Unemployment benefits are used to provide financial support for employees who have been laid off or terminated. The amount of benefits that an individual will receive is a percentage of their wages or the salary that they earned while they were employed.
In general, an individual who is unemployed through no fault of their own is eligible to receive unemployment benefits, including:
In some cases, terminated employees may still be eligible for unemployment benefits. For example, if an employee was simply not a good fit for the position or was fired for a minor issue, such as occasional tardiness, they may still be eligible to receive benefits.
An employee who was laid off may also be eligible. This may apply if an employee was terminated or temporarily laid off because of reductions in the workforce or company cutbacks.
If an employee made an effort to keep their job but quit for good cause, they may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. Examples of good cause may include issues such as:
In order to be eligible to receive unemployment benefits, an individual must satisfy certain requirements, including being:
- Able to work, including being physically and mentally capable of working;
- Available to work; and
- Actively seeking work.
How Do I Claim Unemployment Compensation in Alabama?
In the State of Alabama, individuals who are out of work and who need financial assistance may be able to obtain that assistance by applying for Unemployment Compensation benefits. The Alabama Department of Labor provides these benefits to assist Alabama residents while they are seeking new employment.
Unemployment compensation or unemployment benefits may also be referred to as unemployment insurance. These programs are typically funded by state payroll taxes.
How To Qualify for Unemployment in Alabama
There are certain requirements that an individual has to meet in order to be eligible for unemployment in Alabama. For example, an individual must be able and willing to work.
If an individual quits their job, they will have to prove that they left their job for a good reason that is connected to the job. If an individual was terminated, it is up to their employer to prove that they were fired for a reason that was connected to their job.
An individual needs to have worked for at least 2 quarters of their base period to qualify for unemployment. A base period is the first 4 quarters, or 12 months, of the last 5 finished quarters from the day the individual filed their claim.
For example, if an individual files a claim on October 1, 2025, their base period runs from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. The total amount the individual earned during the base period must be at least 1.5 times their highest quarter earnings.
The individual’s two highest quarters must also have an average of at least $1,157.01. An individual does not have to have a specific type of job or list their dependents on their application in order to qualify for unemployment.
In addition, there is no time limit that an individual must be unemployed to apply for benefits. An individual can and should apply as soon as they lose their job.
Unemployment benefits for temporarily laid off employees may also be available, depending on the state.
How To Apply for Unemployment in Alabama
In the State of Alabama, an individual can apply for Unemployment Compensation benefits either online or over the phone. If an individual wants to begin the application process over the phone, they can call the Initial Claims Line at 1-866-234-5382 and select option 2. That line is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
In the alternative, an individual can apply online through the Alabama Department of Labor claimant portal. To file their claim, an individual will need to have the name and address of their last place of employment and the dates they worked there.
The individual will also be required to provide their:
- Social security number;
- License or state ID number; and
- Mother’s maiden name.
If an individual is leaving the military, they will be required to show their member 4 copy of their DD214. If the individual is not a citizen, they will be required to provide their work authorization number.
How Long Does Unemployment Last in Alabama?
In Alabama, unemployment compensation benefits usually last from 14 to 20 weeks. The number of weeks is tied to the state unemployment rate. Benefits run 14 weeks when the state rate is at or below 6.5 percent. One more week is added for each 0.5 percent the rate rises above that, up to a cap of 20 weeks.
Individuals enrolled in a state-approved training program may qualify for up to 5 more weeks. During that time, the individual will be required to file a weekly certificate by phone or online.
Weekly payments range from $45 to $275. The exact amount depends on the individual’s base period earnings. After a claim is filed, the Alabama Department of Labor mails a monetary determination that lists the weekly amount.
For each week, the individual will be required to answer questions on a form. They will also be required to:
- Be involved in:
- fact-finding interviews;
- profile interviews; and
- eligibility interviews; and
- Be registered with the Employment Service.
An individual will be required to actively seek employment each week. An individual is not permitted to refuse a reasonable job offer.
If an individual receives a call from the Alabama Career Center or One Stop Career Center regarding a job referral, they will have to go to the appointment or risk losing or delaying their benefits.
What Can I Do if I Run Out of Unemployment?
TRA Benefits are no longer open to new applicants. The federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, which includes TRA, entered a termination phase on July 1, 2022. Since that date, the U.S. Department of Labor has not certified any new petitions, and Congress has not brought the program back.
Only workers who were certified and separated from their job on or before June 30, 2022 may still receive TRA payments. Someone in that group should contact their local Alabama Career Center. If an individual was not already enrolled, TRA is not an option for them.
Aside from helping an individual find a new job, the staff at the career center may also be able to help them enroll in a training program. Training programs may help an individual develop other skills they can use to find a different type of job.
What If My Unemployment Claim Was Denied in Alabama?
Simply because an individual’s claim for unemployment benefits was initially denied does not mean that they are out of options. If an individual is denied unemployment benefits, they have 15 calendar days from the mailing date of the denial to appeal that decision. The deadline is 7 calendar days if the notice was handed to them in person.
When an individual sends in their appeal request, they will be scheduled to have a telephone hearing with the hearing officer from the Hearing and Appeals Division of the Department of Labor. The individual will be able to provide evidence as well as have witnesses during their hearing.
If the hearing officer confirms the individual’s denial, they will have 15 calendar days from the mailing date of that decision to appeal to the Board of Appeals. Any appeal that is made after the decision of the Board of Appeals must be made in a civil court.
If the Board of Appeals also denies the individual’s claim, then they have 30 days to appeal in court. It may be helpful to have the assistance of an unemployment benefits lawyer in Alabama if an individual is trying to appeal a denial of their unemployment benefits.
Where Can I Find the Right Employment Lawyer?
If you need any assistance with an unemployment claim, it is important to consult with an Alabama employment lawyer. Your lawyer can help you throughout the process, including if you are required to file an appeal.
