State: Georgia (GA)
Maximum Weekly Benefit Amount: $330
Maximum Weeks of benefits:18
Current Jobless rate:4.9
How to claim your benefits in Georgia
- Apply For Benefits-Georgia
All Information required to apply for unemployment compensation here. - Eligibility Calculator-Georgia
Your questions on benefits answered here. - Application
Calculate your benefit amount using our free calculator here. - Benefit Questions
Detailed information on eligibility requirements in your state. - Calculator
Know more about how you can receive extended benefits. - Eligibility
More information on what you have to do each week while receiving benefits. - Extension
Available resources to enter job market. - Job Search Requirements
Helps you locate a One-stop career center closer to you. - Job Training
Updated list of office phone numbers to assist you contact a claims specialist. - Office Locations
Here is what you should do while applying for weekly claims. - Phone Numbers
- Weekly Claims
State: Georgia (GA)
Phone Number:(877) 709-8185. Other important numbers:
Appeals to the Board of Review: (404) 232-3325
Appeals to Hearing Officers: (770) 909-2828
Electronic Wage Reporting: (404) 232-3265
Employer Claim Charges: (404) 232-3030
Employer Tax Liability: (404) 232-3301
Employer Tax Rates: (404) 232-3300
Employer Tax Reports/Filing: (404) 232-3220
General Tax Information: (404) 232-3320
Interstate Claims: (404) 232-3090
New Employer Accounts: (404) 232-3301
Partial Claims Filing for Employers: (404) 232-3050
Appeals to the Board of Review: (404) 232-3325
Appeals to Hearing Officers: (770) 909-2828
Electronic Wage Reporting: (404) 232-3265
Employer Claim Charges: (404) 232-3030
Employer Tax Liability: (404) 232-3301
Employer Tax Rates: (404) 232-3300
Employer Tax Reports/Filing: (404) 232-3220
General Tax Information: (404) 232-3320
Interstate Claims: (404) 232-3090
New Employer Accounts: (404) 232-3301
Partial Claims Filing for Employers: (404) 232-3050
Major Towns:Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Athens, Macon, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Albany, and Marietta
Current Unemploymnet Rate in Georgia
Georgia Unemployment Questions
How long must I have worked to establish a claim in Georgia?Your claim is based on insured wages earned in the base period, which is the first four of the last five calendar quarters completed at the time you file your claim. You must have earned qualifying wages in at least two of the four quarters in the base period. The total wages in the base period must equal or exceed one and one-half times the wages in the highest quarter. A secondary calculation will be made when the sole reason that a claim cannot be established is the one and one-half times requirement. An alternative base period consisting of the most recently completed four calendar quarters will be used only when a claim cannot be established using the regular base period.
Can I get unemployment benefits if I quit my job?
If you quit, you may be eligible to draw benefits if you can show that you quit for good work-connected reason(s). Examples of good work-connected reasons are material change in working conditions, material change in working agreement, nonpayment for work, and similar reasons. You will not be able to draw benefits if your reason for quitting was personal even though the personal reason was a good or compelling one. The only way to know for sure whether you are eligible if you quit is to file a claim. The department cannot make a predetermination of eligibility before a claim is filed.
How does severance pay package affect my unemployment benefits
You are usually not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits during a period covered by severance pay paid to you by your employer. The only way to know for sure whether severance pay is disqualifying is to file a claim.
What do I have to do to qualify for benefits if I have earned enough money to establish a claim?
Just earning enough money to set up a claim is not enough to receive unemployment benefits. You must also meet other eligibility conditions. You must have a decision made on the reason for separation from your last work. If your most recent job loss was not the result of a lack of work (i.e. layoff, business closure), a decision on the reason for separation is required. A department employee may conduct a telephone interview with you and your former employer to get information about the reason for your separation or any other issues which might affect your claim. A written decision will be mailed to you, and to your employer if the issue is separation. Other requirements include, but are not limited to, being able to work, being available for work, and actively seeking work.
What is WIA?
WIA stands for the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, implemented in Georgia in July 2000. This federal legislation has helped Georgia move toward a comprehensive, customer-focused workforce investment system where Job Seeker and Employer customers alike can access a wide range of workforce-related tools and information they need to manage their work lives. Services are provided through a network of One-Stop Centers statewide.
What is a "One-Stop" Center?
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) requires that each service delivery area (there are 20 in Georgia) have at least one comprehensive or full-service One-Stop Center. A One-Stop Center is a place where Employers and Job Seekers can access a wide range of workforce services. In Georgia, there are over 45 "full-service" One-Stop Centers, and most areas have several other locations for customers to access workforce services also. A majority of the full-service locations are GDOL Career Centers, while others are separate facilities. Many different education, training, and employment-related services available in the community are also provided by various partner agencies at the One-Stop Center or through referrals.
I just got laid off and am collecting Unemployment Insurance. Can WIA help me?
Yes. Services to dislocated workers are a major component of WIA activities. You may also be eligible for Trade services, which assist individuals who have become unemployed as a result of increased imports from, or shifts in production to, foreign countries. Please contact your local One-Stop Center to inquire about the services that are right for you.
Do One-Stop Centers serve persons with disabilities?
Yes. Georgia's local One-Stops have been designed and equipped to ensure that all customers can access the services and programs they need. One-Stops comply with accessibility and reasonable accommodation provisions of the Workforce Investment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and the Georgia Accessibility Code. Additionally, One-Stops can provide adaptations to help customers with visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive or language impairments access services.
Doesn't your Department help individuals get bonding assistance?
The Georgia Department of Labor is the local agency certified by the Federal Bonding Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. This program issues fidelity bonds to employers free-of-charge, and serves as an incentive to the company to hire a job applicant who is an ex-offender or has some other personal background "risk" factor. For the bond to be issued, the employer must make the individual a job offer, and a date to start work must be set. For assistance, contact the federal bonding representative at the GDOL Career Center nearest you.
How do I qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation services?
To qualify for vocational rehabilitation services, you must have a permanent disability that affects your ability to work in at least two ways. Each person's situation is considered individually. Contact a local VR office to inquire.
Does severance pay have an effect on my benefits?
You are usually not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits during a period covered by severance pay paid to you by your employer. The only way to know for sure whether severance pay is disqualifying is to file a claim.
Does retirement pay have any effect on my benefits?
If you are receiving a retirement pension from a base period employer, the pension may be deductible from your weekly benefit amount if your employer contributed 50% or more toward the pension fund. If the pension payment is determined to be deductible, the department will reduce your weekly benefit amount dollar for dollar by the weekly amount of the pension that is attributable to the employer. NOTE: If your pension is from an employer you worked for before the base period, it is not deductible. The receipt of Social Security is also not deductible, although you do have to be available for full-time work.
When do I get my first check?
The department will send you a written decision (called a determination) telling you whether benefits may be paid or not. Remember, you must execute an Applicant Status Affidavit. You cannot receive benefits until the affidavit is accomplished. This determination is usually issued about 14 to 21 days after the day you file. If benefits are allowed on your claim, your first check will usually be mailed on the same day as the written decision. You must claim benefits each week prior to receipt of your determination in order to receive payment for those weeks. If you requested direct deposit of your check to your bank account, the first check will be deposited the same day the determination allowing benefits is mailed. The funds will be available the second business day after deposit. You may inquire by using OLIVoR or the Internet to verify the date your check was either mailed or deposited directly to your bank account.
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.
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.