how does the gov't figure out how much money to pay in UI? (collect, file)

[FFestus]

I've heard of people collecting up to $550 a week, but most people I know who are collecting receive around $350 a week.

[Braunwyn]

In MA it maxes out around $600/wk. I think it's roughly 50% of your weekly salary until you reach the max.

[Ariadne22]

Originally Posted by FFestus

Does everyone collecting UI get paid between $300 and $400 a week depending on their salary?

Benefit rates vary by state. Some states pay a maximum benefit of over $940 a week including dependent allowances, others have a maximum benefit as low as $230 week. Cost of living is a factor. Eastern Seaboard states like MA and NJ are very high. For low paid workers in the south, benefits are in the area of $130-$150 week, if they are lucky.

Good link here:

Unemployment Benefits Comparison by State | File Unemployment

[diorgirl]

Originally Posted by FFestus

I've heard of people collecting up to $550 a week, but most people I know who are collecting receive around $350 a week.

Weekly unemployment benefits are generally 50%-60% of your former weekly wage. However, each state also sets its own maximum weekly dollar benefit.

So the maximum you can collect depends on both the percentage of your earned salary and the weekly dollar max set for benefits payments by your state.