What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Louisiana?

$282 a week as of July 1, 2026; the minimum is $35.

How many weeks of unemployment can you get in Louisiana?

Up to 12 weeks (12-20 weeks depending on the state unemployment rate, updated each January and July; 12 weeks for claims filed July-December 2026).

Does Louisiana have a waiting week for unemployment?

Yes. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week.

How do I file for unemployment in Louisiana?

File an initial claim with the Louisiana Works at https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire/.

Louisiana unemployment benefits

In Louisiana, unemployment benefits last up to 12 weeks (fewer when the state unemployment rate is low) and pay up to $282 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is an unpaid waiting week, and you file with the Louisiana Works.

By Justin KullaLast updated October 6, 2026

Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.

File a claim with the Louisiana Works →

Louisiana benefits at a glance

Louisiana unemployment insurance facts, with sources
Maximum weekly benefit	$282source, July 1, 2026
Minimum weekly benefit	$35source, July 1, 2026
Maximum weeks of benefits	12 weeks (12-20 weeks depending on the state unemployment rate, updated each January and July; 12 weeks for claims filed July-December 2026)source, July 1, 2026
Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate	Yessource, July 1, 2026
Unpaid waiting week	Yessource, October 6, 2026
Severance pay	The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment. The reduction lasts not less than 1 week for each week of severance pay a base-period employer provided that equals or exceeds the WBA.source, January 1, 2023
Pay in lieu of notice	The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.source, January 1, 2023
Work-search requirement	Claimants must complete at least 3 new; 1 for union members work search activities per week.source, January 1, 2023
Extended benefits	Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026
How to file	the Louisiana Works source, October 6, 2026

Weekly amounts exclude dependents’ allowances. Severance, pay in lieu of notice and work-search entries dated January 1, 2023 come from the Department of Labor’s latest Comparison of State UI Laws, which reflects state law on that date; confirm them with the Louisiana Works.

Severance and unemployment in Louisiana

Severance pay: The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment. The reduction lasts not less than 1 week for each week of severance pay a base-period employer provided that equals or exceeds the WBA.

Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment.

File as soon as you are out of work even if you received severance. The agency decides how payments affect your claim, and most states pay only from the week you file.

Local workforce boards in Louisiana

Public workforce boards run American Job Centers, which offer free help with job search, training and benefits.

If you’re a laid-off professional

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws and Comparison of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, the DOL Extended Benefits trigger notice, and the Louisiana Works. Where official sources disagree or a figure could not be confirmed, this page says to check with the agency rather than estimate. Rules change; the agency’s decision on your claim is what counts. See our editorial standards.