Can I file unemployment for the weeks off work due to surgery?

Unemployment-QuestionQ) I moved to Georgia from Michigan May 2014. I have been working in Georgia since July and I know have a medical condition that mat result in me having to get a hysterectomy. My question is can I file unemployment for the 6 to 8 weeks I would to be off from work? Also prior to moving to Georgia I worked for 18 years and never filed before.

A) Whether or not you can file for unemployment benefits for the weeks you were off work due to surgery will depend on the laws and regulations in your state. In general, to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, be actively seeking work, and be able and available to work. If your absence from work was due to a medical condition, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits, as you may not be able and available to work.

However, some states have programs that allow individuals to collect unemployment benefits for a limited period of time while they are unable to work due to a medical condition. These programs are often referred to as “temporary disability” or “temporary medical leave” programs. To determine if your state has such a program and if you may be eligible, you should contact your state’s unemployment office or consult with an employment attorney or advocate.

You are generally not entitled to unemployment Insurance benefits for being off work due to illness or surgery.

You are always entitled to apply for unemployment benefits if you have lost your job. However keep in mind that The general requirement for unemployment insurance benefits are:

Have received enough wages during the base period to establish a claim.
Be totally or partially unemployed.
Be unemployed through no fault of his/her own.
Be physically able to work.
Be available for work which means to be ready and willing to immediately accept work.
Be actively looking for work.
Meet eligibility requirements each week benefits are claimed.
Be approved for training before training benefits can be paid.

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