Georgia Unemployment

Georgia Unemployment Insurance Benefits

The Georgia Department of Labor administers the state’s unemployment insurance benefits program, designed to provide temporary financial support for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Georgia’s program provides temporary support and eases the financial burden of unemployment while also providing unemployed Georgians the opportunity to search for new employment.

Georgia unemployment compensation is supported by a state trust fund, which is fully funded by Georgia employers who pay applicable unemployment tax. No worker wages are taxed or withheld to fund the program.

Georgia Unemployment Services

Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits in Georgia?

To qualify for unemployment compensation in Georgia, you must be able to show the following:

• You must have earned sufficient income during the base period, as defined by Georgia law.
• You must have lost employment through no fault of his or her own.
• You must be able and available to accept work when offered.
• You must actively seek work each week benefits are requested.

Individual determinations can only be made after the initial UI benefit claim is submitted, so if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s best to apply so you can get an official determination.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How Do I Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Georgia?

Claimants have a few options when submitting their initial unemployment claim in Georgia. First, these claims may be filed in person at any Georgia Department of Labor career center. 

But the fastest and easiest way to submit your initial unemployment benefits claim is online.

To apply online, you must have a valid email address. All information pertaining to your initial UI claim, including private and confidential information about your claim, will be sent to this email address.

Once you set up an account to submit your initial UI benefit claim, you also will be able to use this account to check the status of your unemployment benefit claim and to submit your weekly benefits certifications.

How Do I Manage My Unemployment Benefits?

While you collect UI benefits, you will be required to certify your eligibility each week and submit a summary of your recent work search activities. You can certify using Georgia’s telephone interactive voice response system, online using the account you created when you filed your initial UI claim, or in person at a Georgia Department of Labor career center.

The process for submitting your weekly benefit claim is fairly simple. You will need to answer a series of questions that confirm for the Georgia Department of Labor that you continue to meet eligibility requirements. You must also report your job-search activity for the week, along with any wages earned and any job offers received.

How Do I Appeal a Decision?

If you disagree with a decision about your unemployment benefit claim from the Georgia Department of Labor, you can request an appeal. This request must be submitted in writing and may be submitted online, by email, fax, or hand delivery. In addition, your request for appeal must be submitted in writing within 15 days of the postmark date on your official decision letter.

Contact information for submitting your request can be found below:

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 404-232-3901 or 404-232-3902

Mail:
Georgia Department of Labor
I Appeals Tribunal
148 Andrew Young International Blvd. NE
Suite 525
Atlanta, GA 30303-1734

How Do I Report Fraud?

Unemployment insurance fraud is a significant crime with far-reaching effects. The Georgia Department of Labor asks for support from all UI claimants and recipients when it comes to preventing unemployment fraud and abuse.

Cutting down on unemployment fraud helps the Georgia Department of Labor guarantee that Georgia tax dollars are spent wisely and that unemployment assistance is directed only toward eligible individuals.

If you suspect that someone is fraudulently collecting unemployment compensation, you may make a report using the Georgia Department of Labor’s online reporting form.

Georgia Unemployment Office Locations