Weekly benefit amount and weeks in Nebraska

The weekly benefit

Weekly benefit

up to $582

Maximum: benefit years beginning in 2026 (set each year at half of the state average weekly wage)

How it is figured

NDOL takes the quarter in your base period when you earned the most, divides it by 13, then divides by 2. The result is rounded down to the nearest even whole dollar. The maximum in 2026 is $582.

Official

Official table or notice

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. sec. 48-624

The wage test

You must have earned at least the yearly minimum in total base-period wages, with at least $1,850 in one quarter and at least $800 in another quarter. The yearly minimum is adjusted every January 1 for inflation (NDOL lists $5,297 for 2025). If you had an earlier claim, you must also have earned at least six times that claim's weekly benefit amount in insured work since you filed it.

NDOL uses your wages in your base period (the 12 to 18 months before you file). The standard base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim. If you do not qualify with it, NDOL checks the alternative base period: the last four completed calendar quarters.

The state's wage tests

• At least $1,850 in one quarter and $800 in another quarter, and total base-period wages of at least the yearly minimum (adjusted each January 1; $5,297 for 2025) — Total base-period wages must meet a minimum that is adjusted each January 1 by the change in the Consumer Price Index; NDOL lists $5,297 for 2025. A second claim also needs insured wages of at least 6 x the previous weekly benefit amount.

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. secs. 48-602(2), 48-627.01

Official source: Source page

Estimate your weekly benefit

Enter the gross wages (before taxes) you were paid in each quarter of your base period. We apply the state's own formula to your numbers.

The state's formula: your highest quarter × 50% ÷ 13, rounded down to a multiple of $2; at most $582

How long it lasts

Up to 26 weeks.

The most you can get in your benefit year is the lower of 26 times your weekly benefit amount or one-third of your base-period wages. If you quit without good cause, your total is cut by 13 times your weekly amount; if you were fired for misconduct, it is cut by 14 times your weekly amount.

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. sec. 48-626(3), (4)

Official source: Source page

Waiting week

The first week after you file is an unpaid waiting week. You must file a weekly claim for it, but you will not be paid for it. Nebraska law requires it.

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. sec. 48-627(4)

Official source: Source page

Working part time

You can work part time and still get partial benefits. Earnings up to one-fourth of your weekly benefit amount do not reduce your payment; earnings above that are subtracted from your weekly benefit, and the result is rounded down to a whole dollar. If you earn more than your weekly benefit amount, you are not paid that week and must reopen your claim.

Earnings not deducted (as the data states it)

An amount equal to 25% of your weekly benefit amount is not deducted.

Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. sec. 48-625(1)

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 402-458-2500. Legal aid and other free help in Nebraska → Official sources →