Georgia Unemployment Calculator
Georgia unemployment benefits provide temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The calculation of these benefits is based on a combination of state and federal guidelines, taking into account factors such as the claimant’s previous earnings, the state’s average weekly wage, and the duration of the benefit period.
To meet the eligibility requirements for Georgia unemployment, you must have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, and your gross income must equal at least $1,134 in the two highest quarters in the base period. Also, your total insured wages during the base period must equal at least one and one-half times the highest quarter of earnings.
Georgia Unemployment Benefits Calculator
How are Georgia unemployment benefits calculated?
Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is calculated by dividing the two highest quarters of wages in your base period by 42.
The minimum weekly benefit amount is $55 and the maximum is $365. The amount an individual will receive is based on the amount of wages earned in the base period.
Regular WBA Calculation
Total Wages in 2 Highest Quarters / 42 = WBA
If your total wages are not equal to one and one half times the highest quarter of wages, you may be able to use an Alternate Calculation.
Using the Alternate Calculation, your weekly benefit amount is calculated by dividing the highest quarter of wages by 21. Wages must be earned in at least two quarters of the base period and total wages must be at least 40 times the weekly benefit amount.
Alternate Calculation
Total Wages in Highest Quarter / 21 = WBA
Here a few examples of what you can expect:
- If you make $100 per week in Georgia, your estimated weekly benefit is $61 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $300 per week in Georgia, your estimated weekly benefit is $185 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $600 per week in Georgia, your estimated weekly benefit is $365 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $800 per week in Georgia, your estimated weekly benefit is $365 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $1000 per week in Georgia, your estimated weekly benefit is $365 for up to 26 weeks.
What is a base period?
The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters that you filed your claim.
If your claim cannot be established using the regular base period, the alternative base period will be used. The alternative base period is the last four completed
calendar quarters at the time you file your claim.
A calendar quarter is a three-month period:
- 1st Quarter: January 1 through March 31
- 2nd Quarter: April 1 through June 30
- 3rd Quarter: July 1 through September 30
- 4th Quarter: October 1 through December 31
Issues that can affect your weekly benefit amount
When the GDOL calculates your weekly benefit, issues like child support, pensions, and retirement pay may affect the amount you can receive.
Child Support
If you pay child support payments to the court or child support services, a deduction from your payments might be necessary. According to child support guidelines, this deduction could be up to 50% of your weekly benefit amount.
Retirement Income
When filing for unemployment benefits, you need to report any retirement income, such as pensions, from an employer whose wages established your claim or the last employer from whom you were separated.
If you start receiving retirement income after filing your claim, notify your local career center. The GDOL will send you a Claims Examiner’s Determination, explaining how your retirement income affects your unemployment benefits. Report any changes in your retirement income to avoid overpayment.
Severance Pay
You must report any severance pay when you apply for Georgia unemployment benefits. Contact your local career center if you start receiving income after filing your claim to avoid unemployment fraud. If the weekly payments exceed your weekly unemployment benefit amount, you won’t be eligible for unemployment benefits during the covered period.
For lump-sum severance payments, the GDOL will divide the amount by your average gross weekly earnings to determine the number of weeks covered. You will receive a Determination letter detailing the impact of the severance pay on your unemployment benefits. Keep in mind that you can file an appeal if you disagree with the determination.
Workers’ Compensation
Inform the GDOL if you’ve applied for or are receiving workers’ compensation when filing your claim. Contact your local Career Center if you apply for or start receiving workers’ compensation after filing your claim.
Receiving your payments
Weekly unemployment compensation is paid by direct deposit or on a Georgia UI Way2Go Debit MasterCard.
Direct Deposit
Direct deposit is the preferred method for receiving your unemployment benefits. It allows for a quick and secure transfer of funds into your checking or savings account. With direct deposit, payments will be in your account within three days of claiming your weekly benefits.
To set up direct deposit, you’ll need to provide your bank’s routing number and your checking or savings account number.
Debit Card
The Georgia UI Way2Go Debit MasterCard program is similar to a regular debit card. You can access your funds by making purchases or withdrawing cash using the card. Your benefit payments will be deposited into an account set up with Comerica Bank.
Your Georgia UI Way2Go Debit MasterCard is accepted wherever MasterCard debit cards are honored, and it remains valid for any UI claims you file within the next three years. If you file a new unemployment claim during this period, you won’t receive a new card, so store it safely. If you’re still receiving benefits when the three-year period expires, Comerica Bank will automatically issue a new card.
Keep your card in a secure location and ensure you’re the only one who knows the debit card PIN. Never store the card and PIN together. If your card is lost or stolen or someone discovers your debit card PIN, immediately contact the Georgia UI Way2Go Debit MasterCard Customer Service at 1-888-929-2460.
Do I have to pay taxes on Georgia unemployment compensation?
Yes. Unemployment insurance counts as taxable income, so you need to report it on your federal and state income tax returns. The federal government will deduct 10% in taxes, and the state government will deduct 6%. You can choose to have one or both deducted from your benefits. For instance, if your weekly benefit amount is $300, you would pay $30 in federal taxes and $18 in state taxes.
The department sends out 1099-G forms at the end of January, which show how much unemployment benefits you were paid during the previous year. This form also displays the amount of taxes, if any, that were withheld. Use this form when you file your income taxes to report the benefits you got and any taxes the department withheld.