Georgia Unemployment Benefits
The state of Georgia, in association with the Federal government, provides unemployment insurance to those who have lost their employment due to reasons not concerning their conduct or performance.
Know more about the requirements to claim for benefits, various ways to apply, contact details, and other important details that are necessary to file for unemployment insurance in Georgia.
Eligibility to Apply for UI Benefits in Georgia
The state of Georgia has set various criteria to be deemed eligible for unemployment benefits. The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) will oversee that the set criteria are met by the applicants. The requirements include – monetary eligibility, job separation, and maintenance of eligibility during the benefit period.
Monetary Eligibility
The state law in Georgia requires the applicants to meet the set monetary requirements to gain eligibility for monetary benefits. The monetary requirements consist of receiving ‘insured wages’, and the total wages received during the ‘base period’.
Insured wages are wages paid by the employer who pays unemployment insurance tax, and it is necessary for the applicants to show that their wages are indeed insured wages to qualify for benefits.
In the state of Georgia, the first four of the last five calendar quarters completed at the time when the applicants file the claim is considered as the regular base period. For those whose wages do not qualify for the regular base period, may consider the alternative base period. The alternative base period in Georgia is the last four calendar quarters completed at the time of filing the claim.
To meet the monetary requirements, applicants must possess the following qualifications:
- You must have insured wages in at least two-quarters of the base period
- Your wages must be equal to or more than $1,134 in the two-quarters of the base period in which you have the highest wages
- The total wages in the base period must be equal to at least one and one-half times of the wages received in the quarter in which you earned the highest wages
Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA): The regular method of calculating the WBA in Georgia is done by dividing the total amount of money earned in the two highest paid quarters by 42.
If you fail to qualify for benefits as your total wages is not equal to one and one-half times the wages received in the highest earning quarter, an alternative calculation can be used. The alternative calculations are made by dividing the total amount of money paid in the highest earning quarter by 21.
The minimum weekly benefit amount provided in Georgia is $44, and the maximum benefit amount is capped at $330. The maximum benefit period is determined by the rate of unemployment in Georgia. The chart below shows the number of weeks you may receive the benefits depending on the unemployment rate in Georgia:
| Determination of the Maximum Benefit Period | |
| Unemployment Rate Adjusted seasonally | Maximum Number of Weeks |
| Less than or equal to 6.5% | 14 |
| Greater than 6.5%, up to 7.00% | 15 |
| Greater than 7.00%, up to 7.5% | 16 |
| Greater than 7.5%, up to 8.00% | 17 |
| Greater than 8.00%, up to 8.5% | 18 |
| Greater than 8.5%, up to 9.00% | 19 |
| 9.00% and above | 20 |
Find out more about eligibility requirements
Job Separation
The reason for your separation from your previous organization/employer is one of the crucial criteria which can affect your claim for benefits. The applicant must have not lost his/her job due to any fault of his/hers. To gain eligibility for benefits, all the points below must apply to the applicants:
- Lost the job due to no fault of theirs whatsoever
- Have earned wages at least 10 times the weekly benefit amount of your claim
- You were laid off due to lack of work, or your employer has reduced your working hours due to lack of work
- You were not involved in any criminal activities in your previous organization leading to your job separation
- You were not fired for reasons that come under the definition of misconduct
GDOL will contact your previous employer to obtain information on your job separation and will verify the reasons presented by you. The department may deem you ineligible if the reason given by you for job-separation is not the same as the reasons given by your previous employer.
Eligibility requirements – overview
Maintaining Eligibility
Once the applicants prove their monetary eligibility and justify their reasons for separating from the previous organization, they would be eligible for monetary benefits. This, however, doesn’t mean that they would receive benefits throughout the benefit period.
The applicants have the responsibility to maintain eligibility throughout the benefit period. To remain eligible, the applicants must follow these points:
- You must be able and available to work
- You must furnish proof that you are looking for work on a weekly basis
- You are expected to seek and accept any suitable job offer made to you
- As the length of your unemployment increases, you will be expected to make adjustments in your wage expectations, working conditions, job description, prior training and/or experience
- When GDOL refers you for a job, you must apply for the same
Failing to carry out any of the above points would result in discontinuation of the payment of benefit amount.
If you were offered a job but refuse to accept the offer, you are expected to immediately report it to GDOL. The department will then determine if the reason to refuse the job is acceptable or not. You may only refuse to work under a few scenarios, such as:
- The position opened up due to an ongoing strike
- The job paid less than the prescribed minimum wage
- The wage was substantially less than the prevailing wages paid for similar work in the neighborhood
You must also remember the following points to meet the work availability and work search requirements:
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- You must register to employment services unless you are exempt by law
- If you are a citizen of Georgia, you must register with GDOL
- Be physically able to perform work (even if it’s not your regular field of work)
- If you are filing an interstate claim, register with the local state workforce, but you must follow the rules and regulations of Georgia regarding your availability for work and work search requirements
- You must make at least 3 job contacts in a given week.
You must meet all the eligibility criteria, including the availability for work and work search requirements each week. GDOL may randomly conduct an audit, in which if its found that you do not meet any particular criteria, your benefits will be stopped.
Find out on job search requirements
How to Apply For UI Benefits in Georgia?
You can file claims through GDOL website or through telephone by using the GDOL Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system.
Once your claim is accepted by GDOL, the department will issue a benefit determination letter. The letter will show the following information:
- Your insured wages during the base period
- The probable weekly benefit amount you may earn
- The maximum number of weeks you may receive the benefits
- The probable maximum benefit amount you will be paid through your benefit period
- The periodically adjusted unemployment rate of the state of Georgia
You are advised to go through the determination letter thoroughly and in case you do not agree with any of the mentioned information, you may apply for reconsideration.
Remember to apply for reconsideration within 15 days of receiving the determination letter in writing, in your career center.
Online
You can file a claim through the GDOL website at any time of the day. The website is operational 24 hours of the day and on all seven days of the week. You will need to create a GDOL PIN at the filing the claim the first time. You will need the GDOL PIN while filing for claims throughout the benefit period.
Telephone
You can file for claims by telephone by dialing 1.866.598.4164. Follow all the instructions given by the IVR system. You will need the GDOL PIN to file for claims by telephone as well, and you may set the PIN over the phone too while claiming for benefits in the first week.
How to File Weekly Claims
Weekly claims can be claimed by either using the website or by telephone. You will have to file claims each week and must meet the set requirements each week to be eligible for weekly claims.
If you fail to claim benefits for more than two weeks in a row, you will have to open the unemployment claim account through the website, telephone or in the career centers again.
Learn how to claim weekly benefits
UI Benefits Amount
The UI Benefits Calculator will assist you in finding out your approximate weekly benefit amount in Georgia. Enter the appropriate values and find out how much you may receive every week.
Benefits Calculator
Know more about the Benefits Calculator
Things to Know After Filing An Application
The responsibility of applicants does not end with the filing of the claim. There are many important aspects that the claimants should know to make sure that they are on the right track, and also should be informed about any probable issues that might pop up.
Overpayment and Fraud
If it is found that you were paid benefits that were not supposed to be received by you, it would be considered as an overpayment. If the event you receive an overpayment, you must immediately bring it to the notice of GDOL. You will be expected to pay back the excess amount received, along with any income taxes that were withheld.
GDOL identifies two types of overpayments, they are:
- Non-fraud overpayment
- Fraud overpayment
Non-fraud Overpayment
An overpayment that is received by the claimant without the intention of obtaining benefits that the claimant was not entitled to, is identified as a non-fraud overpayment.
Claimants are expected to pay back the overpayment, along with the other civil penalties, court costs, and filing fees as applicable. You can, however, request for a waiver from paying the excess amount if you did not intentionally receive the overpayment. GDOL will consider the following points to decide if the waiver must be given or not:
- The intention with you received the excessive amount
- Your financial condition after paying the overpayment, and the possible hardships you may face to make the payment
- Your prospect of getting employment to repay the overpayment
The decision taken by GDOL will be final and appeal on the decision of waiver cannot be appealed.
Also, make sure that you apply for a waiver within 15 days of the release date of the overpayment notice.
Fraud Overpayment
If you have knowingly received excessive payments that were not intended to be paid to you, it will be considered as fraud overpayment. The GDOl will declare it a fraud overpayment, if:
- You knowingly make false statements to fraudulently gain eligibility for benefits
- You knowingly failed to disclose important information or facts that are essential
- You misrepresent facts intentionally to obtain or increase the benefit amount
GDOL considers that fraud is committed when an applicant knowingly distorts or conceals facts with the purpose of obtaining or increasing benefit amount. If an applicant is found to have committed fraud, they will be subject to the following penalties:
- The entire overpaid amount must be paid back by the claimant
- A penalty of 15 percent of the total amount must be paid
- The interest of 1 percent of the unpaid balance should be paid by the claimants every month
- The claimant will not be allowed to collect unemployment benefits for the rest of the calendar quarter, and a year after the quarter
- The claimant may also be subject to civil or criminal penalties
Repayment of Overpayments
A claimant may voluntarily repay the dues with a lump sum payment or in the form of planned installments. If a claimant fails to voluntarily pay the excessive amount, GDOL may take one of the following decisions:
- Deducting 50% of the future benefit payments, and applying it for the overpayment
- The state may also seek legal action, including criminal prosecution
Benefits Extension
The only benefit extension program available in Georgia is the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC). EUC has, however, has become defunct as of Dec 28, 2013. As for 2018-19, there are no active benefit extension programs available in the state of Georgia.
Job Training Assistance
GDOL has many training programs in place to help people find suitable employment opportunities. In addition to providing unemployment benefits in Georgia, the Career Centers also organize workshops and events with the intention of helping the job-seekers to improve their skills.
Each Career Centers provides the following services:
- Résumé writing and cover page writing assistance
- Provides referrals and contacts of employers to job-seekers
- Labor market information
- Job search workshops
- Career assessment and job-search assistance
- Skill assessment of job-seekers, and referring them to the required training classes
GDOL also provides job-seekers an opportunity to retrain themselves to help build capacity in them to face new challenges. The retraining program allows the applicants to go back to college again and reorient themselves. Some of the retaining programs are – Georgia’s HOPE Program, The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).
All these programs provide scholarship and grants to those who want to go to school to learn and improve their skill sets. Contact the Career Centers to know more about the eligibility and requirements.
I received a letter in the mail stating that a prepaid card was issued for my UI pay on 7/10. To date, I have not received. Been trying to call, but just like everyone else, it keeps ringing busy. In one place it say I have money on a prepaid card and another place it states that it was directly deposited. I have received neither. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Michelle,
There will be a delay considering the number of pending applications. Please follow up until payments normalize.
In the state of Georgia, a UI Claimant had 3 full-time jobs all with insured wages at the same time, during the base period indicated on the Initial Benefit Determination letter.
Do all 3 base period employers receive a “Notice of Claim Filing and Request for Separation Information”?
Are all 3 former employers liable (charges split by each employer) for charges for any benefits paid to the UI Claimant?
Although there is only 1 official separating employer, the claim filed accounts for “All employers worked for in the past 18 months”
The most recent employer (Company A) was the separating employer of the UI Claimant. Claimant laid off in Qtr 4 in 12/2019.
The UI Claimant resigned from their former employers (base period employers) in 2019:
-Company B: Resigned in Qtr 1.
-Company C: Resigned in Qtr 2.
I was fired for “unable to achieve level of performance required for position” will I be approved to draw unemployment? I have filed at GaDOL and have been waiting 4 weeks now to determine if it is even approved.
Tina,
You may not qualify since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
I was work at Walmart I was on leave in April doctor release me in May. I went to get put back on the schedule but they never did so would I be eligible for unemployment. I work two weeks in three months.
Arterrius,
UI benefits are only offered to claimants who lose their employment due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.
I have been waiting for a decision for 5 weeks now and when i try to certify for this past week it says my pin is suspended and when i call the system says cannot access with this social security number.. why is it denied? I had deaths back to back and needed more time to grieve they only gave three days and i was within my 90 days so not eligible for fmla this was not voluntary this was a loint out situation
Johnson,
I can understand your frustration. It must be a difficult time for you. Please call the Claims Center to discuss the reason for “suspension”. This is a private forum and we do not have access to your claim file.
I filed for unemployment in June. I received my determination letter this week. When should I get Direct deposit? Additionally will I receive the federal cares benefits as back pay? Like thousands others I can’t reach a live person at the offices.
Willie,
There will an intermittent delay owing to the number of pending UI applications. Please check at regular intervals until payments normalise.
I was recently laid off. I had little to no advance notice about my position in my job of 2+ years being dissolved. I was given a small severance pay. Am I still able to apply for unemployment?
Galina,
Please wait until the severance payout ends. You can apply towards the end of it.
If I am paid a lump sum for 12 weeks severance how does this affect my unemployment? Will I receive full benefits the week following my lump sum or will i receive full benefits after the 12 week period is over?
Please apply for UI benefits once the severance payout is over.
I have been receiving benefits for the past three weeks, when I filed today and checked the status, there was a message stating that my weekly claim was not processed and to contact the office. Why would this happen?
Mallory,
To find out specific details, please call the Claims Center and speak with a representative.
I applied for unemployment late June 2017, and I went and signed my affidavit on the 12th of July. Since then I have yet to receive an decision letter on whether I’m getting unemployment or not. Do anybody know what’s going on? Did I get denied? If I did get denied wouldn’t they stop letting me claim my benefits?
Kierra,
Please make sure to chase the authorities at regular intervals. Please call the Claims Center for an update.
I was hospitalized due to some emotional issues. I was released for work on July 15, 2017 however my job would not let me come back. I was told the job was too stressful twice. Then my supervisor called me and told me I could come back on August 3, 2017. Then again I was called by another lady and told I could not come back. I have received my benefits determination but not the final decision. They won’t let me come back but I want to work.
Mary,
This can be considered voluntary on your part. Please make sure to keep supporting documents handy in case of a dispute. You have the option of filing an appeal.
If the company I work for transitions all employees to an agency and then the agency lays people off, will the people laid off be able to collect unemployment? Will the old company salary apply?
Good question. If your agency paid Unemployment Taxes, then, you should be able to collect.
I suggest you check with the employer.
Good day to all.
I would like to know how can I get a letter from DOL or Unemployment Office that I am not receiving any benefits?
I am not applying for benefits, but I just need a letter to prove that I am not receiving any.
Please advice.
Thank you.
You may contact the Claims Center for further details or visit the nearest Unemployment Office.
I received an award letter at the lst if April that stated I will not be getting any benefits. So I only claimed the 1st week. Now just to day I got a 2nd letter in the mail that stated I will/should be getting benefits. I have not claimed anything since the 1st letter. Now I was told I have to reapply. Is it possible to just start claiming now and not reapply? And why would they send a letter now if I need to reapply?
Its better to call the claims center for precise information for all your questions.
If my son was recently diagnosed with an illness which requires me to be home with him at night but i work nights and i ask my employer for an morning shift position but none is available but i dont wanna resign but i have to be home with my son do i qualify for UI if i am actively seeking an a.m job?
You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
Well @Martin….dont you think leaving your job because your child was diagnosed with an illness that was beyond his and your control is involuntary? So i have to choose between his health and living on the streets? Sounds like a set up to me. I think since the employer cant provide an shift to fit the schedule of their employee who son became extremely ill out of her control and she have to involuntarily stop working the least that employer can do is provide some type of unemployment to the employee….besides its not the state money its the employer……
Jasmine,
I can understand your concern. Unfortunately, the system is designed in this way. They only provide compensation to claimants who lose their job due to involuntary reasons such as being laid off.
Please call the Unemployment Office in your state to check if they can offer any help in this regard.
If the company I have work for since Dec 2014 closes down, am I eligible for unemployment benefits? How long would I receive benefits for?
(This might happen since the owner has always said that he only has the company still open because his 85yr old mother wanted to still work full time – but now her husband past away recently and are not sure if she will stay working and owner is semi-retired – only in once or twice a month) Not sure if I should just start looking for other jobs or wait it out.
You can be eligible to receive unemployment compensation as long as the reason for job separation is involuntary.
Depending on your eligibility, you can receive up to 26 weeks of unemployment compensation.
May 7, 2015 I had back surgery and on June 26, 2015 I was scheduled to get released from the surgeon. I went for x rays but the appointment with the doctor was cancelled due to the passing of his mother. The medical practice was closed for 30 days and I then was given a new appointment and optained my work release. Prior to this the operation manager and salesman came to my house to visit me. I have worked for this company 19 years running quick books, answering calls, payroll, accounts receivable and payables. I was informed my job during my absence was giving to the lady that replaced me while I was off for the surgery. Now they are offering me a part time temporary job at a reduced salary. If I turned down this would I be able to draw unemployment. My work release said I can return to work with no restrictions as I was told they required this before I could return but in the mean time they had already stripped me of my position with no fault of mine.
If you quit voluntarily, you will not qualify to receive unemployment benefits. However, you can apply for the lost(hours reduced) hours.
If you take retirement/severance pay for 5 months because of labor reduction can you draw unemployment after the 5 months?
Yes, you can. After the severance pay ends.
I relocated from Ga to Mo for my job. My wife moved with me and obviously left her old job under good terms (gave proper notice). She was denied unemployment. Is this correct and can it be appealed?
If the reason for leaving the last job was voluntary since you moved out of MO,it may be justified.
I am 75 years old. A manager. 2012 I fell and broke a bone in my neck/back. I had an operation and received a settlement. The pain has subsided mostly, but at times I have pain in the area. My company has no pension/retirement plan I was told they would never lay me off. Am I eligible for unemployment?
Yes you should be, if you are actively looking for a job and fit to work.
I received a determination letter dated 1/17/14, benefits approved to begin on 1/15/14. However for the last 3 weeks the status reads “not paid contact career center” I did…with reply expect payment in 48 hours. Which has come & gone with no payment still!! On 2/1/14 status read “claim processed…” expecting to be paid at least for that week today, only to check status & its changed back to “not paid….” WHY??? According to local center and atlanta I should have already received at least my first check & was told to expect all paid today???? What is going on???.
Please note that we are not a govt. website and do not have access to individual claims.You must follow up with the claims center of the labor department in GA on status.
I did the inquiry and it said claim was processed but besides it there was $0.00 could that be due to the holiday
I have been filing my unemployment online and doing my weekly searches. This week when I tried to claim my weekly benefits. it say I can only inquire not claim. I call the number it said I have 10 weeks left on my regular claim. what does this mean?
We are not the unemployment office and therefore I can not tell you exactly what is up. Please contact your local office. Perhaps they just need more information from you.
My unemployment was approved, my former employer appealed and I won. The day before the hearing my pin was suspended. I thought no problem. They are gonna wait for the results. But I couldn’t upload my job search for the previous week or the current week. Does pin suspended mean something else? Is it normal to get suspended right before an appeal date? Will I be able to log in Sunday? People online say pin suspended means your claim is done, finished you have to reapply ?? Is this true??
We are not the unemployment office and therefore do not have knowledge of exactly what is happening. Contact your local unemployment office for precise information.
It has been 2 months since I applied for unemployment. I went to the career center and signed my affavidavit and filled out my tax papers, and gave them a copy of my seperation letter. I got my approval letter june 19 and still haven’t received benefits and now my pin is suspended. I called the career center and they are saying I didn’t fill out my affavidavit. I told her that yes I have. Now they are saying it is because my claim hasn’t been processed. So I need to know what to do from here to get my money?
If I retire at 65 and seek work can I receive unemployment benefits.
Thanks
I am up for a part time job that pays 7.25 an hour with a 25 hour work week. If I get the job will my UI benefits end?
Hi Eric,
If you are receiving UI benefits now, you will have to mention about the part time earnings during your weekly claims procedure. You may receive less weekly benefit amount.
Hi,
I worked in 2012, drawing income only in Q3 (144.00) and Q4(9623,00). I received a determination that I will not get any unemployment, based on the requirement factor, but the bottom of the letter says that if I earned income from 1/1/2013 to 3/31/13 I am to report to the GDOL for further assistance.
1.Does this mean I may be able to qualify for assistance in the form of EUC?
I did receive a letter, prior to me picking up work in Q3, 2012 for additional EUC which I did not take, that I was told was available.
Please help,
thanks
I was bascially forced to resign or being fired. Am i eligible to receive UI.?
I am 21 yrs. old. I went to work Dec. 12 2012 just got laid off today June 5 2013. I was wondering if I am eligible for unemployment benefits?
Hi Josh,
You are mostly eligible to receive unemployment benefits as you were laid off. But, please check if you meet all the requirements to qualify for unemployment compensation in the state of Georgia.
1. You are required to have earned “Insured” wages in at least two quarters of the base period. Insured wages is when you received it from an employer who has paid employment taxes.
2. “Insured” wages totaling at least $1,134 in the two highest quarters of your base period.
3. Total base period wages of at least one and one-half times the amount of money you were paid in the highest quarter. If you cannot qualify for this, then there is an alternate calculation made.
4. You must be able and available to work and must look for a suitable job while collecting benefits.
Please check for other requirements before proceeding to apply. Since you have worked for a short time, you may receive benefits for a short time as well.
My company sent me a separation letter dated 5/30. It does not state I was terminated or fired..and my manager did not verbally tell me I was fired/terminated. (I had been out on vacation) But before I received the separation letter, I emailed my resignation – on 6/1. This position was not full time – but I worked an average of 30 hrs/week.
Am I eligible for unemployment ?
Hi Dena,
The reason for job separation is a necessity to determine your eligibility.
If you were laid off, since you have worked only 30 hours a week, please check if you qualify for the monetary requirements. This includes if you have earned a minimum amount to qualify for unemployment compensation. You should have earned at least $1,134 in the two highest quarters of your base period. Also, you must have earned total base period wages of at least one and one-half times the amount of money you were paid in the highest quarter.
If you were fired, you might qualify if you were fired without work-related misconduct.
When you apply for unemployment compensation, the unemployment office contacts your employer to check on the details provided by you, and your employer will be forced to provide the reason for your dismissal.
can a teacher file for unemployment if they have a case with the board that is being reviewed
If I put in my two weeks notice and then I was fired the next day, am I eligible for unemployment?
I am still employed with a company in GA but have recived no hours in the last month and it doesnt look like I will be working for a while. can i still qualify for befifits?
Thanks
I elected to take early retirement 0n December 2011. Do i qualify for unemployment benefits
my unemployment check stopped in the middle of August 2012. I was layed off in June of last year . I received a letter saying that my third tear had run out. I am still in college is there a fourth tear that you can apply for
overpaid benefits
I am working for a university in Atlanta. My work hours have been reduced to 12 per week. Prior to that, I was working about 20. I filed my initial claim, and after about of 2 months of waiting and hoping, I was told that I was denied. I spent all afternoon at the Dept of Labor and no could really explain to me why. Would I qualify if I work just 12 hours a week. The university cut hours for everyone. Please respond. Thanks.
I was asked to step up in the company with $3.00 raise, no weekends, no holidays and 8 to 5 hours. I worked in the position for one month and was told they decided they did not need me full time but only two days a week (12 hrs). I would like to know if I qualify for unemployment for the hours they took away from me. They did offer me hours if available in he position I came from but it would be $3.00 less and this schedule I have no hours on the schedule. I live in GA and I know this area is hard hit so that is why I am still there until I can see where my legal stand is.
The unemployment extension benefits vary based on the state unemployment rate. Check your State Unemployment Office website for details on who qualifies for extended benefits in your state and when and how benefits will be paid.
My UI claim began in feb 2013 and soon to run out. What are the qualifications to receive extended benefits?
darryl
just to clarify.. I am referring to GA benefits. I appreciate any information you can provide. Thanks
I’m trying to figure out if I qualify for unemployment benefits. I was laid off March 2011 after being with a company for 10+ years. I got severance so I could not get unemployment benefits until the end of August of 2011. I took a contract job December 5, 2011. I am still in that contract job but I believe the work will be done the end of this month(April). Would I qualify for benefits in respect to the base period ? It’s a bit confusing to me because I was on severace I think during my base period.
Thanks so much.