The state of Alabama unemployment guidelines requires you to submit your social security number in order to receive benefits. The Department of Labor uses this information to verify your identity, gather employment and income information maintain your payment records and collect other data. You must have a Social Security number or work authorization number to be eligible for UI benefits in Alabama.
How much, if any, Alabama unemployment benefits you are eligible for is based on two determinations:
1. Monetary determination
This determination will note how much you earned during the base period quarters and your maximum weekly benefit amount (also known as your Alabama unemployment weekly claim), should you meet eligibility. Your base period consists of the first four out of the last five quarters the week before you begin your Alabama unemployment claim. The wages you were paid during this time period will determine your benefit amount.
To qualify for benefits, you must meet these Alabama unemployment qualifications:
- You must have earned money via insured wages during at least two quarters of your base period.
- The wages earned during your two highest-earning quarters must average out to at least the minimum income requirements of $1157.01.
- Total earnings during your base period must be more than or equal to one-half times earnings in your highest base period quarter.
2. Separation determination
Unemployment benefits in AL are only paid to individuals who lose work or have reduced hours due to no fault of there own. You cannot receive benefits if:
- You chose to quit without just cause.
Just cause may include situations like hostile work environment, but do not include things like lack of transportation or too long a commute. If you quit your job the burden of proof is on you to show proper reasoning.
- You were fired or let go for misconduct.
As stated in Alabama Unemployment Compensation Claim (UC) Law, your employer will be asked to show documentation that you were terminated for a work-related cause.
- You’re involved in a labor dispute.
Individuals involved in a labor dispute are not often eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
In addition to meeting Alabama unemployment requirements for monetary and separation determinations, those wanting to collect unemployment benefits in the state must also meet and maintain the following requirements at all times while receiving benefits:
- Be able to work.
To qualify as able to work, you must have the physical and mental capabilities to accept and carry out a job. If you are ill or injured, you are not eligible for benefits until you are well enough to go back to work.