How to File for Unemployment in Georgia

Have you recently lost your job in the state of Georgia? If so, you'll want to file for unemployment benefits. Where to start? Read on to find out how to file for unemployment in Georgia.

Introduction
- Unemployment benefits can help you get through a financial crunch if you find yourself without a job through no fault of your own. A weekly unemployment check can be a lifesaver for those who are struggling to find a new job. Filing for unemployment in Georgia is a relatively simple process. According to the Georgia Department of Labor, you are entitled to weekly benefits of up to $330.
Step 1: Determine If You Qualify
- To qualify for unemployment insurance benefits in the state of Georgia, you must:
1. Be unemployed through no fault of your own
2. Have earned enough money during a base period to qualify for a claim; this is determined by your wages during the base period
3. Be able to work and actively searching for employment while drawing weekly unemployment
4. Have had employee status at your former job; independent contractors are not eligible for unemployment
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents
- Before you apply for unemployment compensation in Georgia, you should assemble all the necessary information you will need to file the claim. This includes:
1. Your Social Security number
2. A separation letter or notice,with the reason for your job loss, if your former employer issued one
3. Information on all former employers for the previous 18 months, including:
  1. Names and addresses
  2. Dates employed
4. Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status
Step 3: Apply for Benefits
- The Georgia Department of Labor offers a PDF document that will explain your rights and responsibilities if you draw unemployment in the state. Download the document and read over it carefully.
- To apply for unemployment insurance in the state of Georgia, you must go to Georgia Department of Labor Career Center. The Department of Labor offers a list of available sites on its website. Once you have presented your information and been approved to receive unemployment benefits, you will be able to file a weekly claim using the Department of Labor's Interactive Voice Response System, OLIVoR. To access OLIVoR:
1. Call 404-232-4290 if you live in the metro Atlanta area
2. Call 1-866-873-5676 if you reside outside of metro Atlanta
Conclusion
- Being laid off from your job can be a traumatic experience. Concerns about finances only make the experience more taxing. As soon as you become unemployed you should file for unemployment insurance. You can draw up to 26 weeks of unemployment, provided you meet the qualifications and are actively searching for work.