Every state can restrict the amount of unemployment benefits you receive in a given benefit year. The maximum can be calculated on one of two methods. One limitation is tied to your weekly benefit amount. It can only be between eight and thirty times your benefit amount. Secondly is there can be a cap of benefits at between 25% and 100% of your base period earnings. Your unemployment benefit amount can be reduced due to partial employment, pension or retirement pay. Most people feel that they can receive unemployment benefits for 26 weeks however the amount you make during that timeframe also comes into play.