How do I file for unemployment benefits in Alabama?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in Alabama?

Alabama unemployment is administered by the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) under Ala. Code § 25-4-1 et seq. 1. How and When to File - File online at labor.alabama.gov through the eGov portal. - File the first week of unemployment. - A one-week waiting period applies. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $45 to $275 per week (2025) — one of the lowest caps in the country. - Calculated as 1/24th of average wages in 2 highest quarters. - Maximum 14 weeks under 2019 sliding-scale legislation when the statewide unemployment rate is below 6.5% (Ala. Code § 25-4-74) — extending up to 20 weeks at higher unemployment levels. 3. Eligibility Requirements (Ala. Code § 25-4-77) - Wages in at least two quarters of the base period. - High-quarter wages of at least $2,650 (approximate). - Total base-period wages of at least 1.5× high-quarter wages. - Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (§ 25-4-78(3)) or voluntary quit without good cause connected with work (§ 25-4-78(2)). - Be physically and mentally able to perform work , available, and actively seeking work. 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 3 work search contacts per week . - Must register at Alabama JobLink within the first week. - Maintain a written log. 5. Certifying for Benefits - File a weekly certification online or by phone. - Earnings less than your WBA reduce benefits. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 15 days of the mailing date. - Hearings are conducted by the Hearings and Appeals Division. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Alabama unemployment is administered by the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) under Ala. Code § 25-4-1 et seq.

1. How and When to File

File online at labor.alabama.gov through the eGov portal.

File the first week of unemployment.

A one-week waiting period applies.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $45 to $275 per week (2025) — one of the lowest caps in the country.

Calculated as 1/24th of average wages in 2 highest quarters.

Maximum 14 weeks under 2019 sliding-scale legislation when the statewide unemployment rate is below 6.5% (Ala. Code § 25-4-74) — extending up to 20 weeks at higher unemployment levels.

3. Eligibility Requirements (Ala. Code § 25-4-77)

Wages in at least two quarters of the base period.

High-quarter wages of at least $2,650 (approximate).

Total base-period wages of at least 1.5× high-quarter wages.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (§ 25-4-78(3)) or voluntary quit without good cause connected with work (§ 25-4-78(2)).

Be physically and mentally able to perform work, available, and actively seeking work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 3 work search contacts per week.

Must register at Alabama JobLink within the first week.

Maintain a written log.

5. Certifying for Benefits

File a weekly certification online or by phone.

Earnings less than your WBA reduce benefits.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 15 days of the mailing date.

Hearings are conducted by the Hearings and Appeals Division.

This is legal information, not legal advice.