Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

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Whether you are applying for an Alabama unemployment extension for the first time or you simply want to familiarize yourself with the process, we’ve provided helpful information below.

You will find information on past unemployment compensation extensions and the different federal unemployment extension programs that may be available to you as a current recipient of UI payments.

Alabama Unemployment Resources

Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Alabama

If you are wondering whether you can extend unemployment benefits, there may be a solution. Once you exhaust your initial unemployment claim benefits, you may be able to extend that claim in the state of Alabama with a 20-week unemployment extension program called High Unemployment Extended Benefits Compensation (HEB).

In order to qualify for HEB, you must meet the same eligibility requirements established for initial unemployment benefits. Keep in mind, however, that although the Alabama Unemployment Compensation Law provides for unemployment compensation extensions for claimants who have exhausted their benefits, this only applies during periods of high unemployment.

Check with the Alabama Department of Labor for announcements regarding the beginning and ending dates of any AL unemployment extension periods.

How to Get an Unemployment Extension in Alabama

If your initial unemployment benefits run out and you need to file for an unemployment extension, the state of Alabama allows you to do so. However, you must first meet the eligibility requirements. Generally speaking, you must meet particular income qualifications, and you must have lost your job due to no fault of your own. Also, you must be actively seeking employment.

Applying for an Alabama unemployment benefits extension requires you to gather some important information such as:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your complete work history
  • Your reason for unemployment
  • Your job search history

With this information, you can apply for extended unemployment benefits through the Alabama Department of Labor during periods of high unemployment. However, you must remember to continue to look for work while you wait for an unemployment benefits extension decision. Failure to do so will disqualify you from obtaining an Alabama unemployment compensation extension.

Federal Unemployment Extension Programs in Alabama

If you find yourself asking, “What can I do to extend unemployment benefits?” and you begin to search for solutions online. The federal or state governments may offer an unemployment extension program during times of high unemployment. Alabama residents, upon exhausting their initial benefits claim, can apply for a benefits extension only when the government makes them available. 

For instance, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program temporarily gave qualified workers additional weeks of unemployment payments in 2008. And in 2020, the federal government initiated the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. However, both of these programs have expired.

All individuals who received an unemployment extension are still required to actively seek employment each week. These individuals need to keep a record of job search contacts on a weekly basis and may be subject to random audits verifying that they were appropriately seeking work.

Last Updated: February 28, 2023