💼 Unemployment Benefit Calculator
Calculate your unemployment benefits - Lost Wages Assistance (LWA)
Your regular state unemployment benefit per week (minimum $100/week required for LWA)
LWA provided $300/week for up to 6 weeks (August - September 2020)
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Your Weekly State Benefit
Input your regular weekly unemployment benefit amount from your state. Note: You must receive at least $100/week in state benefits to qualify for LWA.
Enter Number of Weeks
Enter the number of weeks you'll receive unemployment benefits. LWA provided $300/week federal supplement for up to 6 weeks (August - September 2020).
Review Results
See your total unemployment benefits including state benefits and the $300/week LWA supplement if you qualify. The calculator will alert you if you don't meet the minimum benefit requirement.
Formula
Total Benefits = State Benefits + LWA Supplement
State Benefits = Weekly State Benefit × Number of Weeks
LWA Supplement = $300 × Min(Weeks, 6) if State Benefit ≥ $100
LWA Benefits:
• Federal Supplement: $300/week for up to 6 weeks (August - September 2020)
• Eligibility: Minimum $100/week state benefit required
• Funding: FEMA disaster relief funds (not traditional unemployment)
Example Calculation:
If weekly state benefit is $400 (qualifies), for 6 weeks:
• State benefits = $400 × 6 = $2,400
• LWA supplement = $300 × 6 = $1,800
• Total benefits = $2,400 + $1,800 = $4,200
• Average weekly benefit = $4,200 ÷ 6 = $700/week
About Unemployment Benefit Calculator - Lost Wages Assistance (LWA)
This calculator helps you estimate your unemployment benefits under the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. LWA was a temporary program that provided a $300 per week federal supplement to state unemployment benefits for up to 6 weeks (August - September 2020). Unlike the CARES Act's $600/week supplement, LWA had a minimum state benefit requirement of $100/week and was funded through FEMA disaster relief funds rather than traditional unemployment programs.
When to Use This Calculator
- Unemployment Planning: Estimate total unemployment benefits during LWA period
- Eligibility Check: Determine if you qualify for LWA ($100/week minimum)
- Financial Planning: Plan your finances while on unemployment
- Retroactive Calculation: Calculate benefits for the LWA period
LWA Program Details
- $300/week Supplement: Half of the CARES Act's $600/week amount
- Up to 6 Weeks: Available for up to 6 weeks (August - September 2020)
- Minimum Requirement: Must receive at least $100/week in state benefits
- FEMA Funding: Funded through FEMA disaster relief funds
- State Participation: States had to apply and opt-in to the program
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Eligibility Check: Automatically checks if you qualify for LWA
- ✅ Accurate Calculation: Precise benefit calculation with LWA supplement
- ✅ Total Benefits: See combined state and LWA benefits
- ✅ Weekly Breakdown: Understand weekly benefit amounts
- ✅ 100% Free: No registration or payment required
Differences from CARES Act
- Lower Amount: $300/week vs. $600/week in CARES Act
- Shorter Duration: Up to 6 weeks vs. 13 weeks in CARES Act
- Minimum Requirement: $100/week state benefit minimum (CARES Act had no minimum)
- Funding Source: FEMA disaster funds vs. traditional unemployment funding
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lost Wages Assistance (LWA)?
Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) was a temporary program that provided a $300 per week federal supplement to state unemployment benefits for up to 6 weeks from August to September 2020. It was created as a replacement for the CARES Act's $600/week supplement after it expired.
Do I qualify for LWA?
To qualify for LWA, you must receive at least $100 per week in state unemployment benefits. If your state benefit is less than $100/week, you would not be eligible for the $300/week LWA supplement.
How long did LWA last?
LWA was available for up to 6 weeks, from August through September 2020. The exact dates varied by state depending on when each state applied and was approved for the program. Some states received all 6 weeks, while others received fewer weeks depending on when they applied.
Why was LWA only $300/week instead of $600?
LWA was created as a stopgap measure after the CARES Act's $600/week supplement expired in July 2020. It was funded through FEMA disaster relief funds, which had limited availability, so the amount was reduced to $300/week to extend the program's duration.