State law determines how long unemployment benefits last. In the past, virtually all states offered up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. In recent years, however, some states have shortened these entitlements.
In Montana, you can receive unemployment benefits for up to 24 weeks. The duration of benefits depends on how much of your total base period earnings you earned in the highest paid quarter: You will receive benefits for a longer period of time if you earned significant wages outside of the highest paid quarter of the base period.
If you are still unemployed when your Montana benefits run out, you may be eligible for extended benefits. These benefits are available for an extra 13 to 20 weeks (depending on your state's rules) during times of high unemployment. See How Long Will My Unemployment Benefits Last in Montana for details on these programs.