Georgia Unemployment Eligibility
This page provides general guidelines on how to apply for Georgia unemployment benefits. View the unemployment eligibility requirements, the process to file for unemployment in Georgia, how long your benefits last and how to calculate unemployment rate. If you filed your claim and it was disqualified, denied Georgia unemployment. You can apply for Georgia unemployment online at http://www.dol.state.ga.us/file_unemployment_claim.htm.
Georgia Unemployment Benefits Eligibility
Individuals who are considered out of work through no fault of their own may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Minimum qualifications for eligibility include, but are not limited to:
- Sufficient earnings within the base period of a claim to qualify monetarily for benefits
- Must be wholly unemployed or employed less than full-time and have earnings less than their weekly entitlement
- Must be found to be out of work through no fault of their own
- Must be available to seek and accept work customary to their normal occupation
- Must be physically and mentally able to work at the time they initiate a claim for benefits; and
- Must not refuse suitable work when offered
How Do I File For Georgia Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits is temporary income for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are either looking for another job, have definite recall to their jobs within 6 weeks of the last day worked, or are in approved training. The funding for unemployment insurance benefits comes from taxes paid by employers. Workers do not pay any costs. Eligibility for benefits is determined based on past wages, reason for job separation, and availability and job search requirements. Claims for unemployment insurance may be filed at any Georgia Department of Labor Career Center. When filing a claim for unemployment in Georgia you should bring the following:
- Your social security number. A claim cannot be filed without a social security number
- Employer-issued separation letter or notice, if one was provided
- Names and addresses of all employers for the last 18 months and the dates worked for each
- Proof of immigration status if not a U.S. citizen
- Personal check with account number and bank routing number if you want benefits deposited directly into to a checking or savings account
File Georgia Unemployment Claims By Phone
- Customers in the Metro Atlanta Area: 404-232-4290
- Customers outside the Metro Atlanta Area: 1-866-873-5676 (toll free)
- Official Georgia Unemployment Handbook, called Unemployment Insurance Claimant Handbook: http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/forms/dol414.pdf
- Claims are effective on the date they are filed and are not retroactive to the last day worked
- Use the GDOL automated telephone system, OLIVoR, to access additional information
File For Georgia Unemployment Benefits Online
http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/file_unemployment_insurance_claim.htm
Calculating Georgia unemployment benefits
Payments for unemployment benefits can vary from state to state, but calculating how much you will receive is simple enough to figure out for yourself. Most states determine weekly benefits using the base period quarter in which wages are highest, called the High-Quarter Method. The remaining states might use multiple methods based off the Annual-Wage Method to the Average-Weekly-Wage Formula. Because the High-Quarter Method is the most common method of computing benefits, you may be able to use this to help you determine your unemployment benefits.
How can I estimate my unemployment benefit amount
The period that the wage earner worked closes to full time is called the high quarter. This is the period in which wages were the highest. Take the amount earned during that quarter and divide by 13, which is the number of weeks in a calendar quarter. The state determines the percentage of that wage that will be replaced. The weekly wage is divided and the weekly benefit is calculated based on the weekly wage. Depending on the state you live in, the benefit amount may replace one half of the average weekly earnings.
How long do Georgia unemployment benefits last
After the unemployment benefits have been calculated, your state will determine the duration of benefits. Several states establish uniform durations of 26 weeks for all workers who meet qualifying wage requirements, while other states have the flexibility to assign benefits lasting anywhere from 26 to 30 weeks.