Alabama Unemployment Weekly Claims

Alabama Unemployment
Alabama unemployment benefits provide financial assistance to eligible individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The Alabama Department of Labor manages the unemployment insurance program and helps individuals navigate the weekly certification process.

After applying for Alabama UI benefits, you must file your weekly claim certifications and provide accurate information about your employment status. This process can be completed either online or by phone, and it requires the use of a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and your Social Security Number.

As an unemployed individual in Alabama, you have two options for filing your weekly claim certifications. You can either file online at www.labor.alabama.gov or by phone using the Unemployment Compensation Division’s automated voice response system.

File online

To certify online, visit prodalabamaiccs.azurewebsites.net and then click on “Access Claimant Portal.”

File by phone:

Call the automated voice response system using one of the phone numbers below. You will be asked a series of questions to establish your ongoing eligibility for UI benefits.

Weekly Certification Phone Numbers

Birmingham (205) 458-2282

Montgomery (334) 954-4094

Toll Free: (800) 752-7389

Please note that you must file your weekly certification between 12:01 AM Sunday and 5:00 PM Friday (Central Time) to be considered timely. You must file your certification no later than 5:00 PM each Friday to be eligible for payment.

To file your weekly certification, you will need your Social Security number and personal identification number (PIN), which you established when you filed your unemployment claim. Remember that your PIN is your electronic signature, and it should never be shared with anyone. If you have forgotten your PIN, you can either answer your security questions or schedule a callback with the UC Claimant Inquiry line for assistance.

File your weekly certifications each week as instructed to be eligible for payment, even if a determination has not yet been made on your claim.

Never share your PIN with anyone.

Be sure to answer all questions truthfully to avoid issues with Alabama unemployment fraud. Provide accurate information about your employment status and any earnings you received during the week.

If certifying over the phone, you must wait for the response to ensure that all your answers have been recorded. In case one or more of your answers may be potentially disqualifying, you will be instructed to call the ADOL for a fact-finding interview.

You must report all earnings for the week when you file your weekly claims certification. This includes any pay for work performed, wages paid while on a temporary layoff, and wages paid while on a scheduled break under a contract. If you have multiple employers, you must report all wages from all jobs. Failure to report earnings correctly could result in overpayment of your unemployment benefits.

When filing a weekly certification for unemployment benefits in Alabama, you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for continued benefits. You must certify that you are able, available, and willing to work. The state of Alabama requires you to search for 3 jobs each week and record your job contacts.

Some of the common questions include:

  • Did you work during the week for which you are claiming benefits?
  • Did you receive any income or earnings during the week?
  • Did you refuse any job offers during the week?
  • Were you available for work during the week?
  • Did you actively seek employment during the week and meet the work search requirements?
  • Did you receive any holiday pay, vacation pay, or severance pay during the week?
  • Did you attend any training or schooling during the week?
  • Have you experienced any changes in your employment status or personal information?

It is important to answer these questions truthfully and accurately to ensure that you are receiving the correct amount of benefits and to avoid any disqualification or loss of benefits. If you have any questions or concerns about filing your weekly certification, you can contact the Alabama DOL for assistance.

 If you move to another state, notify the ADOL to avoid any delay or disruption of your benefits. If you are temporarily out of town, you may continue to file your weekly certifications via the internet or by phone, but you must still meet all eligibility requirements to receive benefits.

Receiving your UI payment

When filing your claim for Alabama Unemployment Benefits, the amount of financial assistance you may receive per week depends on your earnings during the base period. The weekly benefit amount ranges from a minimum of $45 to a maximum of $275, determined using your base period earnings. Use the Alabama unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly UI benefit.

After filing your claim, the Alabama Department of Labor mails you a monetary determination form, listing all your base period wages and the total and weekly amount you will receive. The number of full benefit weeks that you qualify for ranges between 14 and 20 weeks.

The amount of benefits you receive may change based on various factors such as changes in the unemployment rate, your employment status, and the amount of earnings you report. If you have any questions or need help understanding your monetary determination form, contact the ADOL for assistance.

Direct Deposit

When you file a claim for unemployment benefits in Alabama, you have two options for receiving your payments. The first option is direct deposit into your personal checking or savings account. To choose this option, you need to provide your bank routing and account number when you file your claim. You can find the nine-digit bank routing number on the bottom left of your check. Once your claim is approved, funds will be deposited into your checking or savings account within two business days.

Debit Card

The second option is the AL Vantage Prepaid Benefits Card, which is currently serviced by Comerica Bank, though the service provider is subject to change. However, there are fees associated with certain activities. Your AL Vantage Card will not be mailed until your claim has been approved, which could delay receipt of your first payment by 7-10 days for card delivery. Additional information about the AL Vantage Card is available online at labor.alabama.gov/AL_VantageCard.aspx.

If you have any issues with your AL Vantage Card, you can report lost or stolen cards immediately by calling 833-888-2779. You can also access your AL Vantage account information online at www.goprogram.com.

Filing weekly unemployment insurance claims in Alabama is an essential process that requires you to provide truthful and accurate information. It is important to report all earnings for the week and to follow the instructions provided to avoid any disqualification or loss of benefits.

If you have any questions or need assistance with filing your weekly UI claims, contact the ADOL claim center.

  1. I am not sure what my pin number is and where I find it. I was not asked to set up a pin number that I recall. I just received the monetary determination and also a request for additional information like W-2 form the same day. I was trying to complete the weekly certifications, but I have no idea what the pin number is. Can anyone help?

    • Hi, Marquita – you’ll need to connect directly with someone at the Alabama unemployment office to find out about recovering or resetting your PIN.

    • Dear Brianna,
      When did you apply? The portal may not have updated. Please call your Alabama Unemployment Office and check to make sure your claim was filed.
      Birmingham (205) 458-2282
      Montgomery (334) 954-4094
      Not in a local area: (800) 752-7389

      Best,

      Jean

  2. I filed my unemployment back in March…and it’s STILL pending. I’ve tried for months to call the office…and no one ever answers…the phone service is a joke. I need my help. What can I do???

    • Sharman,

      Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity if safe and feasible (you might be required to book an appointment prior on the website).

      • They are doing everything they can to keep us from receiving our unemployment this claimant portal all it is is keeping them from being responsible for us not receiving our unemployment I paid in my money so why don’t they do their job and see that we get it when we need it now they making it our fault that’s bull crap

  3. ON the first week of may was the last time they paid my claim. I file every week and theres a pending halt yesterday they asked me on my claim to send w2 and last pay stub. I sent then they asked me to answer two questions on my claim line 2 and line 7 on 2019 tax return i put o for both e question they asked what was income from farm and business. i looked today im in inactive status? im working now started Monday. i just want what they owe me.

  4. Now when I try to claim status check I am rerouted to sign in through: apple, google or microsoft. This does not seem safe.

  5. I am beyond pissed off. I have filed my weekly certifications each week as instructed to do so. I spoke to two women at unemployment they states i would still get paid. I jad a confirmation and everything they stated i would be paid. Now the pending is gone and says zero. I have 3850 with my claim. I apply for jobs everyday and have had several interviews. What in the world is the problem. This is all bullcrap

    • Kelly,

      I can understand your frustration. Perhaps, there was a mix-up. Please follow up regularly until you have a concrete update.

  6. I have a pending issue hault and have tried several times to speak to someone in chat to find out what the issue is but when asked to verify my identity they say that the information I gave them is not what’s on file for me. How is that even possible? I have even updated the information in my tracker to be sure my address is current but they still say that it’s not correct. There is no way of changing my ss number and dl number so what could be the problem?

    • This week I have develop a health issue and seen by my Doctor-and he said not available to work. Tomorrow is my weekly certification- tried all week to speak with someone in claims dept. (All app are taken). One info recieved-stop claim-just don’t report in. But I want to do the correct thing. Shouldn’t i call as directed and answer the ? truthfully . Confused. Thanks.

  7. I have filed for the past 5 weeks but it’s still showing pending and the online chat ppl say it’s still being processed. If I accept a job do I stop filing my weekly claims or continue anyways and put I didn’t do a search bc I found a job? Will I still receive the weeks I’ve filed for in either case? Or is it all just a loss? Thanks

  8. I miss filing on Sunday and file Thursday after I realize i didn’t receive a payment on Wednesday. Will i still get a payment even though I filed late

  9. I filed my claim and it says for me to start certification this week since i filed in the middle of the week but when i go to put in my sign on it says invalid information. i dont want to miss my deadline so what do i need to do.?

  10. I have had a pending claim for 9 weeks now. It says that they are waiting for more information from my employer but I am getting so behind on bills and need to know how much longer it will be

  11. i have been filing for my weekly certifications for PUA for 5 weeks, and i see an issue that says pending halt. what does this mean, i need my money to pay my electric bill.

  12. I have received my payments for 2weeks but i made a mistake on the third week certification on the with the name so my payment is still pending and i am being told my account is on review . Does that mean , i can still certify and get paid.?

  13. I have just visited the Unemployment Office and was told to apply on line. I have tried but the questions asking about applying for work do not apply because I have not time to do so. I am trying to apply for weekly weekly benefits. How do I answer the questions on the questionnaire?

  14. How do you find someone to speak to or email? I answered wrong trying to do weekly certification online on my phone. Have stayed home for 2 days waiting for the phone call between 7 am – 5 pm. Both days I finally played voice mail after 5 and they must have tried to call while someone else called. I did not answer my phone from anyone I knew so I could explain what happened. Then listened to voice mail and missed the call when a number I didn’t recognize called. Now they are full tomorrow. My status is open but must speak to agency. How??

  15. I received an automated answer that said my claim has been accepted for processing, however no further information can be provided at this time. What does this mean?

  16. I have been consistently continuing to file my weekly claims certification for months as instructed. However, any time I access the ui claims tracker webpage and enter my login information, it says “blocked bank account” I have made several attempts to research as to what thay even means and have had no luck. Any insights on what that even means would be very helpful and much appreciated, thanks..

  17. I made a mistake in answering one of the questions on my weekly certification by phone. I was given a phone number by a UC employee to speak to a supervisor to correct my error, but I have not been able to get through to someone. What can I do to correct the error so I do not miss a week of benefits?

  18. I filed my weekly certification on time an as instructed. But did not receive payment. What’s keeping me from receiving payment?

    • Chad,

      There will be a delay considering the numbers of pending applications. Please be patient and keep checking at regular intervals.

  19. Hello, I filed in August as self-employed. I’m not eligible for regular benefits but received the letter of eligibility for PUA so I’ve been making weekly certified claims as requested. However, I still haven’t received a payment or told an amount that I should be receiving and attempts to speak to someone have been unsuccessful. Is there a step I’m missing here?

    • Shay,

      There will be a delay considering the number of applications that are being processed. Please continue chasing the office/check your status online at regular intervals.

  20. I filled August 8th,still have not received any payment.I continue to file weekly.I have not been able to speak to anyone directly.I need some insight to my claim.

    • I filed The first 2 of my weekly claims wrong, I put i worked for pay and thought I was answering the question based on before I lost my job. I did not receive or work for pay those weeks. How do I correct this?

    • Not sure when I am required to begin weekly reporting ! My Alabama claim was filed 8/10/2020 , however my former employer informed me that since I was a Alabama resident but earned my wages in GA ,I should file in GA ! After two months of weekly reporting to GA I was told that GADOL turned my claim to ALDOL in the form of a combined earned wage claim ! My last day of employment was 8/6/2020 ,I worked in GA from 7/28/2019 until */6/2020 ! Have not been able to speak with anyone from ALDOL after 33.5 hours on phone calls approx. 37 e-mails , all unanswered ! Have been on a call back list for over 2 weeks !

      • John,

        I can understand your situation. There will be a delay considering the number of applications that are being processed. Please continue chasing the office/check your status online at regular intervals until payments normalize.

      • I have a daughter that has been diagnosed with covid 19. Somehow the system didn’t accept it when I answered yes to the question regarding to providing care for a family member who has been diagnosed with covid 19. I recieved na denial letter for that week. Does this mean my claim is denied or just that week?

  21. I filled August 8th,still have not received any payment.I continue to file weekly.I have not been able to speak to anyone directly.I need some insight to my claim.

    • I was laidoff july 23rd for lack of work and applied for unemployment the same day. It’s been three weeks. I’m in my 4th week now should i be expecting a payment this week if my claim says issue halt? And if find work will i still receive my payments for the time i was off?

      • Lavita,

        If the claim has been approved, please continue filing weekly claims and reporting job searches in the expected format.

        • Renata,

          I hope you were issued a “Letter of Determination” by now. It means you’re almost ready to file weekly claims.

  22. I have a question..I checked the status on my claim over the phone and it says week 9/14 has been certified but no payment has been made.. does that mean I’m approved??

  23. I have been filing my claim for 8 weeks now and my status still says that it’s pending. And I haven’t received any response in the mail yet and I can’t get anyone on the phone to let me know what’s going on with my benefits. What do I do? I live over 200 miles from the nearest Labor office. I live in Alabama.

    • Belinda,

      There will be a delay considering the number of pending applications. Please continue chasing regularly until you have a concrete update.

  24. i been filing since may i was denied for not calling the number within 3 days but couldnt get ahold of anyone then i was told to appeal which i did…. i didnt hear anything from about again after calling and emailing then my tracker updated saying all i had to was fill out a questioner which i did then nothing its been a month and a half . what do i do ?

    • Same here, since may, not a penny, every letter I get is over a month after the “sent” date. You cannot ever get through via phone, email, chat, I even expressed mailed 3 times, they might as well not even have an office, there is no proof anyone exists! The system would work better run by drunken fraternity kids. I had a small business, if I would have had a few weeks of help it would still exist. I am now considering Legal action for negligence. millions of unemployed and the Labor “authority” does not employ any of them to tackle this huge work load! LOL! Because of it families and businesses have been ruined and thus even MORE go to the unemployment line.

    • Kimora,

      I can understand your situation. There will be a delay considering the number of applications that are being processed. Please continue chasing the office/check your status online at regular intervals until payments normalize.

  25. I have claimed 7 weeks of benefits and have received a letter stating I am eligible but I have not received a payment. How long does it take?

    • Julie,

      There will be a delay taking into account the number of pending applications. Please continue chasing at regular intervals until payments normalize.

      • Sam, i received a letter saying ( a determination has been made approving me for pandemic unemployment assistance. Payments are pending final approval of the claim. )
        Question: how long does it take?

        • I got a letter saying the same thing when applying for pua do you have to show check stubs

        • Felisha,

          You’re perhaps one of the lucky ones who have has received a “Letter of Determination”. There might be a delay considering the number of applications.

  26. Please help I’ve tried calling all numbers An can’t get through! I’ve missed the 5pm Friday calling time for weekly claim s it’s now sat . Can some one please tell me what to so I can go bck I claim this week I live in Alabaman

    • I am a resident of arkansas but worked in alabama so I filed in arkansas was denied then I was told to file in alabama so I did but all the weeks I filed in arkansas are they just list and I haven’t received one payment ?

  27. I received a “Monetary Determination” letter today saying “Payments are pending final approval of claim” and I’m eligible for $114/week but I go online and it says I’m eligible for “$0.00” and “The following pending issue(s) are stopping payment on your claim:
    Not Unemployed: You will be notified ONLY IF additional information is needed.
    Self Employed: You will be notified ONLY IF additional information is needed. (I’m self-employed, this is what I registered as when I filed for unemployment).

    On the web portal it says “File your weekly certification no later than 5:00PM Friday, July 03, 2020” and I click the button to file it and it says “Our records indicate that there has been a break in your claim series. No further weekly certifications can be filed unless you become unemployed and reopen your unemployment claim.”

    Why is this so difficult? They don’t tell you what to do or explain anything.

  28. My claim status says “non-delivered payment (direct deposit) …. Then it says ‘ you will be contacted ONLY IF additional information is needed’

    What does this mean? I’m not even sure if i was approved for my unemployment.. Does this mean I am approved?

    It looks like at the bottom that there sere Trempts to make 2 payments for 2 different weeks… Is the amount im going to get the eligible amount ? Do I also receive the pua.
    Benifits?

      • Mynde,

        There will be a delay considering the number of applications that are being processed. Please continue chasing the office/check your status online at regular intervals until payments normalize.

    • Also in alabama…i just filed my 9th week. This past week i recieved a request explaining reasons for my seperation because although a request was sent to my employer my wmployers time to respond has expired. I provided all the info they needed. Until that point all i had received was a monetary determination letter stated i met those requirements. Can someone please tell me what to expect now…or if anyone shared similar exp. Please let me know….im so lost

      • Mandy,

        Please wait for the Unemployment Office to process your application. Make sure to chase at regular intervals.

    • Shavone,

      It means it might not be processed further until an action is taken. Please see if there’s fault you can fix from your end.

  29. I just tried to file my weekly claim and it popped up saying “your access to the weekly claims system has been denied. You have had two chances to enter earnings for your claim” but I haven’t had any earnings.. I’ve been on furlough since March 31st and couldn’t start back work when a few people got called back because my daughter had the flu, then passed it to me and now its turned into walking pneumonia but I have kept in contact with my manager every day letting him know what is going on so im not sure why it’s saying this and won’t let me file. It said if I don’t call in within 4 days my claim will be denied but its impossible to get anyone on the phone..

    • Kristy,

      I can understand your situation. Due to shortage of staff/high call volume, support may be limited. Please keep trying at regular intervals during off-peak hours.

  30. Earning less than unemployment pays for a week, is the amount earned deducted from the unemployment payment? Trying to reach a human is tough living out if state.

    • This is continuing from my first comment. After I answered there questions she told me she would remove my pending issues. Nothing has changed and I have been doing my certification each week. They sent me a letter telling me that I never called the inquiry line. This is so frustrating! I am 7 weeks, do you hear me unemployment! 7 weeks without money. We are going to lose everything thanks unemployment. I need my money.

      • Jason,

        I can understand your situation. Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do. Please continue chasing the Unemployment Office for an update.

    • Walter,

      As much as I am aware, there’s no deduction. Please report the ‘earnings’ to the Unemployment Office.

  31. I accidentally forgot to call my calm this week cause of phone issues. I’ll I be able to still get the past week payed for?

    • Ryan,

      You will only be able to claim for the week when the window is open. Please call the Claims Center for more.

  32. Good Afternoon, I would like to know what is wrong with the dept. I have talked to a person at our career center who was trying to help me and told me a lot of people are saying the same. No one answer calls or call back. Come on we need our money or we wouldn’t be doing this. I had one supervisor to tell me to take my phone to phone company to checked, who says that. I would like what I Deserve. Please Help. There’s nothing wrong with my phone

    • Sandra,

      I can understand how you feel. This is a private forum and we do not have any links with the Unemployment authorities. Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity.

  33. I believe something may be wrong with the website. I attempted to check the status of me weekly claim that I filed on Sunday, but it keeps displaying a page saying unable to accept claims at this time. Any suggestions?

    • Jason,

      It may be temp. a technical issue with the website. Please clear cache/cookies from your browser settings and try again. If the issue persists, please call the Claims Center for assistance.

  34. I filed a weekly claim on Sunday and I just checked the status and it says “Not Paid”. Does this mean I am not getting paid this week? I am past my “Waiting Week” and after I filed my claim this past Sunday it said that I was eligible for my full benefits. Any help will be great?

    • Why want u send my check I have paid it in send my money my wife is sick I have been played off I need my damn money

      • Chris,

        I can understand your situation. There will be a delay considering the number of applications that are being processed. Please continue chasing the office/check your status online at regular intervals until payments normalize.

      • Samantha,

        You will receive a “Letter of Determination’ that will detail the decision made. The best ways to find out are online/phone which you’ve already tried. If this continues to be a situation, you may have to consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity.

    • Catherine,

      For precise information on the payment status, please call the Claims Center. This way, you’ll have accurate information.

      • I worked two jobs,one job a on call part time… my other job was a full time 40 plus hrs . they paid my unemployment on my part time job.. at the end of the school year they stop unemployment because of summer break. I was laid off at both jobs due to Coronavirus.. my question is why did my covid 19 .did not start for my full time job .. i not received a check in 9 weeks .. so confuse……

        • Martha,

          Have you tried checking the status online? Please do follow up until you have a payment status.

    • Alex,

      You may not receive the payment on time if you don’t file on time. Please call the Claims Center for further discussion.

  35. What does “not paid” mean on a weekly claim? I’ve never had to do this before. I’m past my waiting week and I got a letter confirming my eligibility

  36. I applied for my benefits. When I checked it yesterday my max benefits was 6,660 dollars. I checked it just now and my balance remaining is 4,064. I have received no payments. What does this mean??

  37. How long does it take to find out if you are approved after you file. The first week said if approved that that week as a waiting week. Today my
    claim said accepted an is processing. So does that mean I have been accepted ? I haven’t recieved a formal letter saying i was denied or accepted.

    • Kristi,

      Please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided. They should have made a determination and informed you by now.

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