Alabama Unemployment Application

Alabama Unemployment

Apply Online

  • CALL: 1-866-234-5382 (7am – 5pm, Mon. – Fri.) to file an Unemployment Compensation Claim.
  • To file an Unemployment Compensation Claim (TTY/TDD) dial 1-800-499-2035 (7am – 5pm, Mon. – Fri.)
  • To contact the Inquiry Line regarding an existing claim call 1-800-361-4524 (7am – 5pm, Mon. – Fri.)

Visit an Alabama Career Center


If you have recently lost your job in Alabama, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Applying for Alabama unemployment compensation may seem overwhelming, but with the right information and guidance, you can successfully file a claim and receive UI benefits.

How to apply for Alabama unemployment compensation

There are two ways to apply for unemployment benefits in Alabama: online or by phone.

Apply online

To apply online, visit the ADOL claims portal. Select “Establish a New or Reopen an Unemployment Claim” and click “Continue.” You will be asked to provide a variety of information about your work history, earnings, and the reason you became unemployed.

Apply by phone

To apply using the phone, call 866-234-5382.

Your call will be answered by an electronic Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. After answering some initial questions, you will be connected with a claims specialist. Using a mobile telephone is not recommended due to issues with reception and dropped calls. If all questions are not answered, you will need to call back and try again.

Information needed to apply

When filing for Alabama unemployment insurance, there is important information that you need to provide.

Have the following information ready:

  • Your Driver’s License or Alabama ID #
  • Your Social Security Number
  • A list of your last 2 Alabama employers, including their complete addresses, telephone numbers, and employment dates
  • Information and relevant documents regarding any federal civilian employment, military service, or work you performed in another state within the past 18 months
  • Your bank routing number and checking or savings account number, if you opt for direct deposit of your benefit payments.
  • Your Alien Registration Card, if not a United States citizen

If you do not have access to a suitable phone or computer, you can use the ones available at your local Alabama Career Center. The Career Center provides free access to telephones and computers to help you file your claim smoothly and accurately. The Career Center staff can also assist you in answering any questions and addressing concerns about your unemployment claim.

About your Social Security Number

For the Unemployment Compensation Division to process your claim, you must provide your Social Security Number (SSN). Your SSN is used to authenticate your identity, track your Alabama employers and wages, determine your eligibility for UI benefits, assess any additional income, maintain records of your benefit payments, and compile statistical data.

Alabama Unemployment Fraud

When applying for unemployment compensation benefits in Alabama, the employee must provide accurate and complete information to determine eligibility.

Answer each question truthfully to avoid any potential legal penalties for making false statements to obtain benefits. The Alabama Department of Labor takes unemployment fraud very seriously. Be sure to provide all the necessary details and avoid any misrepresentation as it can result in serious consequences.

Payment Preference

During the application process, you will be asked how you want to receive payments. Alabama offers two options for receiving unemployment benefit payments: direct deposit and the AL Vantage Prepaid Benefits Card.

Direct Deposit

To opt for direct deposit, you need to provide your bank routing and account number when you file your claim. Once your claim is approved, your benefits will be deposited into your checking or savings account within two business days.

AL Vantage Card

You can also collect payment on an AL Vantage Card, which is managed by Comerica Bank. Be aware that there are certain fees associated with some activities, such as ATM withdrawals. The card will not be mailed until your claim is approved, which may cause a delay of 7-10 days in receiving your first payment.

You can get more information about the AL Vantage Card on the Alabama Department of Labor website. In case of any issues, such as a lost or stolen card, or other problems, you can contact the AL Vantage customer service team at 833-888-2779.

After you apply

When you file an Alabama unemployment claim, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to receive your first benefit payment. Timing is subject to certain conditions such as providing complete and accurate information, filing your weekly certifications as instructed, and meeting all eligibility requirements.

To avoid delays, be sure to provide accurate and complete information when filing your claim. Any incorrect information will result in a delay or denial of your Alabama unemployment insurance benefits.

After filing your Alabama unemployment claim, you can track your claim online in the claimant portal. To ensure the security of your information, the claimant portal uses an authentication process that requires you to log in using a Google, Microsoft, or Apple account, though none of your account information is shared with the Alabama Department of Labor.

Wait for Determination

After filing your claim, the ADOL will determine your eligibility for benefits. If approved, you will receive your first payment within 7-10 days via direct deposit or the AL Vantage Prepaid Benefits Card. If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal.

Your Determination Letter will include your weekly benefit amount, along with the number of weeks that you are eligible to receive benefits. There are no extended benefits available at this time, so benefits are available for 14-20 weeks, depending on your work history. You can estimate your Alabama unemployment compensation 

Certify for Benefits

Once you file your initial claim, you will need to certify for benefits each week that you are unemployed to continue receiving benefits. You can do this online or by phone.

Waiting Week

You do not receive a payment for the first week. This is known as the waiting week. However, you must still certify for benefits during the waiting week. This is a requirement under Alabama state law, and you cannot receive benefits for this week.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your claim, you can call the claims office between 5 pm to 11 pm from Sunday to Thursday to schedule a callback appointment for the next day. Keep your phone nearby the entire day of your scheduled callback to avoid missing the appointment.

The Alabama State callback service offers an efficient way to receive help and information about your unemployment claim. You can also visit your local Alabama Career Center for additional support. Remember to check your claimant portal regularly for claim updates and important messages from the Alabama Department of Labor.

  1. I been fileing for 7 weeks i been approved for the alabana trying program its sbowing my money on my cliam but when will i get payed

    • Antron,

      There might be a delay due to a large number of pending applicaitons. Please continue chasing at regular intervals.

  2. Hello my name is Gary ! I recently filed for unemployment and It’s been 3 weeks and have yet to receive the $275 i was told i was getting. Also, I’ve never received the card that my payments go to in the mail. Please can someone contact me and tell me what is going on bc I’m really depending on this money to help with my bills and utilities during this horrible time

    • Gary,

      I can understand your situation. Please wait. There will be thousands of applications for the office to be processed. Make sure to check the status at regular intervals.

  3. I am trying to apply for unemployment compensation. I need to get an application on my computer but I swear I think it would be easier to fly to the moon. I have been laid off from my job at Cracker Barrel. We have no indication when this lay off will end. Please help
    Donna

    • When I first filed it got to the last page & went away. How can i retrieve it. I’ve tried over & over. I even went to The Fed x office & tried & it did the same thing

  4. I moved from Alabama to Michigan I need proof I get unemployment candy get a hold of anyone to talk to all the numbers are Auto I try to login but says my email not right can anyone help and I tried to go the one here in Michigan they won’t help either

  5. I have filed and received my wage report weeks ago, however every single time I try to login it says there is no record of a claim with my ssn. When I call there is a ‘high call load, please call back later’…there is not one number I’ve called where I can get a human being. Very frustrated. Not sure what to do.

    • Catherine,

      I can understand the situation you’re in. I suggest you try calling during off-peak hours or consider the option of visiting an Unemployment Office in the vicinity.

      • I was unemployment the whole of 2021 as my place of employment shut down due to COVID PANDEMIC. I was in a way misguided into not being eligible for Unemployment compensation & I let it go. But now I learn that I was in fact totally eligible for it & can file it up to a year of my back dues. Please help me. SOS ?. Thanks.

  6. My job position was eliminated when I came back from medical leave- my district manager called me on the phone and told – HR told someone I involitarily quit- I have been trying to get in touch to file an appeal and can seem to get anyone to call me I need a number to talk to a real person instead of a machine- I can only leave my name and SS number- I was cleared to go back to work July 9th and still havent gotten anything- what else can I do?

  7. I have worked in Hoover, Alabama since February 8, 2016. My last day working before we “separated — I was released” was September 22,2017.I was given a Severance package through October 27, 2017. I never relocated my family so I returned to Milford, Ohio when I was released from Bud’s Best Cookies. QUESTIONs — do I file for unemployment with Alabama vs. Ohio ? And if Alabama — do my job search requirements make me look in Alabama to qualify ?

    • Kevin,

      If the severance package is fully paid off and you got separated from the last job due to involuntary reasons, please file from the state where your employment was based.

  8. if i was wrongfully terminated and the company is under investigation, can i still get my benefits if they say i was rightfully terminated?

    • You can be eligible under such circumstances.

      Please make sure to keep supporting documents handy in case of a dispute during claim processing.

  9. my job has been eliminated and they giving us severance pay one time check, will I be able to draw unemployment and will I need to turn in the severance pay in the week I get it? Or does the severance pay keep me from drawing unemployment?
    Won’t happen till April but would like to know before hand.
    Cheryl Mc

    • Please look out for options on the IVR for the option to speak to a rep. You can also visit the official website to get more numbers.

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

        • Nett,

          Labor authorities are the Unemployment Offices. They administer the UI benefits program.

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

    • You will be required have an active bank account to receive payments.

      Please call the claims center/customer service of the labor dept. in your state for further information.

    • I am afraid, you will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who are able and available to work.

  10. how can you make it easier to apply for your unemployeement without having to answer all these questions

  11. I’ve been unemployed for almost two months now. I quit my previous job after basically being pushed out. I’ve been applying for jobs but no luck. Can I apply for unemployment benefits?

  12. what if you are fulltime but not getting any hours. and everytime I call about schedule. manager tell me he will call me back . but never does. still currently employed but not on schedule

  13. I am a substitute school bus driver..no work for summer.Can I collect unemployment benefits for summer months?

  14. I was recently let go from a business and was not given a reason why. Am I eligible for unemployment.

    • Eligibility for UI compensation is dependent on various criteria.

      If you think your employment was terminated wrongfully,please consider applying for benefits.

  15. I was recently let go from a business, but I am retired from the military. I was making 50K a year at this business. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits? My retirement is 2k a month.

  16. I was recently let go from a business, but I am retired from the military. I was making 50K a year at this business. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits? My retirement is 2k a month.

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