Alabama Unemployment Calculator.
Estimate your weekly benefit using Alabama Department of Labor's official 2026 formula.
Alabama Calculator
Alabama Benefits — 2026
How Alabama calculates your benefit.
Alabama uses the Highest Quarter ÷ 26 method to determine your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA). The calculation uses wages from your base period — typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.
Formula
1. Find the highest-earning quarter
2. Divide by 26
3. Apply min ($45) / max ($275) caps
WBA = max($45, min(HQ ÷ 26, $275))
Base Period
Standard: First 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing. If you file in May 2026, your base period is Jan–Dec 2025.
Eligibility requirements.
Minimum earnings: You must have earned at least $1,500 during your base period.
1.5× rule: Total base period earnings must be at least 1.5× your highest quarter wages.
Job separation: Must have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, position eliminated).
Able and available: You must be physically able to work and actively seeking employment.
Ready to file in Alabama?
File online at Alabama Department of Labor
Estimates only. Actual benefits determined by Alabama Department of Labor based on official wage records. Data sourced from DOL Significant Provisions · Last verified 2026-01-15 · Not affiliated with any government agency.