Kansas Unemployment Calculator: WBA, Eligibility & Duration

What Is the Kansas Unemployment Calculator?

The Kansas Unemployment Calculator is an interactive tool that uses your employment history and wages to give you an estimate of your unemployment benefits.

It is not an official determination—only the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) can make that after you file a claim. However, this calculator helps you prepare and get a realistic idea of what to expect.

With it, you can:

• Enter your claim start date.
• Input your wages for each quarter in your base period.
• Instantly see an estimated weekly benefit amount (WBA).
• Learn the total benefit amount you may receive.
• Understand the number of weeks you could collect benefits.

How Does It Work?

The calculator follows the same formulas KDOL uses to determine benefits, but in a simplified, user-friendly format.

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Your claim start date determines your “base period.”
   • The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim begins.
   • For example, if your claim starts in October, the base period would cover July of the previous year through June of the current year.
2. Your wages from each quarter are used to calculate your eligibility.
   • You must have wages in at least two quarters.
   • Your total wages must equal at least 30 times your weekly benefit amount.
3. Your highest quarter wages are multiplied by 4.25% to calculate your weekly benefit amount (WBA).
   • Kansas sets a minimum WBA of $147 and a maximum of $589.
4. The calculator estimates your maximum benefit amount (MBA) and the duration (number of weeks) you could receive benefits.

Example: Estimating Kansas Unemployment Benefits

Let’s say you earned the following in your base period:

• Quarter 1: $5,000
• Quarter 2: $5,500
• Quarter 3: $5,200
• Quarter 4: $5,800

Here’s what the calculator does:

• Finds your highest quarter ($5,800).
• Multiplies by 4.25% → $246 weekly benefit.
• Checks if your total wages ($21,500) are at least 30 times your WBA ($7,380). ✅ Eligible.
• Estimates maximum benefits → up to 26 weeks, capped at about $6,396 total.

This gives you a clear, upfront picture before filing with KDOL.

Why Use the Kansas Unemployment Calculator?

Losing a job brings financial uncertainty. This tool helps you:

• Plan ahead for expenses.
• Check eligibility before filing.
• Understand Kansas unemployment rules in simple terms.
• Compare scenarios if you’re considering filing later.

It saves time and reduces confusion about complicated unemployment formulas.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the Kansas Unemployment Calculator is very helpful, remember:

• Results are only estimates. KDOL will review your official wage records.
• Benefit amounts change annually due to adjustments in state law.
• You may also qualify for extensions or federal programs during special circumstances, such as recessions or disasters.

Try the Kansas Unemployment Calculator

Here’s the tool you can use right away:

Kansas Unemployment Calculator – Start Estimating Now

Simply enter your claim start date, add your wages for each quarter, and click Calculate Estimate. In seconds, you’ll see your possible weekly benefit and total unemployment payout.