To receive Georgia unemployment benefits, you must be able and available to work while also actively seeking employment. You must show evidence of your job search efforts each week and be ready to accept any suitable job offers.
To be eligible for ongoing UI benefits, you must:
- Be able to work
- Be willing to work
- Be available to work
- Register with Employ Georgia
- Be actively searching for work
Work Search Requirements
In the state of Georgia, you must complete three (3) approved work search activities each week.
Keep an accurate record of your work search activities. To be eligible for benefits, you must meet all requirements when you file your weekly claim. The GDOL may randomly audit your work search records at any time.
If you provide false information or misrepresent facts, that is considered unemployment fraud in Georgia and will result in fines and a denial of UI benefits. If you receive an overpayment based on incorrect information, you will be responsible for repaying the money.
Work Registration Requirement
After applying for Georgia unemployment benefits, most claimants are required to register with Employ Georgia. You will be asked to create an online account, where you can upload your resume. Call the GDOL or visit a Career Center for assistance with your work registration.
Approved Work Search Activities
You must make a genuine effort to perform work search activities at least three (3) days per week.
For each week you claim unemployment benefits, you must submit a Weekly Work Search Record to the GDOL either online or by fax. Be aware that the GDOL may randomly audit your work search records at any time.
The GDOL has approved the following work search activities:
- Participate in interviews with employers (either virtual or in-person)
- Complete a civil service exam
- Join job fairs and networking events related to work
- Set up a personal profile on a professional networking website
- Take advantage of reemployment services at GDOL Career Centers
- Participate in Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) activities
- Sign up for employment services by visiting com
- Utilize online career tools and job matching systems
- Follow up on all job referrals from the GDOL for suitable work
- Create a work search plan
- Submit job applications to employers with job openings
- Prepare your resume
- Post your resume on online job boards
How to document your work search activities
It’s important to keep detailed work search records. At any time, you may be chosen for an audit or eligibility review. The specifics of your work search records will depend on the type of activities you engage in. When recording employer contacts, make sure to include the following information:
- Date of contact
- Name of the company
- Person contacted
- Company address, phone number, email, or website
- Position title
- Method of contact
- Results of the contact
Submitting Weekly Work Search Records
The quickest and preferred way to submit your weekly work search records is online using the Georgia MyUI Claimant Portal. If you don’t have a computer, you can use the resource room at your local Georgia Career Center.
You can also send your records via fax. Download the Weekly Work Search Record (DOL 2798) form, as it is the only accepted form.
Fax your weekly records to: 877-302-1573 (fax)
You must provide all the requested information to meet all eligibility requirements. Failing to submit records of at least three work search contacts weekly may result in denied benefits, delayed payment, or possible overpayment and penalties.
Refusing a job offer
When the GDOL refers you to suitable work or an employer offers you a suitable job, you must apply for the job as directed or accept the offer.
If you choose not to accept suitable work, you must report your refusal to the GDOL when requesting your weekly payment. The GDOL will determine if there was a good reason for refusing the work.
For instance, you aren’t required to accept a job offer if:
- The position became available due to a labor union strike
- The job paid less than the minimum wage
- The wages were substantially lower than wages for similar work in the area
- You would be required to join a union or resign from a union as a condition of being hired
Suitable Work
The suitability of a job depends on how long you’ve been unemployed. The longer you’re out of work, the more flexible you should be in terms of earnings, working conditions, job duties, and previous training or experience.
After receiving benefits for 10 weeks, you must be willing to accept an hourly wage that’s at least 66% of the average hourly wage you earned during your highest quarter of wages in the base period to meet suitable work search requirements. However, the new hourly wage must be at least the minimum wage set by state and federal law.
Failing to apply for suitable work could lead to a loss of benefits or the need to repay an overpayment of benefits you’ve already received. Please note that if you do receive a notice of denial for eligibility reasons, you have the right to file an appeal.
Georgia Unemployment Job Training Programs
The state of Georgia offers a range of job training opportunities to help unemployed workers find new jobs. The GDOL provides access to a variety of programs, including on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and vocational rehabilitation services. With these resources, unemployed individuals in Georgia have the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications that can help them succeed in their job search.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in Georgia is a federal program designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services.
In Georgia, WIOA operates through workforce development initiatives like the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Workforce Development Division, and the Technical College System. These organizations work together to offer services like job training, career services, adult education, and assistance for individuals and employers.
By participating in WIOA programs, you can enhance your skills, explore new career opportunities, and find the support needed to succeed in the job market. WIOA also helps Georgia employers by connecting them with skilled workers and providing resources for workforce development.
Georgia Quick Start
Georgia Quick Start helps workers gain valuable skills and training for businesses in the state. This program is available if you are part of a qualified company that is either new to Georgia, expanding its workforce, or adopting new technology to stay competitive. The services provided by Georgia Quick Start are free for any eligible worker.
Georgia Quick Start offers personalized assistance. They help assess your skills, provide training based on your employer’s specific processes, and create customized job-specific training using the latest techniques and media. This support covers various industries, including:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Automotive Industry
- Aviation Industry
- Bioscience / Healthcare
By participating in Georgia Quick Start’s services, you can ensure that you develop the skills and knowledge required for success in your industry, making you a valuable asset to your employer.
Apprenticeships
The state of Georgia offers registered apprenticeships in partnership with the federal Department of Labor.
An apprenticeship is a great way to gain hands-on work experience while also receiving valuable classroom instruction. Through this career pathway, you can develop essential skills and earn a nationally-recognized credential that employers appreciate.
Registered Apprenticeships are industry-approved and validated by the U.S. DOL. Individuals can gain paid work experience, receive wage increases progressively, obtain classroom instruction, and earn a portable, nationally-recognized credential.
How to become an apprentice
Visit Apprenticeship.gov to find a variety of apprenticeship resources. The website helps career seekers, employers, and education partners discover apprenticeships across various industries and learn how to become an apprentice.
Apprenticeship opportunities can be found through employers or program sponsors. To become an apprentice, use the Apprenticeship Job Finder to search for opportunities and apply directly with the employer or program sponsor. If you have questions about a specific opportunity, don’t hesitate to contact the employer or program sponsor for more information.
If you’re interested in an apprenticeship but need some guidance, locate a Georgia Career Center near you. They assist businesses in finding qualified workers and can help you secure an apprenticeship to enhance your career.
With a Registered Apprenticeship program, you can enjoy paid work experience and develop the skills that employers value. Most apprentices who complete their apprenticeship earn an average annual salary of $77,000. Registered Apprenticeship programs offer affordable paths to secure well-paying jobs for career seekers while enabling employers to develop and train their future workforce.
Job Corps
Job Corps helps eligible young people aged 16 to 24 complete their high school education, then trains them for meaningful careers. Since 1964, Job Corps has trained and educated over two million individuals.
At Job Corps, you’ll have access to room and board while learning skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping you complete your education, gain career technical skills, and secure employment, Job Corps also offers transitional support services like assistance with finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Graduates of Job Corps either join the workforce or an apprenticeship, pursue higher education, or enlist in the military.
Senior Community Service Employment Program
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a community service and work-based job training initiative designed for older Americans. SCSEP offers training opportunities for low-income, unemployed seniors while providing employment assistance through Georgia Career Centers.
SCSEP participants gain valuable work experience in various community service activities at schools, hospitals, day-care centers, and senior centers. Employees in the program work an average of 20 hours per week and receive minimum wage (state or federal, whichever is higher). This training can serve as a stepping stone to unsubsidized employment opportunities.
To be eligible for SCSEP, you must be at least 55 years old, unemployed, and have a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level. Enrollment priority is given to veterans and qualified spouses, followed by individuals over 65, those with a disability, and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
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