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Georgia Unemployment Claims Center: 877-709-8185
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Georgia unemployment insurance compensation offers financial assistance to workers who are unemployed due to no fault of their own. If you are eligible for unemployment in the state of Georgia, you can collect weekly benefits for up to 26 weeks. Employer taxes finance the Georgia unemployment insurance program, and not the employees themselves.
How to apply for Georgia unemployment benefits
You can apply for Georgia unemployment compensation online or at a local Career Center.
However, if you live in Georgia but haven’t earned wages in the state in the past two years, you must visit a GDOL Career Center to get information on filing a claim with the appropriate state.
MyUI Claimant Portal
The fastest and easiest way to apply for UI benefits is through the GDOL MyUI Claimant Portal.
Set up your MyUI Claimant Portal account by creating a password and personal identification number (PIN). This password will grant you access to MyUI and other Georgia online services. Never share your PIN or password with anyone.
Once you have logged in, simply click File a New Claim and follow the prompts.
Information needed to apply
When filing a claim, make sure to have:
- Your Social Security number
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- An employer-issued separation notice or letter, if available
- The names, addresses, and dates of employment for all your employers in the past 18 months
- Personal banking account and routing number for direct deposit
- Alien number and expiration date for non-citizens
- SF-50 or SF-8 form and pay stubs if you had federal employment in the last two years
- The most recent DD-214 for former military personnel
Verifying your identification
When processing your claim, you will be required to verify your identity. The GDOL uses ID.me to verify your identity. This helps protect your information online and prevents unemployment fraud.
You’ll be directed to verify your identity when you apply for unemployment benefits. Once you’re on the ID.me verification website, click on the “Verify with ID.me” button to begin the identity verification process. Continue following the instructions until your identity is verified. Be sure to use a valid email address for both ID.me and GDOL so you can receive important updates.
After you apply for benefits
Once you’ve submitted your application for unemployment insurance benefits, the following steps will take place:
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) reviews and processes your application. If they need more information, they might contact you. You’ll receive an email after your claim has been processed, along with any additional instructions if needed. Keep an eye on your email for important updates from GDOL about your unemployment eligibility.
A notice of claim filing and a request for separation information will be sent to your most recent employer. GDOL reviews your claim for eligibility based on your reason for leaving your most recent job and your availability to accept suitable work. The GDOL will only contact you if they need more information. You must claim at least one week of benefits for GDOL to review your claim.
Determinations
You will receive two determinations based on Georgia UI eligibility requirements. The first one tells you if you have enough insured wages to establish a valid claim. If you do, you’ll receive a second determination that tells you whether your benefits are approved or denied.
Unemployment Insurance Benefit Determination
You’ll receive an Unemployment Insurance Benefit Determination in the mail, which tells you if you have enough insured wages to establish a claim. This notice doesn’t mean you’re approved for UI benefits, but it shows your potential weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you could receive benefits if they are allowed. You can use the Georgia unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly benefit amount ahead of time.
Your Unemployment Insurance Benefit Determination will show:
- Wages reported during the base period
- Potential weekly benefit amount of your claim
- Potential maximum number of weeks on your claim
- Potential maximum benefit amount (MBA) that will be paid on your claim
- Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at the time your claim is filed
Review the Unemployment Insurance Benefit Determination carefully. If you think the wages on your determination letter are incorrect or incomplete (including wages earned in other states), you can request a reconsideration of your claim.
Currently, the minimum WBA is $55, and the maximum WBA is $365. You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks. Please note benefit extensions like Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) are no longer available.
Claims Examiner’s Determination
Next, a Claims Examiner’s Determination will be mailed to you, informing you if your benefits are approved or denied. If your benefit payments are approved, you can expect to receive a payment within 3 days. Please note that it takes about 21 days before you receive the Claims Examiner’s Determination.
Receiving payments
You must certify for benefits each week in order to get paid. When you file a weekly claim, you are asked to verify that you remain eligible for benefits and have fulfilled your work search requirements. You are also required to register with Employ Georgia and post your resume online.
After you’ve successfully filed your weekly unemployment claim, you’ll usually get a payment within 3 days. You can receive your benefit payments through direct deposit or a Georgia UI Way2Go Debit MasterCard.
Direct deposit is the preferred way to get benefits. You’ll need your bank’s routing number and bank account number to set it up.
Alternatively, your payments can be deposited onto a Georgia UI Way2Go Debit MasterCard. The card is valid for any UI claim you file within the next three years, so keep it safe.
If your benefits are denied
If your Georgia unemployment application is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. Submit your appeal within 15 days from the date on your claim determination letter.
The appeal process allows you to present additional information or address any discrepancies in your initial claim. Filing an appeal ensures that your case is reviewed fairly. Learn more about the appeals process.
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