How Much Are Missouri Unemployment Benefits?

Unemployment insurance provides a temporary financial safety net for individuals out of work through no fault of their own. It offers monetary assistance while a person actively seeks new employment. Understanding how these benefits are determined and received in Missouri can provide clarity during a job transition.

Understanding Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Missouri, individuals must meet specific criteria related to their work history and availability for employment. Job separation must occur through no fault of the claimant, such as a layoff or reduction in force. Voluntarily quitting a job without good cause or being discharged for misconduct disqualifies an individual from receiving benefits.

Monetary eligibility relies on wages earned during a “base period,” defined as the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before a claim is filed. During this period, a claimant must have earned at least $2,250, with a minimum of $1,500 in one quarter and $750 in the remaining quarters. Alternatively, total base period wages must be at least 1.5 times the wages earned in the highest quarter, or at least $19,500 across two quarters.

Individuals must also be able, available, and actively seeking new employment. This includes being physically and mentally capable of working and demonstrating a genuine effort to find a job. Claimants must make at least three work search activities each week, such as submitting applications or contacting employers. Registration with the state’s job services is also required to maintain eligibility.

Determining Your Weekly Benefit Amount

The weekly benefit amount (WBA) in Missouri is calculated based on a claimant’s past earnings during the base period. The WBA is 4% of the average of the two highest-earning quarters within that base period. For instance, if the average of your two highest quarters was $8,000, your weekly benefit would be $320 (4% of $8,000).

Missouri sets a maximum weekly benefit of $320, regardless of past earnings. The minimum weekly benefit a claimant can receive is $35.

For example, if a calculated WBA is $350, the claimant receives the maximum $320 per week. If the calculation results in a WBA of $30, the claimant receives the minimum $35 per week. There are no additional allowances for dependents in Missouri that would increase the weekly benefit amount.

Factors Affecting Your Total Benefit

The total amount of unemployment benefits an individual receives is influenced by several factors. In Missouri, the standard maximum duration for receiving unemployment benefits is 20 weeks within a benefit year.

Benefits can be reduced or delayed by certain types of income or financial arrangements. If a claimant works part-time while receiving benefits, Missouri disregards $20 or 20% of the weekly benefit amount, whichever is greater, from their earnings; any amount above this disregard reduces the weekly benefit dollar-for-dollar. While some severance pay may not immediately impact benefits, other types of severance or pension payments can delay or reduce the total amount received. Additionally, unemployment benefits are subject to garnishment for outstanding obligations, such as child support payments, with up to 50% of the weekly benefits potentially intercepted.

Unemployment benefits are considered taxable income at both the federal and state levels. Claimants will receive a Form 1099-G detailing the total benefits received, which must be reported on federal and state income tax returns. Individuals have the option to voluntarily have a flat 10% of their federal taxes withheld from their weekly payments by submitting Form W-4V. In Missouri, unemployment benefits are subject to state income tax, with the current top tax rate at 4.8% for income above $8,911, and the first $1,273 of income being tax-exempt.

Receiving Your Benefits

Once eligibility and weekly benefit amount are determined, receiving payments involves ongoing procedural steps. A mandatory requirement is to file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits. These weekly certifications require claimants to report any earnings from work, even if payment has not yet been received, and to confirm their continued availability for work and work search activities.

Benefits are disbursed through electronic methods, offering claimants a choice between direct deposit into an existing bank account or a Money Network® Visa debit card. Direct deposit allows for funds to be transferred directly to a checking or savings account. For those without a bank account or who prefer a dedicated card, the state-issued debit card provides a convenient way to access funds.

Maintaining eligibility for ongoing payments involves consistently adhering to work search requirements and promptly reporting any income. Claimants must keep a detailed record of their job search activities, as they may be required to provide this information. Promptly responding to any requests for information from the state’s Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is also important to ensure uninterrupted benefit payments.