What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Pennsylvania?

$605 a week as of July 1, 2026; the minimum is $68.

How many weeks of unemployment can you get in Pennsylvania?

Up to 26 weeks (18-26 weeks depending on base-period wages).

Does Pennsylvania have a waiting week for unemployment?

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

How do I file for unemployment in Pennsylvania?

File an initial claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation at https://www.pa.gov/services/dli/apply-for-unemployment-compensation-benefits.

Pennsylvania unemployment benefits

In Pennsylvania, unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks and pay up to $605 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is an unpaid waiting week, and you file with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation.

By Justin KullaLast updated October 6, 2026

Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.

File a claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation →

Pennsylvania benefits at a glance

Pennsylvania unemployment insurance facts, with sources
Maximum weekly benefit	$605source, July 1, 2026
Minimum weekly benefit	$68source, July 1, 2026
Maximum weeks of benefits	26 weeks (18-26 weeks depending on base-period wages)source, July 1, 2026
Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate	Nosource, July 1, 2026
Unpaid waiting week	Yessource, October 6, 2026
Severance pay	The weekly benefit is reduced by the severance pay attributed to the week. The amount attributed is total severance minus 40% of the state average annual wage (as of June 30 of the prior year); if that is zero or less, there is no reduction.source, January 1, 2023
Pay in lieu of notice	Check with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation
Work-search requirement	Claimants must complete at least 2 applications and 1 search activity work search activities per week.source, January 1, 2023
Extended benefits	Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026
How to file	the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation 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 Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation.

Severance and unemployment in Pennsylvania

Severance pay: The weekly benefit is reduced by the severance pay attributed to the week. The amount attributed is total severance minus 40% of the state average annual wage (as of June 30 of the prior year); if that is zero or less, there is no reduction.

Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): Check with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation.

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 Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation. 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.