Saturday
Jul032010
Saturday, July 3, 2010 at 2:11AM
What is the maximum weekly benefit? The maximum basic UC benefit in Alabama is $265 per week x 26 weeks.
When can I start filing for Unemployment Compensation? You can get started after you have received your final compensation from your last job, such as vacation pay. NOTE: The State of Alabama KNOWS what you’ve made on your W-2. I would advise against filing if you have vacation pay on the way.
What do I need before I get started? You will need your Social Security number, and bank information (bank routing number and account number). Also be thinking of a 4 digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
How do I get started? Go to the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations website (http://dir.alabama.gov) --bookmark this link. Click the top link in the center titled “Unemployed Workers”. A variety of options will appear, but since this is your first time here, you need to establish a new Unemployment Compensation (UC) claim. NOTE: The site is only able to process claims between Sunday at 12:01 a.m. to Friday by 5 p.m.
The site will guide you through several questions about when the last day you worked, what you do, and it will also require you to confirm the type of work you do. If you the system does not have your particular field of work, put the next best choice. This exercise will give you an idea on how to search the Alabama Joblink for jobs.
After you create your UC claim (this term should not be confused with the weekly claim, a more accurate term is benefit year), email your full name, your date of birth, and the LAST FOUR numbers of your social security number to JobLink@alabama.gov to receive your username and login instructions for Alabama Joblink . Login and register with Alabama Joblink. Once you've created a profile here, you are done.
In about 3 to 4 days you will receive a couple of letters from the State of Alabama. The most important one, determines your eligibility for unemployment compensation, this one will also show the wages used to determine your eligibility. You will also receive information about the direct deposit service.
How long after I have been determined eligible for compensation will I get my first distribution? About 3 weeks. Continue completing your weekly filings.
What are the requirements for me to receive unemployment compensation?
How do I file a claim? Every Sunday, log into the Alabama DIR website, and file a claim. You may also call into an 800 number to file your weekly claim, but online is much easier.
Filing a claim takes all of 3 minutes to complete. There is a series of questions asking about your weekly activity in trying to find a job, and if you did earn any income during this time. You also have to attest that all your answers are truthful and accurate.
What is the schedule for receiving weekly compensation? If you file your claim on Sunday, your claim will be processed on Monday and your money will be in your bank by Wednesday.
What is the quickest way that I can reach a person to discuss any issue about my claim? Call a direct number to the Alabama Unemployment Office. A friendly representative will answer the phone. Unless you get up at 6:50 a.m. and begin calling the Call Center, which starts taking calls at 7 a.m., there is a small chance you will get a person. Most likely, the call center will inform you there is a high volume of calls, and then it will disconnect the call.
