Connecticut Unemployment Calculator: WBA, Eligibility & Duration

What Is the Connecticut Unemployment Calculator?

The Connecticut Unemployment Calculator is an online tool that estimates how much you may receive in unemployment benefits before you officially apply with the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL).

By entering details like your:

• Claim start date
• Quarterly wages (income earned during each of the last four quarters)
• Number of dependents

…the calculator gives you an estimate of:

• Your weekly benefit amount (WBA)
• Your maximum benefit amount (MBA)
• The duration of your benefits
• The base period used for calculations

Important: This is only an estimate. Your actual benefit is determined by CTDOL after you file a claim.

How the Calculator Works

The calculator uses Connecticut’s unemployment rules to figure out your possible benefits. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Base Period Selection
   • The base period is 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, the calculator checks the alternate base period (the last four completed quarters).
2. Wage Inputs
   • You enter your gross wages (before taxes) for each quarter.
   • The calculator looks at your two highest-earning quarters to figure out your benefit rate.
3. Benefit Formula
   • Your weekly benefit is based on your average earnings.
   • Connecticut sets a minimum ($15) and maximum ($757) weekly benefit amount.
   • You may get an additional $25 per dependent (up to five dependents).
4. Eligibility Check
   • You must have earned enough wages to qualify.
   • For example, your total base period wages must equal at least 40 times your weekly benefit rate.
5. Results
   • Weekly benefit amount (with and without dependents)
   • Maximum benefit amount for the year
   • Duration (up to 26 weeks for most cases)

Why Use the Connecticut Unemployment Calculator?

Life after job loss can feel uncertain. This calculator gives you a clearer picture of what to expect. Here’s why it’s useful:

• Financial Planning – Know in advance how much support you may receive so you can budget.
• Quick Estimates – Skip complicated formulas and get results instantly.
• Eligibility Clarity – See if you might qualify under the standard or alternate base period.
• Dependents Factor – Easily calculate how dependents affect your benefits.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Calculator

1. Pick your claim start date
   • The calculator automatically updates your base period based on this date.
2. Enter your wages
   • Fill in each quarter with your gross earnings. Example: Q1 = $8,000, Q2 = $8,500, etc.
3. Select dependents
   • Choose the number of dependents you’re claiming (0–5).
4. Click “Calculate Estimate”
   • Instantly see your estimated weekly benefit, total benefits, and duration.
5. Review results
   • If you’re ineligible under the standard base period, the tool may ask for additional wages to check the alternate base period.
6. File with CTDOL
   • Once you know your estimate, file your official unemployment claim with the state to confirm.

Key Takeaways

• The Connecticut Unemployment Calculator is a free online tool that estimates your unemployment benefits.
• It factors in your wages, claim date, and dependents to calculate eligibility.
• Connecticut’s maximum weekly benefit is $757, plus $25 per dependent (up to five).
• Results are estimates. Your final determination comes from the Connecticut Department of Labor.