before filing – Avoid surprises by seeing if you may qualify.
  • Financial planning – Estimate how much you can budget weekly.
  • Time saver – Get results instantly, without waiting on official processing.
  • Confidence when applying – Know what to expect before talking to NHES.

Standard vs. Alternate Base Periods

The calculator also accounts for alternate base periods. If your recent wages don’t qualify you under the standard period, it lets you test an alternate timeframe. This option can sometimes help seasonal workers, new employees, or those with recent gaps in employment qualify for benefits.

Important Disclaimer

While the New Hampshire Unemployment Calculator is accurate for estimates, it is not official. Your actual benefit amount is determined by NHES after reviewing your full claim and wage history. Always file a claim to confirm eligibility.