How Much Do You Get for Unemployment in Indiana?

Unemployment benefits in Indiana offer a temporary financial safety net for individuals who experience job loss through no fault of their own. These benefits help bridge the gap between employment periods, providing a portion of lost wages while recipients actively seek new work. Understanding how these benefits are determined and what factors can influence payments is important for anyone navigating the unemployment insurance system. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) oversees the administration of these benefits.

Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Indiana, individuals must meet specific monetary and non-monetary criteria. Monetary eligibility depends on past earnings during a “base period,” typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before a claim is filed. During this base period, an applicant must have earned at least $4,200 in total wages. At least $2,500 of those wages must have been earned in the last six months of the base period, and total base period wages must be at least 1.5 times the wages earned in the highest-paid quarter.

Non-monetary conditions also apply. Individuals must be unemployed through no fault of their own, such as being laid off or experiencing a reduction in hours, rather than quitting without good cause or being discharged for misconduct. Claimants must also be physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking new employment. These requirements are a prerequisite before any benefit amount can be calculated.

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit Amount

The weekly unemployment benefit amount in Indiana is determined by a formula based on an individual’s past earnings. For claims filed after June 30, 2025, the calculation considers the highest quarterly wage earnings in the base period, with a maximum of $10,625 in wage credits counted per quarter. The weekly benefit amount is calculated as 5% of the first $2,000 of these wage credits, plus 4% of the wage credits exceeding $2,000.

The maximum weekly benefit amount an individual can receive is $445. An additional weekly benefit of $50 per eligible dependent is available, up to a maximum of $150 for three dependents. The minimum weekly benefit is $50 per week. This calculated amount represents the gross benefit before any potential deductions.

Maximum Benefit Duration

Unemployment benefits in Indiana provide temporary assistance and have a defined duration. An individual can receive unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks within a benefit year. A benefit year is a 52-week period that begins on the Sunday of the week an individual files a valid initial claim for benefits.

The total amount of benefits an individual can receive during this benefit year is capped. This cap is limited to 26 times their weekly benefit amount, or one-third of their total base period wages, whichever figure is less.

Factors Affecting Your Payments

Several factors can influence the amount of unemployment benefits an individual receives or the continuation of those payments. Any part-time or casual earnings obtained while receiving benefits must be reported to the Indiana DWD. These reported earnings will lead to a reduction in the weekly benefit amount. Failing to report income can result in severe penalties, including potential fraud prosecution and the requirement to repay overpayments.

Disqualification periods can also impact benefit receipt. Common reasons for disqualification include voluntarily leaving a job without good cause, being discharged for misconduct, or refusing an offer of suitable work. Unemployment benefits are considered taxable income by the federal government and must be reported on federal tax returns. Indiana also taxes unemployment benefits. Federal income tax withholding at a flat 10% can be requested, but it is not automatic, and individuals are responsible for any taxes owed.