Mississippi Unemployment Benefit Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for unemployment benefits in Mississippi, you must meet the following requirements:

Earned Wages Requirements

  • You must have worked in at least two quarters of your base period.
  • You must have earned at least $780 in the highest quarter of your base period.
  • You must have earned forty (40) times your weekly benefit amount in your base period.

Other Eligibility Requirements

  • You must be unemployed through no fault of your own.
  • You must be able to work, mentally and physically.
  • You must be available to work full time.
  • You must be registered with MDES Online Services.
  • You must file a weekly claim as required.
  • You must be willing to accept full-time work.
  • You must have transportation and childcare arrangements.
  • You cannot have any barriers or conditions that prevent you from accepting work immediately.

Weekly Benefit Amount

The maximum Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) allowed in Mississippi is $235.00. Your WBA is based on the total wages in the highest quarter of your Base Period and by dividing that amount by 26. The minimum WBA in Mississippi is $30.00.

Benefit Duration

The maximum number of weeks you can receive unemployment benefits in Mississippi is 26 weeks. However, the actual number of weeks you receive benefits will depend on your earnings and work history.

How to File a Claim

You can file a claim for unemployment benefits online, by phone, or in person. To file a claim online, you must first register with MDES Online Services. You can then file your claim by visiting the MDES website and following the instructions. To file a claim by phone, call the MDES Contact Center at 601-493-9427. To file a claim in person, visit your nearest MDES Career Center.

Additional Information

For more information about unemployment benefits in Mississippi, please visit the MDES website or call the MDES Contact Center.

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