Georgia Unemployment Eligibility
There are some qualification requirements to qualify for unemployment insurance in Georgia.
Non Monetary Eligibility
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own.
- You must be able to work, be available for work, and be actively seeking work each week you claim benefits
- You must be totally separated from your job
- Fired without work-related misconduct
- Quit for a good work-related reason
Monetary Eligibility
To establish a claim monetarily you must have:
- “Insured” wages (those wages paid by employer who pay unemployment insurance tax) in at least two quarters of the base period (the first 4 of the last 5 calendar quarters completed at the time you file your claim)
- “Insured” wages totaling at least $1,134 in the two highest quarters of your base period
- Total base period wages of at least one and one-half times the amount of money you were paid in the highest quarter
Eligibility Questions
Can I receive unemployment if I am fired?
If you were fired from your job, you will not be able to collect benefits if your former employer can show that you were fired for failure to follow orders, rules, or instructions or for misconduct on the job. The only way to know certainly whether you are entitled if you are fired is to file a claim. The department cannot make a predetermination of eligibility before a claim is filed.
Can I draw benefits if I quit my job?
If you quit, you may be qualified to draw benefits if you can show that you quit for good work-connected reason(s).
Few good work-connected reasons are:
- material change in working conditions,
- material change in working agreement,
- non payment for work, and similar reasons
You will not be able to obtain benefits if your reason for quitting was personal even though the personal reason was a good or compelling one. The only way to know certainly 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.
Can I collect unemployment if I am laid off?
Usually, in Georgia you have to lose your job through no fault of your own in order to collect unemployment. When you get laid-off, it is not your fault.
In about all cases, this means that if you get laid-off, you are eligible to collect unemployment benefits.
If you get laid-off from your job, you must directly apply for unemployment benefits.
Getting laid-off neither means that you were fired nor it means that you did something wrong. But actually it means that the company that you worked for did not have adequate work and could no longer afford to pay you for your job.
Next Step: Calculate Benefits
Company is eliminating retirement healthcare benefits if not retiring by end of the year which is valued at a substantial benefit (~$1400/mo). Will I qualify for unemployment if I retire early to keep this benefit?
Lisa,
Please note UI benefits are only offered to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons.
I’m quitting my job to move to Georgia will I be eligible for unemployment in Georgia?
Timothy,
Please note Unemployment Insurance benefits are only offered to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons.
Can I receive both unemployment and GI Bill benefits at the same time?
Kate,
You should be able to provide you continue looking for employment actively.
I am on vacation this week and found out today I have a job offer that I decided to take. Turning in notice tomorrow but planning on working 2 weeks when I return back to work. If they terminate me will I be eligible for unemployment?
If I can quit my job to move.can I draw unemployment
Hi, Julie – a lot depends on the specific circumstances of your move. Typically, you must have lost employment through no fault of your own in order to draw benefits; however, there are some rare cases where you can be eligible for benefits, even if you quit your job. For example, if you quit to move in order to care for a sick relative or to follow a military spouse, you may be eligible for benefits. Your best bet is to contact someone directly with the Georgia unemployment office, who can walk through the specifics of your claim with you.
Kelly,
If they terminate your employment due to “involuntary” reasons, you will continue to be eligible.
I broke my leg in a car accident and have now been out of work for nearly 6 weeks. My doctor recommended not returning to work in November which will be almost six more weeks I didn’t get any documents to verify this with my employer. I have been on the job for almost 2 years now and they have been supportive. Will I qualify for UI benefits?
Shanna,
Unfortunately, personal reasons such as medical conditions are not considered. Unemployment Insurance benefits are only extended to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.
If I give my notice and my employer decides to let me go before the date I have them, would I qualify?
April,
As long as you the separation was not mutual and voluntary, you can.
I worked for a temp service and broke my leg, but the company told my temp service that my assignment was completed. Could I qualify?
Tristen,
You might qualify. Please consider applying.
I worked at my job for about 11 months. I became homeless and had to move from Atlanta to another city (in GA) I told my supervisor that I had to quit because I have no where to live. Will I get benefits
Joe,
Unfortunately, personal reasons are not considered. UI benefits are only extended to claimants who lose their employment due to involuntary reasons.
Received separation letter today stating Associate was terminated at employment at will,have 2 week notice,will I qualify for UI
Tammy,
If the reason for separation was involuntary (such as layoffs), you can claim UI benefits until you find employment.
So I was on a vacation and when I returned I had a meeting with my employers and they didn’t allow me to return to work because “they didn’t want to create an unhealthy work environment” because a person voiced personal issues with me (non work related things) while I was away. I was then attempted to be convinced that me returning at this time would possible cause issues. I texted the gm today wanting clarification on if I was returning or not, she then told me it was indefinitely until the situation changed. I did nothing work related to cause this and I was a manager that had been there a year and a half.
How should I word this when I call?
And am I likely to receive compensation.
I work an hour and half from home because we were consistently getting 55-60 hours. About a month ago it dropped to only 40. I kept this job because of the extended hours available but now they are gone. eEven at 40 with a 3 hour drive it’s tough to find anything else. Would I qualify for partial?
I pointed out for being late can I file
Anthony,
You will be allowed to file only when the window is open.
Bryan,
As long as there’s a reduction in full-time hours, you can claim partial UI benefits. Please consider applying.
Zac,
You can word the situation just the way you did here. It looks like you have been asked to leave without proper justification which is not voluntary. You should be able to claim UI benefits. Please consider applying.
Was using my GI bill, then sent for 17 week training by National Guard. Do I qualify for benefits until I can get back in school?
Jeff,
I am not sure in your case. Please call the Unemployment Office for determination of eligibility.
edit – When I said I wasn’t suspended for the next 3 days, I should’ve added they said they would’ve let me know when those 3 days were. So, apparently I was still suspended, it was just whenever they took a notion to do so.
I was late to work twice due to my son’s father having committed suicide. The 2nd time I was late I was told I was suspended for 3 days. So I went home. Then I was told I wasn’t suspended for the next 3 days, due to being short on help at the time. But then I was fired because they said I left my job, when I left because I thought I was suspended. Can I still claim benefits?
Donna,
I am sorry to hear about the loss. You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons. Unfortunately, personal issues are not considered.
I was terminated from my job, for so they claim. breaking a rule. which I feel as tho. I should have just gotten a write up. they gave me separation notice to take to unemploymemt office. will I be able to claim. I sure hope so. I have bills piling up and a 4 year old. I’ve been claiming for last two weeks. it seems as tho I have the funds. I got my unemployment card and set it up. no payment yet. waiting for final determination. how much longerwill I have to wait. I first applied 7/25/17. any answers please let me know. thanks much
Please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided for an update on claim status.
How many month I have to work at same company to qualify for unemployment benefit after termination.
Yog,
You can apply for UI benefits if you were laid off due to involuntary reasons.
Been working for the same company for four years. Company now under new ownership. They recently announced a reduction in pay and benefits. If I quit am I eligible for unemployment
You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
Please call the Unemployment Office for further details.
Details: eligible for UI after being laid off after 7 yrs. Got an 8 week severance in which I couldn’t claim UI for those 2 mo. Started another job for a couple of weeks but the job isn’t as it was described to me prior and may need to resign. Will I be able to go back and claim UI from first employer since I started and collected pay from the second?
If you resign voluntarily, you will not qualify.
Please call the Unemployment Office to inquire further.
I was in the Army, due to downsizing I was forced out. I’m in the process of moving back to Georgia, would I qualify for unemployment once I get situated there?
Yes, you can be eligible to draw UC benefits.
I have certified for 3 weeks, then I call and said a decision has been made. Now when I check the status all the weeks I’ve claimed are gone? Any ideas.
Strange! Please call the Claims Center to ascertain the exact reason for the mismatch.
I was partners in an llc. my partner decided to close the business. I was not able to by the portion. Can I collect because I drew a paycheck every month.
Also if I quit a job after 4 hrs of work because I would not preform the job due to an injury can I collect unemployment.
Well, voluntary reasons are not generally considered.
Since this is state specific, you may want to call the Unemployment Office in your state to confirm and apply accordingly.
hi , I am force in to retirement , I am 60 can I get unemployment
Well, as long as it’s not voluntary and you continue seeking employment, you should be able to qualify for UI benefits.
You may call the Unemployment Office in your state for further details.
My wife has just started Workinng for a hotel she is also currently pregnant…. She hasnt worked 3 months an is being told she cant collect unemployment. The hotel is about to under new management and they will be giving her a seperation notice. Will she be able too collect unemployment .
She can be eligible to collect Unemployment Insurance if she is able to and available for work.
Can I get unemployment benefits if I am not able to work because of medical issues, even though its temporary, like 4 to 6 weeks?
You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
I was currently in the middle of an intermediate leave claim when I was fired for my absence due to my child’s disabilities. Can I still get unemployment
You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
Unfortunately, personal reasons are not considered. You may further check with the Unemployment Office.
My boss found out that I am a homosexual. I have was fired and the reason was because I am a homosexual. Do I qualify for unemployment?
This is discriminatory. I don’t think they can fire you for personal reasons.
Please consider filing for Unemployment Benefits and keep supporting evidence handy if your employer disputes.
I am separating from the military through a medical discharge. I have a job set up for when I get out but I would not be starting it for a month after I ETS. Would I be eligible for unemployment for that month?
You should be able to.
Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for further information.
My husband are partners in an LLC doing business as an S Corp. He does the physical work, heavy equipment, and I take care of the office. If he becomes unable to work due to sickness or injury, or if he retires, will I be eligible for unemployment benefits?
Not sure if the employer can themselves claim.
Please contact the Unemployment Office in your state for further information in this regard.
As of March 1st, two of my part time jobs will be ending. The third one will be my only source of income, and its only $400 a month. Am I eligible for unemployment claims if I am underemployed?
Please use the “Benefits Calculator” available on this site to determine eligibility.
Also call the Unemployment Office in your state to check if you are eligible with various part time jobs.
I recently moved from Florida to GA because I was offered a job here and since I had accommodation in GA and no longer have accommodation in FL, I took the job offer. After moving here and ready to start job, I am now told that they had to freeze the position and the job is no longer available after I resigned my job in Florida. I also work at the previous job for 10 months for 29 hours a week which might be part time.
Could I be eligible for draw unemployment and if so what documents do I need to show.
You should be able to apply without any hassles.
Please call the claims center for further information on the documentation front.
My company recently sold out to another company and the new company completely changed my job. I am in sales and they sent me to a week of training and my pay in now completely based on sales. The company has given me nothing to be able to do my job ie. no testing kits needed to test product, no brochures, no uniforms that are supposed to be supplied etc. If I quit because of these reasons and cannot make sales due to these can I receive unemployment? Also, I have gone to my boss numerous times inquiring about supplies and it has been weeks and still have not received any.
Unfortunately, quitting voluntarily will go against you. You may not qualify.
Please inquire further with the labor dept in your state.
I just want to know about something. I recently last Friday lost my job, it was nothing of my fault my manager got mad at me, it wasn’t my fault or misconduct. Am I still able to receive unemployment. I wasn’t offered my job back but I honestly don’t think I would go back I didn’t quit though.
If it was not your fault and the exit was as per company policy, please consider applying for Unemployment Insurance until the time you find a job.
I have worked from april 2015 – September 2015, and my contract willnot be renewed, do I qualify for unemp benefits. Total taxable wages paid – 18,888
Contract employees are generally not eligible. Please check further with the Unemployment Division of the labor dept in your state.
I moved to Georgia from Mississippi. I was offered a job as a teacher with a high school. When I got here, I was told that I was not able to take the position through no fault of my own. I signed up as a Substitute teacher but was only able to work one day during the last pay period because I was entered late into the system. My check for August 31st was 85.00. I worked as a teacher in Jackson. MS for eight years before moving here. Am I eligible for unemployment from MS?
Please call the labor authorities in GA to check if you can apply from there.
Generally, claimants apply from the state of last employment.
I have worked part time for the same company for over three years. In May it was purchased by another company and after 3 months my hours were cut, now they are going to be cut again – from my original 24 to 10 hours, can I collect unemployment?
Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state and apply accordingly.
Part time employment is generally not considered.
I worked for 5-6 years for the same company with no raises, loss of benefits, company struggling, so I found a new job. Almost 90 days into the job they decided this newly created position was working the way they wanted, and so terminated me yesterday with a letter saying it was no fault of mine. Can I apply for unemployment?
I worked with this company for four years the last two I worked in a separate warehouse in Patterson ga corporate office was in Conyers ga I was a team leader for two years without supervision they installed cameras with audio and eavesdrop on my conversation with another employee and continue to do it and I was frustrated about the lies they me for 2 years I was never verbally or written reprimanded all my evaluations we’re really good then one with no reason they called me in and told me if I didn’t step down and move to the other warehouse and be janitor which I stepped down out of fear of being fired but my mind couldn’t handle it I went to management several times about it they didn’t listen so I told them I was going to corporate to file a complaint against them soon as I left I got a message that they accepted my resignation and I was prohibited from going to corporate property I filed unemployment they haven’t responded in ten days I recorded the meeting and I recorded the conversation when I told them I wasn’t quitting but I was going to file a complaint I called the manager over hr and asked him what was the reason for separation and he said he couldn’t find it
John,
It must be quite an ordeal! Please note UI benefits are generally provided to claimants who lose employment due to no fault of theirs (involuntary separation). I suggest you call the Unemployment Office before making a decision.
You can apply for UI benefits.
Hello, I was wondering if you qualify for unemployment if you worked for a company for almost 11 months full time plus many weeks of overtime,to find out that you are not able to file taxes with that company? There are no check stubs or anything but the person has all hours recorded on paper.
Thanks, Paige
if person you worked for payed you CASH with no cheack stub tells me the put you down as tax write off at end of year sounds like you up the creek …. unless they willing to give you statement of your wages earned every quarter
but they need to have payed your unemployment insurance in that time also
They consider 4 of the last 5 calender quarters worked. I suggest that you consider applying for benefits.
when will they start sending the check out again
Please provide more details on the application.The best thing you can do is to contact the claims center of the Labor department in your state for an accurate update on status.
I am working part time 4-8 hours A week……earned less then $1000 (971$) since august 2013
should i qualify for unemployement benefits or other kind of benefits?
Can you get unemployment if you are on a general medical leave from your job?
As a practice my employer submits claims for employees whenever we qualfy for benifits. A claim has bee filed but I have not received any benifits or explaination for not being awarded the benifit.
Please check with your employer first.They would have access to “status” of your claim.If they have not received any update from the state labor department,you may with the consent of the employer, speak to the claims center directly for an update.
I received the max 99 weeks unemployment benefits during 2009 thru 2011. I have been employed continuously since May 2011, but fear a lay off. Will I be eligible for benefits in 2014? I only make $27,500 per year. What wuold my benefits be?
I recently quit my job because of co worker cussing and yelling at me. I had a prior situation with same co worker and went before manager and
supervisor. They both drilled me with issues. I was unable to express my side of story. I id not want to go thru that again so I quit. Might I receive benefits.
Hello, I was recently released from my job due to the fmla procedure not being followed. I was told by my supervisor that my information was fine and there were no issues. 6 months later she advised me that the information was not correct and could not be used, thus leading to attendance impacts. Will I be eligible for unemployment? Also, I am going to start a Mary Kay Cosmetics business, would that be considered self employment from the date I sign up or until I get things started?
Hello, I am a Georgia resident, but have been working overseas for about13 years as a contractor with department of state. I have just been informed that my contract will not be renewed when it expires in December. Can you tell me if I would be eligible for unemployment insurance? Thank you, bob olson
I have been medically excused by a doctor to stay home for 2 weeks, and was fired after 10 days. Also, my employer has been approved for the small business loan. So salaries have dropped along with the desintegration of monthly-comission checks. Will I qualify for unemployment?
Chris,
You can be eligible to claim partial UI benefits. Please consider applying.
Often when someone is a contractor, they are self employed and probably not covered for unemployment insurance. However, the term contractor is sometimes used “incorrectly” – the ‘department of state’ should be able to tell you if any unemployment taxes were paid on your behalf.