Georgia Unemployment Benefits: Who Qualifies, How Much, and How to Apply
Georgia unemployment: can you get benefits if fired or you quit, weekly benefit amounts, how many weeks, work search rules, how to apply and appeal.
Quick answers for Georgia
- If you were fired
- You may not receive benefits if you were fired for misconduct. Being let go for other reasons does not by itself disqualify you; GDOL contacts your last employer for details about the separation. Georgia Department of Labor, UI Claimant Handbook (2026)
- Weekly benefit amount
- Your weekly benefit is the total of your wages in your 2 highest base period quarters divided by 42. If you do not qualify that way, it is your highest-quarter wages divided by 21. Georgia Department of Labor, UI Claimant Handbook (2026), Weekly Benefit Amount Calculation and Appendix D
- How many weeks
- From 14 to 26 weeks, depending on the seasonally adjusted state unemployment rate: 14 weeks if the rate is 4.5% or less, adding one week for each additional half point, up to 26 weeks at 10% or more. Georgia Department of Labor, UI Claimant Handbook (2026), Appendix D: Maximum Unemployment Benefits
- How to apply
- Apply online through the MyUI Claimant Portal (recommended) or in person at a GDOL Career Center. Have your Social Security number, a valid government photo ID, your Employer Separation Notice if you received one, and the names, addresses and dates of employment for all employers in the… Georgia Department of Labor, UI Claimant Handbook (2026)
Last verified: 2026-10-27
Who qualifies
| If you were fired | You may not receive benefits if you were fired for misconduct. Being let go for other reasons does not by itself disqualify you; GDOL contacts your last employer for details about the separation. |
|---|---|
| If you quit | You may receive benefits if you left your last job and can show it was for good cause related to the job (such as unsafe working conditions), or because you or your child were a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault. You may not receive benefits if you left for personal reasons unrelated to work. |
| Layoffs and reduced hours | You may receive benefits if you were laid off or your hours were reduced because your employer did not have enough work for you. If you are working reduced hours or part-time, you may still be eligible for partial benefits; your employer may also file a partial claim for you. |
| Earnings needed to qualify | You must have wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period, at least $1,134 in your 2 highest quarters, and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. If you do not qualify under the regular base period, an alternative base period of the last 4 completed quarters may be used. |
| Self-employed, 1099 and gig workers | You may not receive unemployment benefits if you are self-employed full time. While claiming, you must report gross earnings from all work, including self-employment, odd jobs and tips. |
How much and how long
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit is the total of your wages in your 2 highest base period quarters divided by 42. If you do not qualify that way, it is your highest-quarter wages divided by 21. The minimum weekly benefit is $55 and the maximum is $365. The U.S. Department of Labor's July 2026 summary of state laws also lists Georgia at $55 to $365. |
|---|---|
| How many weeks | From 14 to 26 weeks, depending on the seasonally adjusted state unemployment rate: 14 weeks if the rate is 4.5% or less, adding one week for each additional half point, up to 26 weeks at 10% or more. Total benefits are the lesser of that number of weeks times your weekly benefit or 1/4 of your base period wages. Claims filed July 1 to December 31 use the previous April's rate; claims filed January 1 to June 30 use the previous October's rate. |
| Working part-time on benefits | Report your gross earnings for each week you request benefits, even if not yet paid. If you work part-time, you may still be eligible for partial benefits; GDOL reviews reported income and notifies you of changes to your payment. The U.S. Department of Labor's July 2026 summary of state laws lists Georgia's weekly earnings disregard as $50. |
| Severance and vacation pay | Report severance, separation pay or wages in lieu of notice. If these payments add up to more than your weekly benefit amount, you will not qualify for benefits during the period they cover; lump sums are divided by your average weekly earnings to find that period. A monthly pension from an employer connected to your claim or your most recent employer may reduce benefits (Social Security retirement does not need to be reported). Vacation and holiday pay must be reported only if you are still attached to your employer, such as having a return-to-work date within 6 weeks. |
Applying and keeping benefits
| How to apply | Apply online through the MyUI Claimant Portal (recommended) or in person at a GDOL Career Center. Have your Social Security number, a valid government photo ID, your Employer Separation Notice if you received one, and the names, addresses and dates of employment for all employers in the last 18 months. Request benefits weekly (Sunday to Saturday weeks) through MyUI starting the Sunday after you apply; you have up to two weeks to request each week. UI Customer Service: 877-709-8185, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Work search requirements | Each week you request benefits, complete at least 3 new verifiable work search activities on 3 or more days and submit a Weekly Work Search Record through MyUI; GDOL may audit it. You must also register for employment services with WorkSource Georgia (WorkSourceGAPortal.com) within 10 days of receiving your first benefit payment, unless exempt. After 10 weeks of benefits, you must accept suitable work paying at least 66% of your highest past wage (and at least minimum wage). |
| Appealing a denial | Appeals must be submitted in writing within 15 days of the mailing date of the determination (if the 15th day falls on a weekend or state holiday, the next workday is the deadline). File through your MyUI account (fastest), by email to the UI Appeals Tribunal, or by mailing the Appeal Request Form (DOL-423). Include the determination, its mailing date and why you disagree. Keep requesting weekly benefits and submitting work search records during your appeal. |
| Logging in and filing weekly claims | Georgia unemployment claimants use the Georgia Department of Labor MyUI Claimant Portal to claim weekly UI benefit payments, choose a benefit payment method and submit their weekly work search. Portal link on the agency page: https://www.dol.state.ga.us/public/uiben/customer/login |
Where to get help in Georgia
Unemployment Benefits FAQ
Can you get unemployment if you were fired in Georgia?
You may not receive benefits if you were fired for misconduct. Being let go for other reasons does not by itself disqualify you; GDOL contacts your last employer for details about the separation.
Can you get unemployment if you quit in Georgia?
You may receive benefits if you left your last job and can show it was for good cause related to the job (such as unsafe working conditions), or because you or your child were a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault. You may not receive benefits if you left for personal reasons unrelated to work.
Can you get unemployment if your hours were cut in Georgia?
You may receive benefits if you were laid off or your hours were reduced because your employer did not have enough work for you. If you are working reduced hours or part-time, you may still be eligible for partial benefits; your employer may also file a partial claim for you.
How much do you need to have earned to get unemployment in Georgia?
You must have wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period, at least $1,134 in your 2 highest quarters, and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. If you do not qualify under the regular base period, an alternative base period of the last 4 completed quarters may be used.
How much is unemployment in Georgia?
Your weekly benefit is the total of your wages in your 2 highest base period quarters divided by 42. If you do not qualify that way, it is your highest-quarter wages divided by 21. The minimum weekly benefit is $55 and the maximum is $365.
How long can you get unemployment in Georgia?
From 14 to 26 weeks, depending on the seasonally adjusted state unemployment rate: 14 weeks if the rate is 4.5% or less, adding one week for each additional half point, up to 26 weeks at 10% or more. Total benefits are the lesser of that number of weeks times your weekly benefit or 1/4 of your base period wages. Claims filed July 1 to December 31 use the previous April's rate; claims filed January 1 to June 30 use the previous October's rate.
What are the work search requirements for unemployment in Georgia?
Each week you request benefits, complete at least 3 new verifiable work search activities on 3 or more days and submit a Weekly Work Search Record through MyUI; GDOL may audit it. You must also register for employment services with WorkSource Georgia (WorkSourceGAPortal.com) within 10 days of receiving your first benefit payment, unless exempt. After 10 weeks of benefits, you must accept suitable work paying at least 66% of your highest past wage (and at least minimum wage).
Does severance pay affect unemployment in Georgia?
Report severance, separation pay or wages in lieu of notice. If these payments add up to more than your weekly benefit amount, you will not qualify for benefits during the period they cover; lump sums are divided by your average weekly earnings to find that period. A monthly pension from an employer connected to your claim or your most recent employer may reduce benefits (Social Security retirement does not need to be reported). Vacation and holiday pay must be reported only if you are still attached to your employer, such as having a return-to-work date within 6 weeks.
How do I apply for unemployment in Georgia?
Apply online through the MyUI Claimant Portal (recommended) or in person at a GDOL Career Center. Have your Social Security number, a valid government photo ID, your Employer Separation Notice if you received one, and the names, addresses and dates of employment for all employers in the last 18 months. Request benefits weekly (Sunday to Saturday weeks) through MyUI starting the Sunday after you apply; you have up to two weeks to request each week. UI Customer Service: 877-709-8185, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How do I appeal an unemployment denial in Georgia?
Appeals must be submitted in writing within 15 days of the mailing date of the determination (if the 15th day falls on a weekend or state holiday, the next workday is the deadline). File through your MyUI account (fastest), by email to the UI Appeals Tribunal, or by mailing the Appeal Request Form (DOL-423). Include the determination, its mailing date and why you disagree. Keep requesting weekly benefits and submitting work search records during your appeal.
Can you work part-time and collect unemployment in Georgia?
Report your gross earnings for each week you request benefits, even if not yet paid. If you work part-time, you may still be eligible for partial benefits; GDOL reviews reported income and notifies you of changes to your payment.
Can self-employed or gig workers get unemployment in Georgia?
You may not receive unemployment benefits if you are self-employed full time. While claiming, you must report gross earnings from all work, including self-employment, odd jobs and tips.
Where do I log in to my unemployment claim in Georgia?
Georgia unemployment claimants use the Georgia Department of Labor MyUI Claimant Portal to claim weekly UI benefit payments, choose a benefit payment method and submit their weekly work search.
Unemployment Benefits in other states
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.