If you're out of work, you can apply for unemployment insurance either online or at a Georgia Department of Labor Career Center.
- To file a claim for unemployment insurance, you'll first need to fill out an Applicant Status Affidavit. Before you do this, remember to gather several documents including your photo ID, Social Security number, employer separation notice and a copy of your most recent income tax return.
- Online applications require you to enter a secure e-mail address, so make sure you have one before you start your claim.
- After you file your claim, wait two to three weeks, and then expect a written decision from the Department of Labor indicating whether you qualify to receive benefits. If you do qualify for benefits, your first check will usually arrive that same day.
- To speed your job hunt, learn about employment in Georgia.
Every week that you accept unemployment insurance you must prove that you've actively been searching for work. You can confirm this and claim benefits by logging in online, calling OLIVoR or visiting a Career Center.
You can accept benefits for 26 weeks, or roughly six months.
Yes. When you file your claim, you can choose to have state and federal taxes withheld from your checks. At the end of the calendar year the Department of Labor will send you a 1099-G form showing how much money you received in benefits and how much money you put aside to pay taxes. In April, you'll file this form along with your income taxes.
Source: Georgia Department of Labor. This information was prepared as a public service of the State of Georgia to provide general information, not to advise on any specific legal problem. It is not, and cannot be construed to be, legal advice. If you have questions regarding any matter contained on this page, please speak with the agency that is the source of the information.