How unemployment works in Georgia
- As soon as you become unemployed, file a Georgia unemployment application with the state’s Department of Labor.
- After receiving an approval from the Georgia unemployment department, you must enroll with the Georgia DOL Employment Services to receive benefits. This department will help with your job hunt.
- You will begin receiving Georgia unemployment weekly claims, anywhere between $55 and $365, depending on your previous work history and case.
- To continue receiving benefits, you must file a Georgia unemployment weekly claim to prove you are continuing to search for new work. This is mandatory and must be done weekly.
- You are eligible to receive Georgia unemployment weekly claims for between 14 and 20 weeks, depending on the Georgia unemployment rate, and so long as you continue meeting Georgia unemployment ...
- In times of high unemployment, the state may provide additional help. While Georgia unemployment extensions are rare, you may qualify based on a case-by-case basis.
How do you file an unemployment claim in Georgia?
You can complete your application online by visiting https://www.dol.state.ga.us/file_unemployment_claim.htm and clicking "Begin Unemployment Claim." If you file online, you must have a valid email address. If you want to apply in person, go to https://dol.georgia.gov/locations/career-center to find the nearest Career Center.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Georgia?
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How do you claim unemployment in Georgia?
- You must register to employment services unless you are exempt by law
- If you are a citizen of Georgia, you must register with GDOL
- You must make at least 3 job contacts in a given week
- Be physically able to perform work (even if it’s not your regular field of work)
What are the requirements for unemployment in Georgia?
- Your past earnings must meet certain minimum thresholds.
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, as defined by Georgia law.
- You must be able and available to work, and you must be actively seeking employment.

How will I receive my payments for unemployment benefits in Georgia?
Payments can be made by direct deposit or debit card. The preferred method is direct deposit into your personal checking or savings account. If you do not enroll in direct deposit, payments will be deposited to your Georgia UI Way2Go Debit MasterCard® which works likes a standard debit card. Payments by paper checks are no longer issued.
How do I file a claim for unemployment insurance in Georgia?
Unemployment claims can be filed in person at any Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) career center or by Internet from any computer with appropriate Internet access.To file an unemployment claim via the Internet, you must have a valid email address. This email account should be your personal email address because private and confidential information about your claim will be sent to this email address.
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.
What is the maximum and minimum number of weeks a regular unemployment claim in Georgia can be established?
Effective July 1, 2012, the maximum number of weeks a claim can be established will range from 14 to 20, depending on the seasonal adjusted statewide unemployment rate in use at the time the regular UI claim is filed. For claims filed from July 1 through December 31, Georgia’s seasonal adjusted UI rate for the previous April will be used. For claims filed from January 1 through June 30, Georgia’s seasonal adjusted UI rate for the previous October will be used. The minimum number of weeks is 6.
What are the Browser Requirements for Filing a Claim for Unemployment Insurance in Georgia Online?
JavaScript must be enabled and pop-up blockers should be set to allow pop-ups.The claim filing process contains PDFs that may need to be printed and Adobe Acrobat Reader will be required. A free software download is available. Please ensure this software is available prior to beginning the claim filing processAdobe web site
Who can file for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Georgia by Internet?
If you have earned Georgia wages in the past two years, you can file a Georgia Internet claim.
Can I receive multiple determinations on my unemployment benefits claim in Georgia?
The department will release a determination on each separate issue on your claim. As a result, you may sometimes receive more than one determination. A decision imposing any kind of disqualification takes precedence over a decision allowing benefits. For example, you could receive a decision allowing benefits because you were laid off due to lack of work, but be ineligible because you do not have child care to enable you to look for another job.
When is my claim for unemployment benefits for Georgia effective?
Your claim is effective the Sunday prior to the claim filing date for claims filed on or after July 1, 2019. Claims filed before 7/1/19 are effective the date the claim is filed.
Do I continue filing my weekly certifications while waiting for the unemployment benefits appeal decision in Georgia?
Yes. If you are successful on appeal, you will not get paid for any weeks for which you did not file.
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.
Will my claim be recalculated to add extra weeks if the unemployment rate in Georgia goes up in the future?
No. An unemployment claim will be established using the unemployment rate in effect at the time of filing the claim. The claim will not be recalculated if the unemployment rate changes during the life of the claim.
What happens if you don't respond to Georgia unemployment?
Be sure to respond promptly. If you don’t reply by the deadline, your benefits could be delayed or denied.
What happens if my unemployment claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you may appeal the decision. It is important that you continue to claim weekly benefits while your appeal is pending review. More information about appeals is available on the Georgia Department of Labor website.
How often do you have to request unemployment benefits?
After applying, individuals must request payments weekly to be paid unemployment benefits for weeks they are determined to meet eligibility requirements.
Can I file unemployment online in Georgia?
Georgians filing unemployment insurance (UI) claims with the Georgia Department of Labor must meet certain criteria. Individuals may file a claim for unemployment benefits online with the Georgia Department of Labor and must meet certain criteria. After applying, individuals must request payments weekly to be paid unemployment benefits ...
How long can you be paid for unemployment in Georgia?
If you receive unemployment insurance benefits of any type, you are required to make a good faith effort to find another job as soon as possible. You can only be paid for weeks during which you actively seek work. Unless the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) specifically exempts you under our law from this requirement, you are required to keep a detailed record of your work search activities and submit evidence of your efforts by Internet or fax.
Where does unemployment come from?
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.
What age do you have to be to get UI in Georgia?
Georgia law requires that all applicants for UI benefits who are 18 years of age or older attest they are: a non-citizen legally present in the United States. The GDOL performs electronic verification of your lawful presence in the United States with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).
Where does unemployment come from?
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.
How does unemployment work in Georgia?
How unemployment works in Georgia 1 As soon as you become unemployed, file a Georgia unemployment application with the state’s Department of Labor. 2 After receiving an approval from the Georgia unemployment department, you must enroll with the Georgia DOL Employment Services to receive benefits. This department will help with your job hunt. 3 You will begin receiving Georgia unemployment weekly claims, anywhere between $55 and $365, depending on your previous work history and case. 4 To continue receiving benefits, you must file a Georgia unemployment weekly claim to prove you are continuing to search for new work. This is mandatory and must be done weekly. 5 You are eligible to receive Georgia unemployment weekly claims for between 14 and 20 weeks, depending on the Georgia unemployment rate, and so long as you continue meeting Georgia unemployment requirements. 6 In times of high unemployment, the state may provide additional help. While Georgia unemployment extensions are rare, you may qualify based on a case-by-case basis.
How old do you have to be to file unemployment in Georgia?
To be able to file for Georgia unemployment online, you must be at least 18 years old, have a personal email address, and have earned wages from a Georgia employer within the past 24 months. After you submit your application, you will receive ...
How long do you have to wait to file unemployment?
If you don’t do this in a timely manner, your benefits could be delayed or stopped. You will be required to serve a one week unpaid waiting period. This is usually the first week that you file a claim. To keep getting benefits, you must certify that you are still unemployed every two weeks.
How often do you have to file for unemployment?
You will be required to document your search efforts when you file for unemployment insurance every week. If you find part-time work, you must keep searching for full-time work. You must make at least three contacts each week.
Can you be laid off and claim your weeks?
To collect benefits, you must be laid off or let go through no fault of your own. You are not actively conducting a job search. You are not certifying and claiming your weeks in a timely manner. You were not able to look for work due to childcare, illness, transportation, or other related circumstances.
How to file unemployment claim in Georgia?
To file an unemployment claim via the Internet, you must have a valid email address.
When is the next week of unemployment in Georgia?
However, the first payable week ending date (WED) was July 4, 2020 based on the first payable WED of PEUC was April 4, 2020 for 13 weeks. As of July 5, 2020, Georgia began a high unemployment period in the Extended Benefits program increasing the maximum potential entitlement for claimants from 13 weeks to 20 weeks.
What age do you have to be to get UI 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.
How to update address in Georgia?
You must update your address with the Georgia department of Labor (GDOL) immediately. You can update your address and contact information online or in person at your local career center. For your protection, your identity must be verified when you report an address change.
What is the Georgia base period?
For Georgia, the base period is the first four of the last five calendar quarters completed at the time you file your claim. 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.
When will Georgia pay SEB?
Georgia became eligible to pay SEB May 10, 2020.
Is unemployment taxable income?
Yes. Any unemployment insurance benefits you receive are fully taxable income if you are required to file a tax return. At the time you file your claim, you may elect to have the department withhold state and/or federal tax on the benefits you receive. You may change this withholding election one time during the year.
When does Georgia unemployment expire?
ARP increases the maximum duration of PEUC benefits from 24 to 53 weeks, with an expiry date of September 4, 2021. For up-to-date information on Georgia's rules on unemployment eligibility and amounts during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the state Department of Labor's COVID-19 information page.
When will the 300 unemployment end in Georgia?
The law extended a $300 per week federal unemployment supplement (on top of state-provided benefits) until September 6, 2021. However, in response to apparent labor shortages, the state of Georgia decided to end this supplement early on June 26, 2021. That means the unemployment supplement is no longer available in Georgia.
How long does it take to appeal unemployment?
If your claim for unemployment is denied, you have 15 days to appeal the decision with the Appeals Tribunal. Your request for appeal must be in writing (letter format is fine) and mailed or faxed to a GDOL Career Center. After receiving your appeal request, the GDOL will schedule a hearing before the Appeals Tribunal.
What are the factors that determine if a position is suitable for unemployment?
For the initial unemployment period, whether a position is suitable depends on several factors, including the level of skill and training required, the similarity between the work and your previous employment, how much the position pays, and the distance between the job site and your residence.
What does GDOL send you?
Once it receives your application, the GDOL will send you some documents , including a Benefit Determination, stating your potential benefit amount and duration . You'll also receive a Claims Examiner's Determination, which lets you know whether the reason for leaving your job meets state eligibility requirements.
How much do you have to earn to qualify for unemployment?
You must have earned at least $1,134 in wages during the two quarters of your base period in which you earned the highest wages.
What is misconduct in Georgia?
In Georgia, among other things, misconduct means an intentional violation of the employer's rules, the failure to conform to standards which an employer can reasonably expect from an employee, or careless behavior that is so frequent or severe that it shows a disregard for the employer's interests.

Learn About Regular Unemployment Insurance
Who Can File by Internet?
- If you have worked or earned wages in the state of Georgia in the past 2 years, you can file a Georgia Internet claim at this site. Information for individuals who cannot file a Georgia claim by Internet: 1. If you reside in Georgia and have not earned Georgia wages in the past two years but earned wages in another state, go to a GDOL career center...
Browser Requirements For Filing A Claim Online
- JavaScript must be enabled and pop-up blockers should be set to allow pop-ups to use this application. This process contains PDFs that may need to be printed and Adobe Acrobat Reader will be required. A free software download is available from the Adobe web site. Please ensure this software is available prior to beginning the claim filing process.
Affidavit to Verify Lawful Presence in The U.S.
- Georgia law requires that all applicants for UI benefits who are 18 years of age or older attest they are: 1. a United States citizen, or 2. a legal permanent resident, or 3. a non-citizen legally present in the United States. The GDOL performs electronic verification of your lawful presence in the United States with the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The DDS validates the identity of in…