Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

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While nobody plans on having to rely on federal unemployment benefits, the reality is that this situation could occur at any point. Should you lose your job due to no fault of your own, you may be left without a source of income.

However, if you are a resident of Alabama and happen to lose your job, you may be eligible to follow the application steps for unemployment benefits. This form of insurance coverage can help you get by as you search for another job. If you are wondering how to claim unemployment benefits, you have come to the right place.

If you want to learn about how to claim unemployment benefits, you have come to the right place.

We have compiled helpful information, hints, and tips about claiming unemployment benefits in Alabama on this website and FAQs and our free guide. Learn more about unemployment benefits in Alabama by reading below, checking out our Alabama FAQs, and reading our free guide.

Learn About Unemployment Benefits in Alabama

Because federal unemployment benefits are actually handled on a state-by-state basis, the calculation for benefits is unique in Alabama when compared to everywhere else. Generally, the amount of benefits you will receive each week is based on your earnings when you were employed.

In Alabama, your weekly unemployment benefit amount is 1/26th of your average quarterly earnings in the two-quarters of the base period in which you were paid the most. Alabama state law sets the maximum weekly benefit amount at $275, while the minimum weekly amount is $45.

If you get a new job that pays more than you are receiving in unemployment benefits, you will no longer be eligible to receive such benefits.

However, you may not lose benefits from working odd jobs and making small amounts of income, depending on how much you make. If needed, you may be able to file an Alabama unemployment benefits extension if you are not able to find suitable work before your standard benefits run out.

Learn About Filing a Claim in Alabama

In Alabama, claiming benefits for unemployment can be completed online or by phone. Get started with the online filing process by logging on to the Department of Labor website and following the instructions on the screen. To complete the Alabama unemployment benefits claim process online, you will need the following information handy:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Work history for the last 18 months, including your employers’ business names, addresses, telephone numbers and dates of employment
  • Your alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
  • Copy #4 of your DD Form 214 (if released from the military in the last 18 months)
  • Your Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) certification letter and/or TAA petition number (if filing for Trade Adjustment Assistance Benefits)
  • Name and local number of your union hiring hall (if you obtain your work through a union hiring hall)
  • Your bank routing number and checking/savings account number (if direct deposit is desired)
  • A telephone number at which you can be reached during business hours

You can also file an unemployment benefits claim by calling the Initial Claims Line at 1-866-234-5382. Your call will be answered by an electronic Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, which will ask you a few initial questions. You will then be connected to a customer service representative to complete your federal unemployment benefits claim.

When you file your weekly certification for unemployment benefits, report any wages you earned from any work performed during that week. Keep in mind that you must report your gross earnings during the week in which they were earned.

You should receive your benefits weekly and quickly as long as you file each claim properly and include all the correct information.

How Long You May Receive Benefits in Alabama

In general, you have up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits eligibility, depending on how much you have earned in your base period. As long as you are actively searching for employment and meet any other requirements, you should have continued eligibility to receive unemployment benefits.

Continued eligibility to receive unemployment compensation is also contingent upon your income level, as you will no longer be eligible if you make more than your benefit amount.

Learn About Alabama Unemployment Benefits and Federal Income Taxes

Your Alabama unemployment benefits count as taxable income under federal law. You must declare the full amount you receive, and if your total income is high enough, you will have to pay federal income taxes on your unemployment benefits.

However, you can ask the state of Alabama to withhold 10 percent of your weekly check for federal income tax by filing Form W4-V (Voluntary Withholding Request).

Last Updated: February 28, 2023