Georgia Unemployment Insurance Benefits Eligibility

To be eligible for Georgia Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

Monetary Eligibility:

• Base Period Earnings: You must have earned a certain amount of wages during your base period, which is the four calendar quarters prior to filing your claim. The minimum wage requirement for each quarter varies based on the year of your base period.
• Earnings Threshold: You must have earned a minimum of $2,700 in total wages during your base period.

Reason for Job Separation:

• Job Separation Through No Fault of Your Own: To be considered unemployed through no fault of your own, you must meet one of the following criteria:
  1. Laid Off or Fired: You were laid off or fired from your job without misconduct or willful violation of company policies.
  2. Voluntary Quit: You voluntarily quit your job for good cause, such as being subjected to unsafe or illegal working conditions.
  3. Employer’s Failure to Pay Wages: Your employer failed to pay you your wages or provide you with proper notice of termination.

Availability and Job Search Requirements:

• Availability for Work: You must be able to work and available for suitable employment. This means you cannot be in jail, in a nursing home, or otherwise physically or legally unable to work.
• Active Job Search: You must actively seek employment by applying for at least three suitable jobs per week and documenting your job contacts. Suitable jobs are those that match your skills and experience and are within a reasonable commuting distance.
• Participation in Reemployment Services: You may be required to participate in reemployment services offered by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) to enhance your job search and increase your chances of finding suitable employment.

Additional Eligibility Considerations:

• Benefit Duration: The maximum duration of unemployment benefits in Georgia ranges from 14 to 26 weeks, depending on the statewide unemployment rate at the time of your claim.
• Prohibited Activities: You are prohibited from engaging in certain activities that could disqualify you from receiving benefits, such as refusing to accept suitable employment, failing to report your work search efforts, or committing fraud.

Claim Filing:

To apply for unemployment benefits in Georgia, you can file a claim online through the GDOL’s MyUI Claimant Portal or by calling the GDOL’s unemployment benefits information line at 1-800-423-5295. You will need to provide personal information, your work history, and details about your job separation.

Appeal Process:

If your unemployment benefit claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can request a hearing by completing an appeal form and submitting it to the GDOL. A hearing will be scheduled with an unemployment insurance referee to review your case and determine eligibility.