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Max. Weekly Benefit Amount
$275
Max. Weeks of Benefits
20
Current Jobless Rate
3.1%
Max Weekly Benefit Amount
$275
Max Weeks of benefits
20
Current Jobless rate
3.1%

Updated : September 15th, 2023

Alabama Unemployment Benefits

Alabama Unemployment

Alabama unemployment compensation helps workers who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own. These benefits are designed to help people meet their basic needs while they search for new employment opportunities.

The Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) is responsible for administering unemployment benefits. You may be eligible for unemployment compensation if you are able to work and lost your job through no fault of your own.

Alabama UI Benefits Calculator

The Alabama Unemployment Benefits Calculator helps you estimate your UI weekly benefits amount.

UI Benefits Calculator
Calculate Your Alabama Unemployment Benefits

See our Alabama unemployment calculator to estimate your UI benefit payments.

Alabama Unemployment Calculator

 

Eligibility Requirements for UI Benefits in Alabama

Alabama UI benefits are only awarded if you satisfy all the eligibility criteria. You must meet certain monetary requirements, job separation requirements, and job search requirements. You are required to certify each week to remain eligible for ongoing unemployment compensation.

Monetary Eligibility

To gain monetary eligibility you must have earnings for a minimum of two quarters for your qualifying base period.

Your base period is the first four quarters of your last five completed quarters from the date of your initial unemployment claim.

You must meet certain qualifications set by the State of Alabama to receive unemployment benefits:

  • Your total base period earnings must be equal or exceed one and one-half times of your highest quarter earnings
  • To receive unemployment benefits if you are working part-time, your gross weekly earnings should be less than your weekly benefit amount
  • The weekly benefits amount in the state of Alabama ranges from $45 to a maximum of $275, which is calculated using your base period amount

You have 14-20 weeks of UI benefits depending on how much you earned in your base period.

Learn about Alabama UI eligibility requirements

Job Separation

The reason for separation from your previous job is vital to determine your eligibility for unemployment benefits. There are certain conditions that you have to meet to be eligible for unemployment benefits in the state of Alabama.

  • You have lost your job for no fault of your own
  • If you voluntarily quit your job, the burden of proof is on you to show that you had a good cause to quit
  • If you are terminated your previous employer must show that you were terminated for a work- connected reason as stated in the Alabama UC law
  • Depending on the circumstances of the act you will be eligible or ineligible for UI. Be it misconduct work rules, policies, endangering the safety of others disregarding orders or instructions and committing a dishonest or criminal act

Eligibility Calculator

Eligibility Calculator

Maintaining Eligibility

After becoming eligible for benefits you must maintain your eligibility by certifying each week. ADL has set certain conditions which have to be maintained throughout the benefit period:

  • File your weekly certification to receive your payment
  • If you decline a job offer from any potential employer your benefits can be canceled immediately
  • You must be unemployed through no fault of your own
  • You must actively search for 3 new jobs each week
  • You must maintain records of the employers you contact, the dates you made the contact and the outcome
  • You must not refuse any suitable work
  • Be a citizen of the United States or have legal authorization to work in the state of Alabama

Learn about job search requirements

How To Apply For UI Benefits in Alabama

You will need the following documents to file claims in the state of Alabama

 

You can apply for benefits online or over the phone. The fastest way to apply and get UI benefits is to file a claim online.

Online: To apply for benefits in Alabama, log in to the claims portal and follow the prompts.

Telephone: If you do not have access to a working internet connection you can call the Alabama UI Claims Center. Use a touch-tone phone while filing your claim. If access is not available to a touch-tone phone use a designated telephone at any local Alabama Career Center.

You will then be asked a series of questions that require you to answer by pressing certain numbers on your touch-tone telephone keypad. Later you may be transferred to a claims specialist which may require you to give additional information to complete your claim.

Learn how to apply for Alabama unemployment

 

How To File Weekly Claims

To file your weekly claims, visit the ADOL website or use the unemployment compensation division touch-tone voice process system.

To file your weekly claims you will need your Social Security number and Personal Identification Number (PIN) which you created during the application process.

Weekly claim certifications can be claimed by 12.01 AM Sunday through 5.00 PM on Friday (Central Time). You must file for your weekly claims no later than 5 pm each Friday.

Learn how to file a weekly claim

 

Things To Know After Filing An Application

You are expected to follow certain guidelines after filing for UI claims. Not adhering to these guidelines can result in a suspension of benefits. You must also register with AlabamaWorks! online or at a local Alabama Career Center.

Overpayments And Fraud

Overpayments occur if you made a mistake while claiming for benefits, or you were not able to work for a particular week of the benefit or the entire period. If you are on trial you might receive overpayment benefits. Alabama has several methods of determining UC overpayment and fraud. If the Alabama state determines that you were overpaid benefits, you will be notified through a Notice of Determination of Overpayment. 

Failure to report any information that affects your eligibility for benefits and falsely reporting any on your claim application may result in consequences. Learn more about Alabama unemployment fraud.

    Benefits Extension

    Alabama unemployment benefit extensions can occur when the unemployment rate is too high or there is an economic downturn. There are also extended benefits during natural disaster. Alabama Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a federally-funded program that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs due to a disaster. The program is designed to help those who are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits but have been impacted by a disaster.

     

    Job Training Assistance

    Alabama’s network offers one-stop career centers that are located throughout the state. Services like job development, occupational and educational training, vocational rehabilitation and Unemployment Insurance information is offered at the center.

    Potential employers work with the centers to find workers with specific skill sets. Many centers are linked electronically with partner agencies. Such as the Alabama department of human resources and department of education.

    Alabama’s Career Centers offer services like:

    • Facilities are provided to help job seekers who do not have access to a working internet connection
    • Employees are urged to connect with potential employers through the internet access provided at these centers
    • Individual career assessment techniques are used by the centers to test the employee’s professional skills and fit the employee to the correct job profile
    • The centers also create job referral templates which employees fill up and are passed on to various people in the center so that, someone could refer a potential candidate
    • All information regarding unemployment insurance eligibility is provided at the centers so that applicants have a clear understanding of what is the process to file for UI
    • Access to a copier, fax, and telephone are all provided at the centers, which makes it easier for candidates to send and receive various documents for their job search
    • The centers also conduct regular workshops on resume building process
    • Research labor market information to find new careers
    • Learn about apprenticeships and on-the-job employee training programs

    Find job training opportunities in AL

     

    If your unemployment claim is denied

    If you disagree with an ADOL decision, you have the right to file an appeal. Appeals can be made for a variety of reasons, such as a disagreement with the eligibility determination, an issue with the calculation of benefits, or a dispute over the reason for separation from employment. Alabama employers also have the right to appeal.

    Regardless of the reason for the appeal, it is important to follow the established process and provide all necessary information and documentation to support your case. This may include pay stubs, job descriptions, and any correspondence with your employer. If you are considering appealing a denial of Alabama unemployment benefits, you must do so within 15 days of receiving your notification.

    Alabama unemployment contact information

    If you have questions about your claim for Alabama unemployment benefits, call the unemployment claims center.

    If you are looking for help with finding a new job, including resume writing help and training programs, visit your local Alabama Career Center.

    Questions & Answers

    1. I was denied benefits due to quitting my job although it was due to Covid related reasons. I’ve been filing my weekly certifications for over a year now because I know that I’m entitled to benefits, my claim has since been sent back to the approval department. How does back pay work in my situation? Am I gonna be paid out for each week I’ve been waiting and filing my certifications (estimated 60 weeks)?

      • Kimberly,

        If you were issued a “Letter of Determination” in your favor, you can be eligible to be paid retrospectively. Please call the Unemployment Office for more.

    2. I have received a letter from Alabama unemployment requesting proof of Job Search Registration which I have completed several months ago, I have faxed them numerous times of what I thought they wanted and evidently it’s not what they want nor can they tell me what they want. Tried calling 100’s of time
      Can anyone please tell me exactly what they want

    3. I am self-employed and the available work has seemed to dry up. I went from approximately $7k per month to $7 hundred per month. Am I eligible for state unemployment benefits?

    4. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY MONEY SINCE I ASKED FOR A PAYMENT CARD & ITS BEEN OVER 12 WEEKS AND IM AT MY WITS ENDS TRYING TO GET AN APPOINTMENT!!

    5. Well I am not sure what to say but that I have been disappointed in the past few months I have set filing and email and even got a appeal on this one and I had nothing and come in with this calling and all I get is call the inquiry I don’t get in when I call it’s all full and I spend the whole time calling when its tells to I feel like I’m going through it and noone cares so I am now broke car quit and soon out homeless and cant get work no unemployunment all you can say call them how about you call them for once since that’s you are a robot and can get paid for fail to tell the truth about it all right now I know is that not one thing is going on and I had no choice to be in the street but you guy dont set behind the phone and no one is going through it all the real ones are ignore I have been on my butt and my car is not fixed and Bill’s not paid because nobody cares to help. I think that your hiding the truth and you dont want to pay I put that in and I deserve what I gave while I set you pocket it are you going to pay my stuff then not a big deal why dont you come and take my spot snow it all or shut it all down because its seems there no body work in there orally busy j still have to search and fight and unemployunment is not a thing but computers

    6. just got layed off in portland oregon worked 5month up there some how they never tired to file out state it was denied because of a open claim here which i stop 17 of aug 2020 they told me that the this claim needs to be close i havent file on this claim at all why it didnt closed by it self. now got all kinds of problem cant get thru the inquiry board i called 18-25 times 10-15 minutes after 5 pm any advice would help.

    7. I I have not recieved any of my bennifets for about 8 weeks now because it continues to say potential identity theft issues but I cant get thru to talk to anyone and every time I call to make a appointment it says all appointments are already full.

    8. I started a new job on August 3rd after resigning from a job I had for over eight years. I am now being let go from the new job for lack of needed experience. Am I still eligible for unemployment?

    9. I have called 20 times back to back, twice a day. I can’t get through to the inquiry line. I may have made a mistake on my numbers. I was denied and another claim was sent at the same time it doesn’t make sense. It says file for a pua claim online. I thought I did that in the beginning. It doesn’t even show a link. I was never asked for proof of income. I was never emailed or called. What do I do?? It’s been 3 months. I am just now getting a handbook mailed 7/12/20!! What’s going on?

      • Amanda,

        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.

    10. My claim for PUA has been in limbo since June. It says I’m ineligible because SELF EMPLOYED. I misread the question about being self employed. I answered yes when I should have answered NO BECAUSE IM UNEMPLOYED.
      Also have Separation of Employment issue pending on claim. I was self employed..I was my employer. I’ve tried calling. I miss the call backs because cell phone service is near to none where I live. I went to the office in Jasper ,Al to try to talk to someone with no luck. I’ve not had any income since March.

      • My unemployment has been saying pending for going on 5weeks says I have nothing to do I have tried to call find out something I can’t get threw to anyone please someone help I need my money

        • My Alabama unemployment status also say pending issues halt and has been saying that for 4 weeks now. I’ve tried calling them, emailing them with no luck. What do I need to do?? Thanks

      • Joseph,

        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.

    11. I was trying to file for regular UI but accidentally filed for pua. Now they have a hold on my claim. Who do I contact to correct this

    12. I tested postive for Covid-19 at the Doctors office where I was also employed at. I was sent home for 2 weeks where I filed for ui. Since I did not have any vacation /sick time. My employer lied said I quit on my claim in fear she would be in trouble. I offered to cancel the claim but she still let me go. Now my ui claim is being held due to separation issues. I have faxed proof she lied, and proof she even said that she would tell them I quit. I think she was fearful due to the PPP loan she would be in trouble having an employee file since she did not understand testing that having an employee test positive would not effect her PPP forgiveness status. She didn’t even report that I had wages in 2019 to Unemployment but I have the w2 to prove I did. Im going on week 5 waiting on ui and have left several messages no return call. Help!

      • 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.

        Wishing you a speedy recovery.

    13. How long it takes for debit card. Filled on 3/25/20 approved for benifits. 4/15/ 20 been paid for 2 weeks but can’t use it cause no debit card. Sure can’t get in touch with unemployment office to find anything out!! How long does it take for card.

    14. where do I filed for benefits and find more UI benefit… This is my first time as an young American for filing for UI please help me or try to assist me. finally is the united postal service still hiring…

    15. its been two weeks now an have not got any money I have got the paper in the mail I have got netspend card but still nothing

    16. I need assistance in order to get started. I received a Notice to Claim and a yellow Benefits Rights booklet. What is next?

      • Samantha,

        If you’ve been approved, please go ahead and file on the internet or by phone. Please call the Claims Center for assistance.

    17. I recieved my mail about the amount i will be getting and a booklet but my weekly certification says not paid for the 2nd week what does that mean

    18. I have a delay in a claim because my previous employer lied about termination reasons even though I have proof that they did. They were delayed in calling back and had until today to return the call regarding my rebuttal to their response. Now my waiting week says unpaid and the second week still says unpaid. What does that mean?

      • I filed three weeks ago and now I have three statements are not paid I wonder why I received a letter for me to call mr. John number for the 15th I called left a message he didn’t return so what do you think is wrong

      • Wendolin,

        This should not be the case unless they kept you informed about a possible delay. Please chase the Claims Office right away by calling them.

    19. I filed for benefits and I can see the first week is the waiting week.. However, the second week says ‘paid’ with an issue date of june6.. I haven’t gotten anything yet.. Am I misreading it? Bills are adding up and I’m panicking

    20. Why does my claim say not paid my phone has been turned off so i have to file on the internet

    21. I had a part-time job with was a big part of my income.. My company was bought by another company.. I was not offered a position, can I claim unemployment?

    22. I was terminated from my job of 15 years due to my taking off too much time. This was due to a well ducumented mental illness which hindered my ability to seek help or treatment. I have since been able to get treatment and would like to seek employment.Am i now uneligible to file a claim due to the amount of time since my seperation?

      • Chuck,

        You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

    23. I tore my Achilles and need surgery, this has made me unable to work at my job for at least 8-10 weeks with recovery. I have FMLA so my job is secure until I get doctors clearance after recovery, however, it is unpaid and I need money to pay for my health insurance so it doesn’t lapse while recovering from surgery. Can I claim unemployment while still on FMLA if FMLA not paying me.

      • James,

        You may not qualify to receive UI benefits since its only offered to claimants who’re able and available for work.

    24. I have been applying for unemployment for almost 4 weeks and have not received a payment. The status says Waiting week, Not paid, Not paid, Not paid. I know the pamphlet says 2-3 weeks before you get your first benefit payment but this has been almost a full month. I can’t reach anyone outside the automated system which tells me what i already know

      • Alicia,

        Please try calling the Claims Center during off-peak hours to reach them faster. You can also check the status online, on the department’s website.

    25. I am drawing unemployment I have a job offer that will last 2 weeks. It is seasonal work after that i will be laid off.will I be able to open my claim back up?

    26. Ive done my first weekly claim which was the waiting week, all ive received in the mail was a letter telling me how much id be getting and the maximum amount. I haven’t received a letter saying denied, anyway on the second week and I did my claim on Sunday and its still saying waiting week with my first claim date on it, I called the agency and all she told me was how much I would get and for how long and to keep filing, I mean how long does it take? I do have bills

      • Kesia,

        Please chase the Claims Center for an update on payment status. After the waiting week, you should receive the payment credit without any further delay unless they keep you informed.

    27. After 12 yrs of employment, the company is downsizing to ultimately shutdown due to lack of work. I am being terminated (involuntary) effective 3/31. I am 57 years old and can take a lump sum distribution from my 401k to pay debts. How will this affect my eligibility for UC? Will this distribution cause me to be ineligible? Or will it delay eligibility? If delay, for how long? Thank you.

      • As you rightly said in the last sentence, it will delay your eligibility. Since severance pay is treated as an income, you’re required to wait until the payout is complete.

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

    28. I collected unemployment benefits March 2016 into June 2016 and i am looking for the form to file taxes with. I had taxes withheld and i have not received it in the mail as of this date.I was under the assumption that the had to be mailed out bu January 31, 2017. I am not sure who i need to contact to get that information. I need some assistance please.
      Thank You

    29. I am age 70 but I have continued to work because I have to for financial reasons. I recently got laid off because my employer closed their business. I am continuing to look for work. Will my unemployment benefits be affected if I have to take a Required Minimum Distribution from my retirement plan due to reaching age 70 and 1/2? Thanks for your help and assistance.

      • Jimmy,

        I am not sure of how it works in your state. It’s recommended that you call the Unemployment Office for further details.

    30. I just filed my first unemployment claim last Sunday. I just filed my 2nd UE claim tonight. This week, I received annual pay from an internship that I had which ended September 29th. I listened for the words “did you receive any annual pay” when I made my claim, but they never asked that question. The did ask if I had received any Vacation pay, so I looked on my check stub at the Holiday pay and there was none. I answered NO. Did I answer that question right?

      • As long as you were specific, it should be fine. Either way, please speak to a representative from the Claims Center to confirm.

      • Not sure of the eligibility since it differs from state to state. I suggest you contact the Unemployment Office for further details.

    31. My unemployment status went from waiting week and 2 weeks of it saying status not paid and a balance of how much should I receive each week. Now it’s say status not paid for waiting week with zero balance. Does this means I was denied? I haven’t got a determination letter saying I was denied

    32. I worked for a company for 11 years, I hurt my back and had FMLA some of the FMLA days were not approved due to calling after the start of shift. I lost my job due to the points system in place. Can I file or would that be considered my own fault?

      • It can be considered voluntary.

        Please call the Unemployment Office in your state to establish facts and decide accordingly.

    33. Due to downsizing of current employer I am taking a lumpsum payout and being terminated from the company. Will I be able to apply for Unemployment benefits?

      • You can be eligible to receive UI benefits after the lump sum payout ends. Please consider applying for benefits until you find a job.

    34. I worked at a pediatric Dr office as a medical assistant. I had to have surgery. The Dr released me for 6/13/16. On my way to work my human recourse lady called an terminated me on 6/13/16.. I filled uc. And got a letter stating how much I would draw. Then got a letter saying call a worker. I did and she wanted my statement and told me to send my Dr release paper. I did. I been claiming my week and it said waiting week, then not paid, and not paid. Do u think I will be able to get u unemployment

      • Since you’ve already applied, please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided for an update on status.

    35. I first filed on 6/11/16 after being fired on 6/9/16.I filed furst week,it says “waiting week” filed this week and it says “not paid” & along with it,it shows amount id get weekly etc.uf ut shows not paid on 2nd week and waiting week on 1st..does that usually mean its denied?? In your experience..does it usually head to denied? (I recieved direct deposit paper and packet with base report etc in mail)

      • If denied, you will receive a written notification.

        Please call the Claims Center for an update on status.

    36. I filed my claim this week, it said “NOT PAID”, I filed on 6/4/2016 and certified 6/6/2016. What’s going on? I have available balance remaining and it’s the same. I tried calling the unemployment office and it said high call volume and hung up on me. I’m freaking out right now and I have bills to pay.

      • I can understand your concern. Please note this is a private forum and we do not have access to your claim.

        Please chase the claims center over the phone during non peak hours.

    37. I been on my job 26 years they let me go saying i made errors no one told me about. New manger came in hiring family and friends who made errors and was told about them and they were able to correct there errors . I was the last old employee left in the office they have let 8 people go since this new manger took over. Will i be able to file for unemployment. I have been this job the way i was trained never been wrote up and good elevation

      • If you feel you’ve been terminated from the job wrongfully, please consider filing for UI benefits.

    38. How long do I have to wait to find out do I get unemployment, I talk to the claim manager 3 weeks ago ,she just told me to keep claim every week ,but I been fired in march and I still haven’t received a check yet …please explain

      • This is a private forum and hence, we do not have access to your claim information.

        Please call the claims center and chase them for status at regular intervals.

      • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

    39. Hello I applied for benefits and in my account it said waiting week but not its saying not paid.. I have a benefit amount and how much the payments will be.. I’m a little confused on what this means.. I was laid off also

      • It means you’ve been approved by providing the schedule.

        Please speak to the claims center for precise information on the payment date.

    40. I am from out of state. moved here to help company I work for set up a department. When I move back to home state will I be able to collect unemployment if my company oks it

    41. I have already done my waiting week. This week was supposed to be my first payment. It says paid, but I haven’t received anything. I’m sure Christmas eve and Christmas has caused a delay, but I did my certification on Sunday and still nothing. I can’t call because they have been closed and are also closed the weekend would they give me two payments in one week? Also I have direct deposit set up, but it says payment on debit bank card. Dies that mean my bank account or are they sending it to a card I don’t have?

      • It probably means they have initiated a transfer to your bank but has taken time due to Christmas holidays.

        Please call the claims center on Monday if you do not see the weekly payment on your bank account.

    42. I was fired today by my DM because I didn’t I.D a regular customer who buys cigarettes at our store daily.. He is 26 years old and everyone sells to him without I.D because we started out carding him about a year ago but now we all know him.. can I file for my unemployment?

      • If you were fired indiscriminately, you can go ahead and apply, provided you’re able to provide supporting proof in case of a dispute.

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