Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

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Former workers can claim unemployment benefits in Georgia when they lose their jobs and meet all the requirements of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. The federal unemployment benefits program is implemented within the state by the GA Department of Labor (GDOL), which handles all unemployment benefits claims in Georgia.

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

Learn About Unemployment Benefits in Georgia

According to the UI program’s guidelines, only workers who were not at fault for losing their jobs and who have earned an adequate amount of wages during a 12-month base period can claim unemployment benefits in Georgia. The GDOL also offers partial unemployment benefits to state workers who are working less than full-time.

Dismissed employees who are wondering how to claim unemployment benefits in GA may fill out an online UI claim or submit a paper application through the GDOL Career Centers. The weekly amount of federal unemployment benefits in GA depends on the UI petitioner’s average wages.

Continued unemployment claims are only possible for UI applicants who meet additional eligibility criteria during a weekly recertification procedure. As the purpose of federal unemployment benefits in Georgia is to provide financial stability to unemployed job seekers, UI beneficiaries will have to undergo a regular certification process to prove that they belong in this category.

Learn About Filing a Claim in Georgia

The most convenient method to complete the unemployment application process in Georgia is to use the department’s online Unemployment Insurance Claim Application and provide information via the internet.

Former employees who fulfill the requirements can finalize the federal unemployment benefits application procedure by providing their Social Security number and personal information, entering information about their jobs from the last two years and obtaining a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).

After filing the initial Georgia unemployment benefits claim, the GDOL will commence the determination procedure, which is comprised of several stages. First, a GDOL official will inspect the UI claim for completeness.

Then, if no additional items are required, the UI application will be examined according to the work and wage eligibility criteria. Finally, the department will mail out the Claims Examiner’s Determination, informing the employee of whether or not he or she can start claiming benefits for unemployment in GA.

How Long You May Receive Benefits in Georgia

The maximum number of UI weekly payments is determined by the total unemployment rate (TUR) of the state when you file your UI application. The GDOL does not follow the standard 26-week benefits period and instead provides benefits for a varying duration between 14 and 20 weeks. The higher the state TUR, the longer your unemployment benefits claim will be valid.

In addition to the standard UI payments, the department also offers unemployment benefits extensions. These UI continuations, however, can only be obtained during times of high unemployment when the state activates an extended benefits program.

To claim unemployment benefits payments during their benefit period, employees can use the GDOL Certification Access service available via the department’s website. After accessing the internet recertification form by providing their Social Security Number and the four-digit PIN number, UI applicants will be required to provide truthful answers to several questions:

  • Were you actively seeking employment?
  • Were you physically and mentally able to work?
  • Were you available for a job that suits your abilities?
  • Were you offered such employment and did you refuse it?
  • Did you have any earnings, and if so, how much did you earn?

Petitioners whose weekly unemployment benefits claim was accepted will receive their standard UI paycheck within two to three days.

Note: Unemployment claimants can also complete the weekly UI recertification procedure by phone.

Learn About Georgia Unemployment Benefits and Federal Income Taxes

Federal unemployment benefits are taxable, and workers who are claiming benefits for unemployment must report them on both their state and federal income tax returns. The state Department of Labor offers UI beneficiaries the option to have one or both types of taxes deducted from their weekly benefits.

While state taxes are withdrawn at the rate of six percent, federal taxes are collected at the rate of 10 percent. UI recipients can choose the tax deduction option when they claim unemployment benefits.

Claimants will have one opportunity during your benefit year to change the tax-withholding preference. At the end of the year, the GDOL will send the IRS 1099-G form to UI beneficiaries to inform them of the amount of benefits they have received. If they chose to have taxes deducted from their weekly UI paychecks, this information will be displayed in the form.

Last Updated: February 28, 2023