Alabama unemployment benefits provide financial assistance to eligible individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The Alabama Department of Labor manages the unemployment insurance program and helps individuals navigate the weekly certification process.
After applying for Alabama UI benefits, you must file your weekly claim certifications and provide accurate information about your employment status. This process can be completed either online or by phone, and it requires the use of a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and your Social Security Number.
As an unemployed individual in Alabama, you have two options for filing your weekly claim certifications. You can either file online at www.labor.alabama.gov or by phone using the Unemployment Compensation Division’s automated voice response system.
File online
To certify online, visit prodalabamaiccs.azurewebsites.net and then click on “Access Claimant Portal.”
File by phone:
Call the automated voice response system using one of the phone numbers below. You will be asked a series of questions to establish your ongoing eligibility for UI benefits.
Weekly Certification Phone Numbers
Birmingham (205) 458-2282
Montgomery (334) 954-4094
Toll Free: (800) 752-7389
Please note that you must file your weekly certification between 12:01 AM Sunday and 5:00 PM Friday (Central Time) to be considered timely. You must file your certification no later than 5:00 PM each Friday to be eligible for payment.
To file your weekly certification, you will need your Social Security number and personal identification number (PIN), which you established when you filed your unemployment claim. Remember that your PIN is your electronic signature, and it should never be shared with anyone. If you have forgotten your PIN, you can either answer your security questions or schedule a callback with the UC Claimant Inquiry line for assistance.
File your weekly certifications each week as instructed to be eligible for payment, even if a determination has not yet been made on your claim.
Never share your PIN with anyone.
Be sure to answer all questions truthfully to avoid issues with Alabama unemployment fraud. Provide accurate information about your employment status and any earnings you received during the week.
If certifying over the phone, you must wait for the response to ensure that all your answers have been recorded. In case one or more of your answers may be potentially disqualifying, you will be instructed to call the ADOL for a fact-finding interview.
You must report all earnings for the week when you file your weekly claims certification. This includes any pay for work performed, wages paid while on a temporary layoff, and wages paid while on a scheduled break under a contract. If you have multiple employers, you must report all wages from all jobs. Failure to report earnings correctly could result in overpayment of your unemployment benefits.
When filing a weekly certification for unemployment benefits in Alabama, you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for continued benefits. You must certify that you are able, available, and willing to work. The state of Alabama requires you to search for 3 jobs each week and record your job contacts.
Some of the common questions include:
- Did you work during the week for which you are claiming benefits?
- Did you receive any income or earnings during the week?
- Did you refuse any job offers during the week?
- Were you available for work during the week?
- Did you actively seek employment during the week and meet the work search requirements?
- Did you receive any holiday pay, vacation pay, or severance pay during the week?
- Did you attend any training or schooling during the week?
- Have you experienced any changes in your employment status or personal information?
It is important to answer these questions truthfully and accurately to ensure that you are receiving the correct amount of benefits and to avoid any disqualification or loss of benefits. If you have any questions or concerns about filing your weekly certification, you can contact the Alabama DOL for assistance.
If you move to another state, notify the ADOL to avoid any delay or disruption of your benefits. If you are temporarily out of town, you may continue to file your weekly certifications via the internet or by phone, but you must still meet all eligibility requirements to receive benefits.
Receiving your UI payment
When filing your claim for Alabama Unemployment Benefits, the amount of financial assistance you may receive per week depends on your earnings during the base period. The weekly benefit amount ranges from a minimum of $45 to a maximum of $275, determined using your base period earnings. Use the Alabama unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly UI benefit.
After filing your claim, the Alabama Department of Labor mails you a monetary determination form, listing all your base period wages and the total and weekly amount you will receive. The number of full benefit weeks that you qualify for ranges between 14 and 20 weeks.
The amount of benefits you receive may change based on various factors such as changes in the unemployment rate, your employment status, and the amount of earnings you report. If you have any questions or need help understanding your monetary determination form, contact the ADOL for assistance.
Direct Deposit
When you file a claim for unemployment benefits in Alabama, you have two options for receiving your payments. The first option is direct deposit into your personal checking or savings account. To choose this option, you need to provide your bank routing and account number when you file your claim. You can find the nine-digit bank routing number on the bottom left of your check. Once your claim is approved, funds will be deposited into your checking or savings account within two business days.
Debit Card
The second option is the AL Vantage Prepaid Benefits Card, which is currently serviced by Comerica Bank, though the service provider is subject to change. However, there are fees associated with certain activities. Your AL Vantage Card will not be mailed until your claim has been approved, which could delay receipt of your first payment by 7-10 days for card delivery. Additional information about the AL Vantage Card is available online at labor.alabama.gov/AL_VantageCard.aspx.
If you have any issues with your AL Vantage Card, you can report lost or stolen cards immediately by calling 833-888-2779. You can also access your AL Vantage account information online at www.goprogram.com.
Filing weekly unemployment insurance claims in Alabama is an essential process that requires you to provide truthful and accurate information. It is important to report all earnings for the week and to follow the instructions provided to avoid any disqualification or loss of benefits.
If you have any questions or need assistance with filing your weekly UI claims, contact the ADOL claim center.
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