5 States With the Worst Unemployment Benefits in 2024

In this article, we will take a look at the 5 states with the worst unemployment benefits in 2024. If you would like to read our discussion on the US economy, you can go to the 15 States With the Worst Unemployment Benefits in 2024.

5. Alaska

Weighted Average Score: 5.7

Alaska is among the top 5 least favorable states for the unemployed, primarily due to its lower-than-average unemployment benefits. The state’s unemployment rate stood at 4.5% as of December 2023, surpassing the national unemployment rate. Despite this, Alaska has forecasted modest job growth in the year 2024.

4. Louisiana

Weighted Average Score: 5.5

Louisiana has the lowest average unemployment benefits than any other state at $192. The job market in the state is not particularly strong, with an unemployment rate of around 3.5%. This is still the lowest ever recorded for Louisiana. Recently, a new bill was proposed in the state. According to the provisions of the bill, when the unemployment rate in the state is below 5%, laid-off workers could claim up to 12 weeks of insurance benefits. This marks a significant reduction from the existing law, which allows the unemployed to claim up to 26 weeks of jobless benefits.

3. North Carolina

Weighted Average Score: 5.4

In North Carolina, a person can only receive unemployment benefits for a maximum of 20 weeks. This is lower than the maximum duration of 26 weeks practiced in many states. Moreover, the unemployment rate in the state stands at 3.5%, the lowest in decades.

2. Arizona

Weighted Average Score: 5.1

Citizens of Arizona who qualify for unemployment insurance will find themselves receiving some of the lowest benefits in the country. Unemployment benefits in Arizona are also more difficult to access than in many other states. The weekly unemployment benefits in Arizona are among the lowest rates in the nation. To qualify, workers must have been employed for at least 30 hours per week at minimum wage previously, which excludes many part-time workers from receiving assistance.

1. Florida

Weighted Average Score: 4.5

Florida is in first place on our list of states with the worst unemployment benefits. While the state has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, it is among the top 5 states with the lowest weekly payouts. In Florida, the weekly benefit amount is determined as 1/26 of the earnings in the highest quarter of the base period. The minimum weekly benefit amount an individual in Florida could receive is $32, while the maximum is $275.

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