How do I file for unemployment benefits in Georgia?

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

Georgia unemployment is administered by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) under O.C.G.A. § 34-8-1 et seq. 1. How and When to File - File online at dol.georgia.gov through MyUI Claimant Portal , or in person at a GDOL Career Center. - File the first week of unemployment. - A one-week waiting period applies. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $55 to $365 per week (2025) — among the lowest caps in the country. - Calculated as 1/42nd of two highest base-period quarters . - Maximum duration: 14 to 26 weeks depending on Georgia's statewide unemployment rate (O.C.G.A. § 34-8-152). At unemployment rates under 6.5%, max is 14 weeks (one of the shortest in the country). 3. Eligibility Requirements (O.C.G.A. § 34-8-195) - Wages in at least two quarters of the base period. - Total base-period wages of at least 1.5× the high-quarter wages . - Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (§ 34-8-194(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause connected with work (§ 34-8-194(1)). - Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 3 work search contacts per week . - Must register on Employ Georgia within the first week. - Maintain a written log. 5. Certifying for Benefits - Certify weekly through MyUI. - Earnings up to $50/week or 8× the federal minimum wage are disregarded. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 15 days of the determination mailing. - Further appeals to the GDOL Board of Review. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Georgia unemployment is administered by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) under O.C.G.A. § 34-8-1 et seq.

1. How and When to File

File online at dol.georgia.gov through MyUI Claimant Portal, or in person at a GDOL Career Center.

File the first week of unemployment.

A one-week waiting period applies.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $55 to $365 per week (2025) — among the lowest caps in the country.

Calculated as 1/42nd of two highest base-period quarters.

Maximum duration: 14 to 26 weeks depending on Georgia's statewide unemployment rate (O.C.G.A. § 34-8-152). At unemployment rates under 6.5%, max is 14 weeks (one of the shortest in the country).

3. Eligibility Requirements (O.C.G.A. § 34-8-195)

Wages in at least two quarters of the base period.

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

Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct (§ 34-8-194(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause connected with work (§ 34-8-194(1)).

Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 3 work search contacts per week.

Must register on Employ Georgia within the first week.

Maintain a written log.

5. Certifying for Benefits

Certify weekly through MyUI.

Earnings up to $50/week or 8× the federal minimum wage are disregarded.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 15 days of the determination mailing.

Further appeals to the GDOL Board of Review.

This is legal information, not legal advice.