Georgia Unemployment Benefits: Complete Filing Guide

Georgia's Department of Labor (GDOL) administers unemployment insurance for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This guide covers eligibility, filing, benefit amounts, and ongoing requirements for Georgia unemployment benefits.

Georgia Unemployment at a Glance

Detail	Information
Maximum weekly benefit	$365
Maximum benefit duration	14-20 weeks (varies by unemployment rate)
Waiting period	None
Filing method	Online at dol.georgia.gov
Administering agency	Georgia Department of Labor

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Georgia unemployment benefits, you must:

Earnings Requirements

Base period: Georgia uses your wages from the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed.

Minimum earnings:

• At least $3,600 in total wages in your base period, AND
• Wages in at least two quarters of your base period, AND
• Total base period wages at least 150% of your highest quarter wages

Work Requirements

• Lost job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
• Physically able to work and available for full-time work
• Actively seeking employment each week you claim benefits
• Ready to accept suitable work if offered

Who Is NOT Eligible

• Workers who quit without good cause connected to the work
• Workers discharged for misconduct
• Self-employed individuals (generally)
• Independent contractors (generally)
• Workers who refuse suitable work

How to File in Georgia

Online Filing (Recommended)

Website: dol.georgia.gov

Steps:

1. Go to the Georgia DOL website
2. Create an account or log in
3. Complete the unemployment insurance application
4. Provide employment history and separation information
5. Submit your claim

By Phone

Contact the Georgia Department of Labor if you cannot file online.

Phone: 404-232-3001

Information You'll Need

Gather this before you start:

• Social Security Number
• Driver's license or state ID
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers in the last 18 months
• Dates of employment
• Reason for separation from your last employer
• Gross earnings information
• Direct deposit bank account information (optional)

Benefit Amounts in Georgia

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit

Georgia calculates your weekly benefit based on your highest quarter earnings.

Formula: Highest quarter wages ÷ 21 = Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)

Minimum weekly benefit: $55 Maximum weekly benefit: $365

Example Calculations

Highest Quarter Earnings	Weekly Benefit
$3,000	$143
$5,000	$238
$7,000	$333
$7,665+	$365 (maximum)

Total Benefit Amount

Your maximum total benefit depends on the state unemployment rate:

• Low unemployment: 14 weeks of benefits
• Mid unemployment: 18 weeks of benefits
• High unemployment: 20 weeks of benefits

Maximum total benefit is also limited to one-fourth of your total base period wages.

No Waiting Period

Georgia has no waiting period. You can receive benefits starting from your first week of unemployment (if eligible).

• File your claim as soon as you're unemployed
• Request benefits for your first week when you certify
• Benefits can be paid for week one

Requesting Weekly Benefits

You must request benefits each week to continue receiving payments.

How to Request Benefits

Online (recommended): Log into the GDOL website and request payment

By phone: Use the automated phone system

When to Request

Request benefits weekly between Sunday and Saturday for the prior week. Missing a request means losing benefits for that week.

Request Questions

Each week you'll answer:

• Were you physically able to work?
• Were you available for full-time work?
• Did you actively search for work?
• Did you refuse any work?
• Did you work or earn any money?
• Did you receive other income?

Answer honestly. Fraudulent claims result in penalties and repayment requirements.

Receiving Your Payments

Direct Deposit

Set up direct deposit for fastest payment. Add your bank information when filing or update it in your online account.

Debit Card

If you don't set up direct deposit, benefits are loaded onto a Georgia UI debit card (Way2Go card).

Payment Timeline

Payments are typically processed within 48 hours after you request benefits, if there are no issues with your claim.

Work Search Requirements

Georgia requires active work search while receiving benefits.

Requirements

• Conduct at least 3 work search activities per week
• Keep a record of all job search activities
• Be registered with EmployGeorgia (Georgia's job bank)
• Accept suitable work if offered

Qualifying Activities

• Applying for jobs
• Attending job interviews
• Registering with staffing agencies
• Attending job fairs
• Networking for job leads
• Completing job training

Documentation Required

Keep records including:

• Date of activity
• Company/employer name
• Contact information
• Position title
• Result of contact

GDOL may audit your work search records.

Working While Receiving Benefits

You can work part-time and still receive partial benefits.

How It Works

• Report all gross earnings for the week worked
• First $50 of weekly earnings is disregarded
• Remaining earnings reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar

Example

Weekly benefit: $300 Earnings disregard: $50

• Part-time earnings of $40: Full $300 benefit
• Part-time earnings of $150: $300 - ($150 - $50) = $200 benefit
• Part-time earnings of $350+: No benefit paid

Always report earnings even if you think they won't affect your benefits.

Severance Pay and Unemployment

Georgia's treatment of severance:

• Lump-sum severance: May be allocated over a period, potentially affecting benefits
• Severance as wage continuation: Will affect benefits for weeks covered
• Vacation/PTO payout: May affect the week it's paid

Report all severance payments. GDOL will determine the impact on your benefits.

Special Situations

Quit with Good Cause

You may qualify if you quit for good cause connected to the work:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Non-payment of wages
• Significant reduction in hours or pay
• Harassment or discrimination

Good cause must be related to the job—personal reasons generally don't qualify.

Discharged for Misconduct

Misconduct disqualifies you from benefits:

• Violation of employer policies
• Insubordination
• Excessive absences (without good cause)
• Dishonesty
• Drug/alcohol violations

You can appeal a misconduct determination.

Part-Time Workers

If you only worked part-time, you may be required to seek only part-time work.

Military Spouses

Military spouses who quit to follow their spouse's military transfer may qualify for benefits.

Appeals Process

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

How to Appeal

1. You have 15 days from the mailing date of the determination to file an appeal
2. File online or in writing
3. A hearing will be scheduled
4. Attend your telephone hearing
5. Receive a written decision

Preparing for Appeal

• Review the denial reason carefully
• Gather documents supporting your case
• Prepare to explain your situation
• You may have legal representation

Further Appeals

If you disagree with the hearing officer's decision, you can appeal to the Board of Review.

Tips for Georgia Filers

1. File immediately — Georgia has no waiting period, so you can get paid faster
2. Request benefits weekly — Don't miss any weeks
3. Register with EmployGeorgia — This is required
4. Conduct 3 work searches per week — Document all activities
5. Set up direct deposit — It's faster than waiting for a debit card
6. Report all earnings — Even small amounts
7. Check your mail and email — GDOL sends important notices
8. Meet all deadlines — Georgia's 15-day appeal deadline is short

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive benefits?

With no waiting period and no claim issues, you could receive your first payment within 1-2 weeks of filing and requesting benefits.

Can I get unemployment if I was fired?

It depends on why. If fired for misconduct, you're disqualified. If let go for performance issues not rising to misconduct, lack of work, or other non-misconduct reasons, you may qualify.

Why is Georgia's maximum benefit so low?

Georgia has one of the lowest maximum weekly benefits in the country and a shorter maximum duration than most states. This is a state policy decision.

What if I worked in multiple states?

You generally file in Georgia if you worked here most recently. Georgia can file a combined wage claim using earnings from other states.

Is unemployment taxable?

Yes. Georgia unemployment benefits are subject to federal income tax and Georgia state income tax. You can elect to have taxes withheld.

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Key Takeaways

1. Maximum benefit is $365/week for 14-20 weeks (shorter than most states)
2. No waiting period — You can be paid from week one
3. File online at dol.georgia.gov
4. Request benefits weekly to get paid
5. Conduct 3 work search activities per week
6. Register with EmployGeorgia — Required for benefits
7. Appeal within 15 days if denied

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Related Resources:

• Main Unemployment Guide →
• Emergency Budget Planning →
• First 24 Hours After Layoff →
• Unemployment Appeals →