How much is unemployment in Georgia?
Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is calculated by dividing the wages from the two highest quarters in your base period by 42. In Georgia, the minimum benefit amount is $55, while the maximum weekly benefit is $365. The amount you receive depends on the total wages earned during your base period. Use the Georgia unemployment calculator to see how much you can receive.
How to apply for unemployment in Georgia?
You can apply for Georgia unemployment benefits in person at any GDOL Career Center or online using a computer with internet access. In order to file an unemployment claim online, you must have a valid email address. This email should be your personal account that only you can access. Learn more about the application process.
What disqualifies you from unemployment in Georgia?
In Georgia, you can be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits if you voluntarily quit your job without a good work-related cause, or if you are terminated for misconduct or violation of company rules.
You will also be denied benefits if you fail to meet work search requirements, refuse a suitable job offer, or become unable to work. You must answer questions honestly when filing your weekly claim. If you intentionally omit or misrepresent your eligibility, it can result in an overpayment that you are required to pay back. Committing unemployment fraud will result in a denial of benefits and possible criminal charges.
Learn more about Georgia UI eligibility requirements.
How long can you collect unemployment in Georgia?
You can receive UI benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks. In certain situations, such as a high unemployment rate, State Extended Benefits (SEB) may become available. Additionally, Disaster Unemployment Assistance may be provided in the event of a natural disaster. Please note that assistance programs introduced during the COVID pandemic, such as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), expired in 2021 and are no longer available.
How will I receive my payments?
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 just like a standard debit card. Payments by paper checks are no longer issued.
What is an overpayment?
The GDOL may determine that you’ve received unemployment benefits you weren’t eligible for, resulting in an overpayment. Overpayments can be classified as non-fraud or fraud. Non-fraud overpayments occur when you unintentionally receive benefits you weren’t entitled to.
Fraud overpayments occur when you knowingly make false statements or withhold information to obtain or increase benefits. Penalties for fraud overpayments include repaying the overpaid amount, paying a penalty of up to 15% plus monthly interest, being disqualified for unemployment benefits, and other penalties.
What are the work search requirements for Georgia unemployment?
To remain eligible for Georgia unemployment benefits, you are required to complete 3 approved work search activities each week. Keep detailed work search records in case you are audited by the GDOL.
Approved work search activities include job interviews, attending job fairs and networking events, uploading your resume to professional networking websites, and utilizing reemployment services at your local Georgia Career Center. Learn more about work requirements.
What is a base period?
In Georgia, the base period consists of the first four out of the previous five completed calendar quarters at the time of filing your claim. It is used to determine your eligibility and weekly benefit amount. If a claim cannot be established using the regular base period, an alternative base period comprising the four most recently completed calendar quarters will be used instead.
Am I eligible for benefits if I quit my job?
You may be eligible for benefits if you can demonstrate that you quit due to a valid work-related reason. However, you won’t be eligible for UI benefits if your reason for quitting was personal, even if it was a valid or compelling one. To determine your eligibility, you must file a claim, as the department cannot make a predetermination before a claim is filed.
Can I receive benefits if I was fired from my job?
If you were fired from your job, you won’t be eligible for benefits if your former employer can prove that you were fired due to failing to follow rules or due to misconduct. To confirm your eligibility after being fired, you must apply for unemployment benefits, as the GDOL can’t make a predetermination until a claim is filed.
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