Alaska Unemployment Eligibility Calculator
Alaska Unemployment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. Eligible Alaskans can receive unemployment compensation for up to 26 weeks.
How to qualify for Alaska unemployment benefits
To qualify for Alaska unemployment benefits, you need to be physically and mentally ready to work a full-time job. You should also have a way to get to work, like a car, bus, or walking, and have a plan for childcare if needed.
If you receive Workers’ Compensation or Social Security Disability, you need to let the claim center know as it could affect your unemployment benefits. Your potential employers and the unemployment staff need to be able to reach you.
Being locked up in jail makes you ineligible for full-time work – therefore, you’re unable to receive unemployment benefits.
Monetary Eligibility Requirements
- Wage credits from an employer that is subject to unemployment insurance laws (covered employment)
- A total gross income of at least $2,500 earned over two calendar quarters of your base period
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Alaska, you must have earned enough money
in the last 18 months. Your employer must also have paid unemployment taxes to the state of Alaska.
You must have earned at least $2,500 earned over two calendar quarters of your base period. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to the quarter in which a claim for benefits is filed.
If you do not have sufficient wages in the base period for an eligible claim, you will be placed on an alternate base period which is the last four completed calendar quarters before the quarter in which you file your claim.
Non-Monetary Eligibility Requirements
In Alaska, UI claimants are responsible for the following:
- Registering for work as directed by the state workforce agency
- Actively seeking full-time employment
- Reporting weekly work search contacts and all work search activity and earnings
- Keeping a current mailing address with the agency (Note: US Postal Service does not forward UI mail)
- Being physically able, ready, and available for full-time work
- Reporting any Workers’ Compensation or Social Security Disability to the claim center
- Being reachable by employers and department staff
- Having transportation and childcare options available if offered employment
- Being eligible for suitable full-time work (i.e. work suitable by experience/training, meeting prevailing wage and working conditions, and realistic to the local labor market)
Work registration requirement
If you are in Alaska, you must register for work and post a resume online within 7 days of filing a new or reopened claim. You are required to search for work each week and document your search information, which may be audited.
(RESEA)
The Reemployment Services (RESEA) program helps job seekers who need support in returning to work. If you are chosen to participate, you must complete all requirements as instructed. If you quit, were fired, or refused work, there may be penalties such as a 6 week disqualification period and a reduction in benefits.
You can receive benefits while attending approved school or training, but you must report any enrollment or attendance when filing weekly claims. Report all work and earnings, including self-employment, volunteer work, tips, and commissions. Be honest and provide complete information. Misrepresentation of work or earnings is considered Alaska unemployment fraud.
What is considered suitable work?
Suitable work means a job that matches your skills and experience, pays the standard wage for your area, and is a realistic option for you in the job market. Even if the pay is lower than what you earned before, you need to be flexible in your job search and be willing to accept suitable work.
Can I quit my job and still get UI benefits?
You can quit your job and still be eligible for unemployment benefits if you quit for “good cause.” When it comes to Alaska unemployment eligibility, good cause includes quitting due to dangerous and unsafe working conditions, such as harassment, health and safety concerns, or violation of employment laws.
Getting fired
Being fired from your job doesn’t always mean you are ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits. But you may be disqualified if you were fired for willful misconduct, not doing your job properly, violating rules, or being negligent, your Alaska unemployment application can be denied.
What happens if I am laid off from my job?
There is no penalty or reduction in UI benefits if you are laid off. Your employer will be sent a notice to verify that you were laid off.
Unemployment benefits are designed to help those who lost their jobs through reasons beyond their own control.
If you get laid off because the business can’t afford, you are usually eligible for unemployment benefits. If you were laid off because you weren’t right for the job, then also you may be eligible to collect unemployment.
When you get laid-off, it is not your fault. Getting laid-off doesn’t mean that you were fired or you did something wrong. Once you get laid-off from your job, you should immediately apply for unemployment benefits.
Can I collect benefits if I am not a United States citizen?
To collect UI benefits, aliens must establish that they were in satisfactory immigration status and authorized to work in the United States when earning the wages that their claim is based on. In addition, the claimant must provide proof that they remain in satisfactory immigration status and are authorized to work each week that benefits are claimed. The UI claim center will verify immigration status and work authorization through an electronic system maintained by the US Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The right to appeal a decision
Eligibility guidelines were loosened during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to temporary programs like Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). However, those extended benefits are no longer available. Eligibility requirements for the regular unemployment benefit have returned to pre-pandemic standards.
Fortunately, the state of Alaska considers each claim on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your circumstances and reason for job separation, you may still qualify for benefits – even after getting fired. If you feel you were incorrectly denied Alaska UI benefits, the best thing you can do is file an appeal. You will have a chance to explain your circumstances and argue your case so your claim can be approved.
Want to know about how much you will receive? —–> Calculate your Alaska UI benefits
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