Unemployment Benefits Estimator — North Dakota

Unemployment Benefits Estimator in North Dakota

North Dakota adds your two-and-a-half highest base-period quarters, divides by 65, and reads the result off a chart that converts wage totals directly into weekly amounts — $43 a week at $2,795 of qualifying wages, rising to $800 at $52,000 and above. Duration comes from a second ratio: total base-period wages divided by high-quarter wages, where 1.50 to 2.29 pays 12 weeks and 3.20 or more pays the full 26, with steps of two weeks in between. So a concentrated earnings history costs you weeks even at a high weekly rate. One unpaid waiting week applies. North Dakota SNAP uses broad-based categorical eligibility at 200% FPL. Apply at https://jobsnd.com

Unemployment Benefits in North Dakota: Weekly Amounts and How Long They Last

North Dakota pays a weekly unemployment benefit of between $43 and $800. 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. North Dakota computes it this way — Add your two-and-a-half highest base-period quarters and divide by 65; the chart converts that wage total directly into a weekly amount, from $43 at $2,795 of qualifying wages up to $800 at $52,000 and above.

These amounts apply to claims filed on or after July 5, 2026. North Dakota did not apply them retroactively to claims that were already open. If your claim began before July 5, 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: $43 to $800
• Weeks payable: up to 26 weeks; the payable range runs 12 to 26 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 5, 2026

How North Dakota decides how many weeks you get: Weeks are set by the ratio of total base-period wages to high-quarter wages: 1.50-2.29 pays 12 weeks, 2.30-2.44 pays 14, 2.45-2.59 pays 16, 2.60-2.74 pays 18, 2.75-2.89 pays 20, 2.90-3.04 pays 22, 3.05-3.19 pays 24, and 3.20 or more pays 26.

Source and date: these North Dakota figures were verified on August 2, 2026 against Job Service North Dakota, Unemployment Benefit Chart, 'Computation of Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) - Benefit Schedule 7/5/2026 - 7/3/2027'; JSND Unemployment Insurance Claimant Guide (JSND-4003) for the waiting week, and are the amounts that agency shows as in effect since July 5, 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 North Dakota

North Dakota 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 North Dakota is $975. You can apply online at https://hhs.nd.gov or by calling 211.

Medicaid in North Dakota

North Dakota 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://hhs.nd.gov/medicaid.

North Dakota Wage Information

The minimum wage in North Dakota is $7.25/hour ($2.13/hour for tipped workers). The median household income is $71,970. North Dakota has a state income tax with a top rate of 2.5%.

Tenant Rights in North Dakota

North Dakota 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://lsnd.org/.

Rent in North Dakota

The median rent in North Dakota is approximately $970/month for a 1-bedroom and $1,152/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. North Dakota does not have rent control.

Important Notes for North Dakota 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 North Dakota agencies before making important decisions. This calculator provides estimates — not guaranteed outcomes.