Weekly benefit amount and weeks in Montana

The weekly benefit

Weekly benefit

$238–$805

Maximum: new claims establishing a benefit year on or after July 1, 2026

How it is figured

Your weekly benefit amount is 1% of your total base-period wages or 1.9% of your wages in the two highest-paid quarters, whichever is higher, rounded down to the dollar. It cannot be less than the minimum or more than the maximum, which are set each July from the state's average weekly wage. For new claims from July 1, 2026, the range is $238 to $805.

Official

Official table or notice

Law: Mont. Code Ann. 39-51-2201

The wage test

Your total base-period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter and at least 7% of the state's average annual wage. Or your total base-period wages must be at least 50% of the state's average annual wage.

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the week you file. If you do not qualify with it, the UI Division uses an alternate base period.

The state's wage tests

• Base-period wages at least 1.5 times your highest quarter and at least 7% of the state average annual wage — Total base-period wages at least 7% of the state's average annual wage
• Base-period wages at least 50% of the state average annual wage — Total base-period wages at least 50% of the state's average annual wage

Law: Mont. Code Ann. 39-51-2105

Official source: Source page

How long it lasts

Up to 24 weeks.

The number of weeks depends on how evenly your wages were spread: your total base-period wages divided by your highest quarter. A ratio under 1.25 gives 8 weeks, and each step of 0.25 adds 2 weeks, up to 24 weeks at a ratio of 3.00 or more. Your maximum benefit amount is your weekly benefit amount times that number of weeks.

Law: Mont. Code Ann. 39-51-2204

Official source: Source page

Waiting week

The first week you are eligible is your waiting week. You must request payment for it and meet all requirements, but it is not paid. There is only one waiting week per benefit year.

Law: Mont. Code Ann. Title 39, ch. 51, part 21

Official source: Source page

Working part time

You may get partial benefits if you work less than full time. You can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount without a reduction. After that, your payment is reduced by 50 cents for each dollar you earn. You are not unemployed in a week you work 40 hours or more.

Earnings not deducted (as the data states it)

An amount equal to 25% of your earnings that week is not deducted.

Law: Mont. Code Ann. 39-51-2202, 39-51-2101

Official source: Source page

What applies in every state

• You must have earned enough wages, or worked enough, during a period called the base period. In most states it is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file.
• It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to get your first payment. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week you claim is the first week paid.
• Unemployment benefits count as income for federal income tax. You must report them on your federal tax return.

  Law: 26 U.S.C. 85(a)

Free help

Call 1-406-444-2545. Legal aid and other free help in Montana → Official sources →