Who can apply for unemployment benefits in Georgia?
Who can apply for unemployment benefits in Georgia?
Georgia law requires that all applicants for UI benefits who are 18 years of age or older attest they are:
- a United States citizen, or
- a legal permanent resident, or
- a non-citizen legally present in the United States.
What information should I have when I file a claim for unemployment benefits in Georgia?
When filing a claim, you should have:ALL INDIVIDUALS: A copy of your valid government-issued picture identification and Employer Separation Notice, if you were given one.
How long must I have worked to establish a claim for unemployment benefits in Georgia?
See full answerYour 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 draw unemployment benefits in Georgia 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.
Are there other requirements if I receive unemployment benefits in Georgia?
See full answerYes. If you are awarded benefits based on your reason for separation from your last employer, you must meet other weekly requirements. You must be able to do some kind of work that is available in your area and that you are qualified to do. You must be available for work without placing undue restrictions on your availability, such as lack of child care, lack of transportation, or other restrictions. You must be actively seeking work each week and you must be looking for full-time employment. As a part of your weekly certification, you must submit three new verifiable job search contacts for each week of benefits claimed. You must not refuse any offer of suitable work or referral to suitable work without good cause.You must be actively registered for employment services to receive UI benefits, unless exempt by law.
How do I claim unemployment benefits in Georgia each week after I file?
Once you file your claim, you will be required to certify your eligibility for each week you claim benefits and submit your work search for each week of benefits claimed. You may claim benefits using the telephone interactive voice response system, over the Internet, or in person at a GDOL Career Center.
Why is an affidavit required for unemployment benefits in Georgia?
Section 50-36-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) requires every applicant for public benefits, including unemployment insurance (UI), who is 18 years old or older, sign an affidavit attesting that they are (1) a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident or (2) a non-citizen legally present in the United States.
Is everyone eligible for the maximum number of weeks of unemployment benefits in Georgia?
No. The individual’s base period wages are used to determine the maximum benefits payable which may or may not qualify an individual for the maximum number of weeks. The maximum benefits payable to an individual in a benefit year is the least of the maximum number of weeks times the weekly benefit amount or one-fourth of the base period wages.
Why has the maximum number of potential unemployment weeks in Georgia been changed?
The Georgia Legislature passed House Bill 347 which changes the calculation method to determine the maximum number of weeks to be based upon the adjusted statewide unemployment rate in use at the time the regular UI claim is filed. The change became effective July 1, 2012.
When do I execute the Applicant Status Affidavit for unemployment benefits in Georgia?
The GDOL will notify you if you are required to complete an Applicant Status Affidavit attesting to your lawful presence in the United States. If required to do so, you must execute this affidavit whether you file your claim via the Internet on the GDOL website or in a career center. The affidavit is a one-time requirement for U.S. citizens. However, each time a non-citizen files a claim for UI benefits, Employment Authorization Document(s) must be provided.
How do I apply for unemployment in Georgia for free?
A free software download is available from the Adobe website. Visit the Georgia Department of Labor website and select Apply for Unemployment Benefits. You will use your personal information to create a PIN.
How long does it take to get unemployment benefits in Georgia?
If benefits are allowed, payments should be released within 24 to 48 hours of the determination being mailed to you. You must inform the Georgia Department of Labor once you return to work or refuse a job. If your claim is denied, you may appeal the decision.
How do I file an unemployment claim online?
You can file an unemployment insurance claim online. Create an email account, if you do not already have one. You will be asked for a valid email address when completing the unemployment claim online to receive some correspondence.
How do I register for employment services in Georgia?
Register for employment services at EmployGeorgia.com or with the State Workforce Agency, unless exempt by law. Work history for the last 18 months. This includes names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of employment, rate of pay, total earnings, and information about your job separation from each employer.