Unemployed workers can use the Hawaii unemployment calculator to get a sense of how much financial assistance they will receive on a weekly basis after they apply for Hawaii UI benefits. Please note that this tool provides an estimate and UI benefits are not guaranteed.
Hawaii Unemployment Benefits Calculator
The Hawaii Unemployment Calculator is a helpful resource for workers who are seeking Hawaii unemployment benefits. By using this tool, applicants can get an approximate calculation of their weekly UI compensation.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the calculator is only intended as an estimation, and does not guarantee benefits.
How are Hawaii unemployment benefits calculated?
To determine your weekly benefit amount for unemployment benefits, your wages from the highest quarter of your base period are divided by 21. Your weekly benefit amount cannot exceed the yearly maximum weekly benefit amount, which is established by law.
The maximum weekly benefit amount is $763. The minimum weekly benefit amount is $5. Your total benefit amount for the year is calculated by multiplying your weekly benefit amount by 26.
For example, if your highest wages during your base period were $13,286, your weekly benefit amount would be $633. If your highest wage was $16,023 or more, you would qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount of $763.
For example:
- If you make $400 per week in Hawaii, your estimated weekly benefit is $247 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $500 per week in Hawaii, your estimated weekly benefit is $309 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $800 per week in Hawaii, your estimated weekly benefit is $495 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $1000 per week in Hawaii, your estimated weekly benefit is $619 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $1500 per week in Hawaii, your estimated weekly benefit is $763 for up to 26 weeks.
How many weeks do I get Hawaii unemployment benefits?
Your unemployment claim remains valid for one year from the effective date of filing. However, you can only receive unemployment compensation for a maximum of 26 weeks during the one year that your claim is active.
What is a base period?
A base period is used to determine how much you are eligible for unemployment benefits. Your base period consists of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
If the standard base period does not qualify you for benefits, an alternative base period (the last four completed calendar quarters) may be considered.
Are Extended Benefits available?
Hawaii does not currently offer extended benefits for unemployment. Extended Benefit programs are usually only offered when the unemployment rate reaches a certain threshold, though they may also be implemented after a natural disaster occurs, or during times of extenuating economic uncertainty.
Can I work part time and receive benefits?
Individuals who are seeking full-time employment while working on-call, part-time, or intermittently may qualify for partial unemployment benefits.
To be eligible, you must be registered for work with the Hawaii Workforce Development Division or a referring union, available for work, and make weekly job search contacts while claiming benefits.
How do I get paid?
The Hawaii Unemployment Insurance (UI) Division gives unemployed individuals the option to receive UI benefits through direct deposit into a savings or checking account. If your financial institution participates in the direct deposit program, you can opt to have your UI benefits deposited electronically.
Direct deposits offer many benefits for unemployment claimants, including:
- Speed: Reduces delays caused by mailing paper checks through the postal service.
- Safety: Eliminates the risk of paper checks getting lost in the mail, delivered to the wrong address, or stolen.
- Convenience: Reduces the need to visit your financial institution and wait in line to deposit or cash your UI check.
- Free: There are no fees associated with using the electronic transfer system.
If you do not opt into the direct deposit program, your unemployment insurance benefits will be sent to you via a check in the mail.
What can affect my weekly payment amount?
Child support
The Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) is responsible for collecting child support obligations, and has the authority to intercept UI benefits. The amount deducted is determined by orders for income withholding.
Retirement and Pension
You must report any retirement income from private and government employment, including military retirement pensions, as well as disability or non-disability pensions, to the unemployment claims office. Your local claims office will determine if these sources of income should be deducted from your weekly benefit amount.
Earnings from Employment
Gross income (earnings before taxes) from all types of employment, including part-time, intermittent, or on-call work that does not exceed your unemployment weekly benefit amount is deductible. It is your responsibility (as well as your employer) to accurately report your wage every week that you claim benefits, even if you haven’t received payment yet. The first $150 in wages is disregarded, and will not affect your UI benefits.
Do I have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits?
Yes. And you can have these taxes withheld each week—10% for federal taxes and 5% for Hawaii state taxes. To request these withholdings, visit http://uiclaims.hawaii.gov and log in to your online account. From there, click “Tax Withholdings” under “My Account” and follow the instructions.