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Unemployment Benefits Weekly benefit amounts are based upon your previous earnings. States individually set the maximum weekly benefit amount, as well as the maximum length of time you are eligible to receive benefits. In Louisiana, the maximum number of weeks that you can receive unemployment benefits is 26 weeks per 12-month period. The maximum weekly unemployment benefit amount in Louisiana is $275 a week as of January 2, 2022.

You must remain eligible/qualified for benefits during every week in which you file a claim to be paid unemployment benefits. You may work part-time while receiving unemployment benefits, but a portion of those earnings may be deducted from your weekly benefit amount.

Unemployment benefits are subject to federal income taxes and must be reported on your income tax return. Louisiana taxes unemployment benefits to the same extent as they are taxed under federal law. If you choose, you can have federal income taxes withheld from your unemployment benefit check.