The math behind the estimate.
How we turn covered wages into an estimate, apply limits and distinguish calculation from eligibility.
Start with covered gross pay
The quick unemployment estimate assumes the same gross weekly wage across four 13-week quarters. Salary pages divide annual pay by 52. Actual quarterly inputs replace that assumption. Weeks worked and hours can affect monetary requirements in some states.
Apply the state’s formula
The engine uses the state’s highest-quarter divisor, average-wage percentage or exact benefit table. It then applies rounding, weekly limits, modeled dependents and duration. A monetary check can produce zero even when the formula would otherwise produce a positive number.
Separate the award from this week’s payment
Part-time earnings and some statutory reductions affect the payment after the weekly award is calculated. Results explain these steps. Taxes, offsets, child support, overpayments and agency adjustments are not included unless explicitly shown.
Use the relevant rate period
Workers’ compensation limits depend on the injury date. Disability and paid-leave formulas depend on the selected program. Older or future rate periods must be checked with the agency; the engine does not invent future figures.
Check the evidence
Each modeled rule records an official source, effective date and retrieval date. Tests include independent agency examples or statutory table cases. Unverified state rules are excluded from search indexing and sitemaps while review is underway.
Understand the limit of an estimate
A calculator cannot determine covered employment, the reason for separation, medical certification, ongoing availability, fraud, offsets or a claim decision. The state agency or insurer controls the actual award and payment schedule.