How to File for Unemployment in Georgia

Benefits start from the date you file, not the last day you worked.

It can happen to the best employee: One day, your job is gone. Now your job is to survive financially until you can find another position. In Georgia, as in other states, you may be entitled to weekly unemployment compensation. Unemployment payments are funded by taxes paid by employers to assist people who are out of work. The Georgia Department of Labor administers unemployment compensation and provides help in finding another job or in getting job training if you need it. It is important to file for unemployment in Georgia as quickly as possible, because your benefits start from the date you file, not the last day you worked.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number
• Separation notice from your employer (if applicable)
• Proof of immigration (if applicable)
• List of all employers for the past 18 months and their contact information

Instructions

1. Go to the Georgia Department of Labor website (see Resources) and determine if you might be eligible to file for unemployment in Georgia.

2. Download information and forms you will need from the website and set up your online account.

3. Locate a Georgia Department of Labor Career Center near you and file for unemployment in Georgia (see Resources).

4. Initiate a job search and document your efforts using the forms provided by the Georgia Department of Labor. You must actively look for work or be in an approved training program.

Tips & Warnings

• The Georgia Department has job listings, placement services and links to many job training programs, as well as information on job search strategies and interviewing.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Georgia Department of Labor: Unemployment
• Georgia Department of Labor: Career Center Locator