States

How To Apply For Unemployment In Alabama

You can file a new unemployment claim online in Alabama or by calling 1-866-234-5382. You must have worked at least two full quarters (6 months) at your most recent employer to be eligible for a claim. Have your social security number, name, correct address, and dates of employment available before initiating the claim. You’ll also need a driver’s license or Alabama state identification card to verify your identity. You’ll find the following links helpful:

• Unemployment General Information
• File an Unemployment Claim Online
• File by Telephone

Expect to be asked for your mother’s maiden name as further proof of identification. If you’re being discharged from the military, you’ll need a copy of your DD214.

Voluntary Quits, Terminations, and Furloughs

You can receive unemployment benefits if you’ve voluntarily quit your job, but you’ll need to prove a valid, work-related reason for doing so. If you’ve been fired, the burden of proof is on the employer to show a work-related reason for your firing. You cannot collect unemployment benefits for furlough time, whether voluntary or involuntary.

If your employment has been interrupted due to Covid-19, visit the Alabama Department of Labor website to learn about changes in unemployment insurance related to Covid-19. You can stay up to date on these changes by visiting the Alabama Department of Labor News Feed.

Timelines and Compensation Amounts

You should file for unemployment immediately after a lay-off or employment termination. Use the online filing link above or call the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, which is a toll-free number: 1-866-234-5382. Claims are processed immediately and are good for 365 days, but there may be delays due to heavy volume, so don’t wait.

• Benefits per week range for $45 to $275
• Range of benefits is 14-20 weeks (based on unemployment rate)
• Extensions may be available under new CARES Act Federal Relief Package

Combining Out of State Wages

Unemployment department representatives will ask you to show employment history for the previous eighteen months to establish a baseline for determining the amount of your unemployment benefits. If you’ve worked in another state and cannot show a continuous eighteen-month employment history in Alabama, you may need to include your out-of-state income in the calculations. The following may NOT be eligible for establishing a baseline:

• Cash Income
• 1099 Income
• Part-time weekly income under $45

Getting Paid in a Timely Manner

It is essential that you file your weekly claims before 5:00 PM in order to receive payments the following day. Your filing day will be provided to you by your unemployment representative. Payments will be made via ACH whenever possible. Your other option is to apply for the AL Vantage Prepaid Benefits Card. For more on that Click Here.

Special Circumstances for Workers in Training

The Alabama Department of Labor offers Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA) Benefits for workers who have been laid-off and are pursuing additional training to enhance their employability. In order to be eligible for this extension of unemployment benefits, you must be enrolled in a training program within 26 weeks of requesting the extension.