Mississippi Unemployment Insurance
What to expect if you file for unemployment benefits in Mississippi
Max weekly benefit
$235
Max duration
26 weeks
Max total benefit
$6,110
How benefit is calculated1/26 of high-quarter wages
Waiting weekYes — first week unpaid
StateMississippi (MS)
⚠️ Mississippi has a one-week waiting period. Your first week of unemployment is unpaid — benefits begin in week 2 after your claim is approved.
File for unemployment in Mississippi →About Mississippi unemployment insurance
In Mississippi, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $235 and benefits can last up to 26 weeks. Your actual benefit amount depends on your wage history — 1/26 of high-quarter wages.
To qualify, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoffs qualify; quitting or being fired for cause typically does not). You must be actively searching for work each week you claim benefits.
File as soon as possible after your last day — there is typically a 2–4 week processing delay between filing and receiving your first payment. Mississippi also requires a one-week waiting period before benefits begin.