Unemployment Benefits Estimator — Montana

Unemployment Benefits Estimator in Montana

Montana pays the greater of 1% of total base-period wages or 1.9% of wages in your two highest quarters, rounded down, with the ceiling set at 67.5% of the state average weekly wage and the floor at 20% of it while contribution Schedule I is in effect. That produces the current $238-to-$805 band. Regular benefits are capped at 24 weeks rather than the 26 most states use, and the actual number comes off a weighted schedule comparing base-period wages to high-quarter wages, so the payable range starts as low as 8 weeks. One unpaid waiting week applies. Montana's SNAP program uses broad-based categorical eligibility at 200% FPL. File at https://dli.mt.gov/

Unemployment Benefits in Montana: Weekly Amounts and How Long They Last

Montana pays a weekly unemployment benefit of between $238 and $805. Those are the statutory floor and ceiling, not an estimate of what you personally would receive: your weekly benefit amount is calculated from the wages in your base period, and the maximum is reached only if those wages were high enough. Montana computes it this way — The greater of 1% of total base-period wages or 1.9% of wages in your two highest quarters, rounded down; capped at 67.5% of the state average weekly wage and floored at 20% of it while contribution Schedule I is in effect (66.5% / 19% under Schedule II or higher).

These amounts apply to claims filed on or after July 1, 2026. Montana did not apply them retroactively to claims that were already open. If your claim began before July 1, 2026, it keeps the weekly benefit amount that was in force on the day you filed, for the life of that claim — so do not assume the figures above describe a claim you already have. Your monetary determination letter shows the rate your claim was actually set at.

• Weekly benefit range: $238 to $805
• Weeks payable: up to 24 weeks; the payable range runs 8 to 24 weeks, because lower base-period earnings exhaust a claim sooner
• Waiting week: yes — the first otherwise-payable week is unpaid, and you generally still have to file a weekly claim for it
• In effect since: July 1, 2026

How Montana decides how many weeks you get: Montana caps regular benefits at 24 weeks, not 26. The number of weeks is set by a weighted schedule comparing base-period wages to high-quarter wages (US DOL shows an 8-24 week range).

Source and date: these Montana figures were verified on August 2, 2026 against Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Unemployment Insurance Division - Benefits Estimator (current-year constants published in the page's script uid.dli.mt.gov/_files/js/benefits-estimator-calculator.js, block labeled '2026 UPDATES': maxwba 805, minwba 238, state average annual wage 61,987.12); Montana Claimant Handbook (24-week maximum, waiting week); MCA 39-51-2201 via mca.legmt.gov (formula, percentages, July 1 effective rule), and are the amounts that agency shows as in effect since July 1, 2026. Benefit amounts and durations change — many states re-index once a year, and some change duration as the state unemployment rate moves — so check the agency link before relying on a figure. Only your monetary determination letter states your own weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you can actually be paid.

SNAP Benefits in Montana

Montana uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), with a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of 4 in Montana is $975. You can apply online at https://dphhs.mt.gov/ or by calling 211.

Medicaid in Montana

Montana has expanded Medicaid under the ACA (State Medicaid). Adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($22,025/year for an individual) are eligible. Apply at https://dphhs.mt.gov/medicaid.

Montana Wage Information

The minimum wage in Montana is $10.85/hour ($5.55/hour for tipped workers). The median household income is $67,631. Montana has a state income tax with a top rate of 5.9%.

Tenant Rights in Montana

Montana requires landlords to give 3 days notice for nonpayment of rent before filing for eviction. The typical eviction process takes approximately 21 days. Free legal aid is available at https://www.mtlsa.org/.

Rent in Montana

The median rent in Montana is approximately $874/month for a 1-bedroom and $1,148/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Montana does not have rent control.

Important Notes for Montana Residents

The data shown above is based on publicly available information and is updated regularly. Benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and legal requirements can change. Always verify current information with your local Montana agencies before making important decisions. This calculator provides estimates — not guaranteed outcomes.