Alabama Department Of Labor Updates Portal To Help Ease Unemployment Demand
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Labor is still playing catch up on the influx of unemployment claims due to the pandemic. ADOL has updated an existing portal in hopes it will help people get the help they need sooner.
This portal has been updated so that claimants can submit documentation without speaking to an agent.
Phones are ringing off the hook. Tara Hutchinson with the Alabama Department of Labor says the department receives tens of thousands of calls a day.
Those appointments open at 5 p.m. every day for the following day. Usually, within 5 minutes they are all filled. That is 600 appointments filled in about 5 minutes.
To help combat the influx of calls, the department has improved an existing portal to allow unemployment compensation claimants to upload documents related to their claims online.
A lot of these calls are related to things like account reviews or if there is an issue on their account where we simply need some documentation.
Robert Harris says there is inaccurate information on his account in regards to his work history and has been calling for two months to talk to someone.
She says well you have to keep trying. She said if you ever do get through, remember, we are still working with 2020 numbers and figures and we have a huge backlog.
However, on the second business day of the portal opening, Robert finally got through to an agent.
You can find more information on unemployment on the ADOL website, linked here.
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Amount And Duration Of Unemployment Benefits In Alabama
If you are eligible to receive unemployment, your weekly benefit rate will be 1/26 of your average quarterly earnings in your two highest paid quarters of the base period. The minimum amount you will receive is $45 the maximum amount you will receive is $275. You may receive benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks.
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Preparing To File Your Alabama Unemployment Application
In order to file for Alabama unemployment assistance, all applicants will need to gather the necessary documents.
In order to verify your Alabama unemployment claim, the documents submit must match the Alabama database. If you fail to fill out your Alabama unemployment application correctly you can be denied benefits.
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To fill out the Alabama unemployment application you should have the below documents ready.
- Identification ( Can be a drivers license, Government issued ID, Social Security Card, birth certificate or Passport.
- Employer contact information.
- The dates that you worked for that employer and how much you earned in wages during that period.
- Bank information. ( Can be a voided check or a deposit slip.
Alabama residents who use the online system should plan on the process taking roughly 45 minutes to complete all forms. Legal Alabama immigrants can file for unemployment benefits if all eligibility requirements are met.
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Appealing An Unemployment Benefits Denial In Alabama
Alabama Unemployment Appealing Denied Benefits Information
You must be prepared for the possibility of having your application for unemployment benefits denied after you lose your job. However, if you are denied unemployment benefits in Alabama, there are still steps you can take.
For your convenience, we have compiled all the information, hints and tips you need to get through the unemployment denial appeal process in no time. Remember, even if you are denied unemployment benefits in the Cotton State, you can follow through with various appeal procedures. Get started on learning more about this appeal process by reading more below.
Alabama Unemployment Resources
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Contacting Your Local Job Center
Local job centers sometimes called One-Stop Career Centers or American Job Centers can help you with cover letters, resumes, and job search efforts. Some job centers may provide assistance in filing for unemployment benefits. You may be required to register with a job center as part of your ongoing obligation to look for work while collecting benefits.
Contact your job center to find out about services and availability. Although some job centers provide unemployment services , others offer only job search assistance. And, some centers are closed, have limited hours, or are available only online due to the coronavirus pandemic. Call or email your local job center to find out about their offerings.
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Learn About Acceptable Reasons For Unemployment In Alabama
Beyond the wage stipulations, the second part of qualifying for unemployment insurance in Alabama relates to your reason for unemployment. Qualifying for unemployment in The Cotton State requires that you lost your job through no fault of your own. Reasons for unemployment that fall under this category include:
- Being laid off If you were laid off, lost your job in a reduction-in-force or got downsized for economic reasons, you meet the Alabama reason for unemployment requirement.
- Being fired If you were fired for a lack of skills to perform your job or you were deemed a poor fit for your position, you may still qualify for unemployment benefits. However, if you were fired for misconduct, you will be ineligible. Misconduct includes: absences or tardiness, failing to follow rules, endangering the safety of co-workers and disregarding instructions or orders.
- Quitting Should you quit your job, you also give up your eligibility for unemployment benefits.
- The only exception is if you had good cause, such as sexual harassment that your employer refused to stop or unsafe working conditions.
Any time you lose your job through your own fault, you risk your eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits, which can be costly for both you and your loved ones.
Submitting A Paper Application
A common method of applying for the Alabama Unemployment insurance program is by filling and submitting a paper application. The application forms can be obtained from your nearest Alabama unemployment offices, where you will be able to talk to the program representatives and get the much needed advice concerning the application process. These representatives will address any questions or queries you may have with regards to the application process.
After obtaining you application form, you should proceed to provide a response for each and ever question asked in the form on the spaces provided. Once you have filled the application forms you should submit it by either delivering it personally at your nearest unemployment offices or by mailing it to them.
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Learn The Rules For Unemployment Eligibility Benefit Amounts And More In Alabama
By Lisa Guerin, J.D.
Did you recently lose your job in Alabama? If so, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits: compensation available to employees who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own. Although the basic rules for unemployment are similar across the board, the eligibility rules, prior earnings requirements, benefit amounts, and other details vary from state to state. Read on to learn the requirements for collecting benefits in Alabama.
How Much Will I Receive As Unemployment Benefits In Alabama
In Alabama, your benefits are determined by your earnings during the base period. The bare minimum benefit is $45 per week, with a weekly maximum benefit of $275.
Your base period wages and the number of benefits you are entitled to will be listed on a monetary determination form that you will receive once your claim has been submitted.
Unemployment benefits would be increased by $600 per week under a federal stimulus package that is expected to be approved by Congress by the end of March. The stimulus bill would increase the number of benefits you receive until the end of June, but only in the short term.
Its purpose is to assist workers in coping with the massive increase in unemployment that has occurred as a result of the social distancing measures put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Unemployment Benefits
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits? To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have wages in at least two-quarters of your base period. The base period is the first four quarters of the last five completed quarters from the date your claim is filed. An example given by the Alabama Department of Labor is if your claim was filed effective October 5, 2019, your base period would the 12 months beginning July 1, 2018, and ending June 30, 2019.
Additionally, you must be ready, able, and willing to work.
How much in unemployment benefits can I receive? As of January 1st, 2020, benefits per week range from a minimum of $45 to a maximum of $275.This amount is calculated using your pay during the qualifying period.
Can I receive unemployment benefits if I quit my job? If you voluntarily quit your job, the burden of proof is on you to show that you quit for a good work-connected reason.
How soon can I file for unemployment benefits after I become unemployed? Immediately
Can I receive unemployment benefits if my hours have been reduced by my employer, or I have been furloughed? Yes, it is possible to receive unemployment benefits if your hours have been reduced or you have been furloughed. As long as you did not request the reduction in hours, if your gross weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount, you would receive a reduced payment for that week.
How Do I Apply For Unemployment In Alabama
Unemployment is surging in Alabama as businesses across the country have been forced close because of restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Just last week, more than 9,000 people applied for unemployment compensation in the state, according to the Alabama Department of Labor.
Workers who lose their jobs because of COVID-19 can file for unemployment compensation in Alabama after the U.S. Department of Labor modified existing unemployment compensation rules to allow workers to file a claim.
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following requirements:
- Those who are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency,
- Those who are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employer due to COVID-19 concerns,
- Those who are diagnosed with COVID-19,
- Or, those who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19.
Verification of illness or quarantine may be required, and certain criteria and exceptions may apply. The department says this is subject to change.
The typical waiting week will also be waived, and claimants will also not have to search for other work provided they take reasonable steps to preserve their ability to come back to that job when the quarantine is lifted or the illness subsides.
Workers can file for benefits online at www.labor.alabama.gov or by calling 1-866-234-5382. Online filing is encouraged.
How long can an employee receive benefits?
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How Do I Apply For Unemployment Benefits
You can file your claim for unemployment benefits online at the Alabama Department of Labor website.
You also have the option to file your claim by calling the Initial Claims Line at 234-5382. This will connect you to an electronic Interactive Voice Response and youll answer some questions before being routed to a customer service representative to help you complete the application process.
To file your claim for benefits, youll need:
- Your Social Security number
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How To Apply For Unemployment
Enter your zip code to get started.
The Alabama Unemployment Insurance Program is an initiative by the state of Alabama that seeks to provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers in Alabama. This program helps currently unemployed workers to fill the financial gap experienced as a result of unexpected unemployment through no fault of their own.
Through the Alabama Unemployment Insurance program, unemployed workers and their families are able to make a transition between unemployment and employment. However in order to qualify for the program one needs to meet a specified set of eligibility requirements.
These requirements are mainly based on the amount of time one has worked within the state of Alabama, the income levels based on the wages received during periods of active employment, and the availability for work while receiving the benefits.
In order to be eligible for this program you must be a resident of the state of Alabama, and you should have worked in the state for the past 12 to 18 months. You should also be actively looking for work and available for work during the period that you are receiving the benefits.
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Information And Resources For Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administrations Paycheck Protection Program prioritized Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing loans up to cover job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP expired on Saturday, Aug. 8, while the PPP Loan Forgiveness Platform began accepting submissions on Monday, Aug. 10.
The SBA has provided details about PPP loan forgiveness. See the FAQs.
Small business impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Apply for assistance under the SBAs Economic Industry Disaster Loan program for COVID-19.
Visit the Alabama Small Business Development Networks website.
The Coronavirus Relief Fund website is a resource for businesses and other entities seeking assistance in the form of grants during the pandemic. Visit the website.
The U.S. Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division has information for employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act , which took effect April 1, 2020. Read the guidance.
The Internal Revenue Service is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others including health plans affected by coronavirus . Visit the IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments webpage.
For exporters, the Export-Import Bank of the United States is offering unprecedented financing flexibility.
Some Alabamians Still Waiting For Remaining Covid
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – All federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs ended on June 19, but there are still a number of Alabamians waiting to receive their payments owed to them before those benefits came to an end.
Ive made over 2,000 calls in the last 14 weeks and still cant get anybody to answer my questions, said Slocomb resident Kelly Pattison in reference to the Alabama Department of Labor.
Pattison said she began receiving unemployment benefits in May 2020 after losing her job because of the pandemic, and for nearly a year she was successfully receiving her unemployment benefits until the last week of April 2021 when ADOL put her account under review.
I have supplied them more than 20 times with the requested documents by fax, email regular mail, and now through their new document portal, but my claim remains in review, Pattison said.
Its now been nearly 14 weeks without any answers from ADOL, Pattison said. She has since found a job, but says she is still waiting on eight weeks of pay she should have received before pandemic benefits came to an end.
I know the $3,312 that Im owed would go a long way in getting my family back on track, Pattison said.
Tara Hutchinson, communications director with the Alabama Department of Labor, said ADOL is still dealing with an overload of unemployment claims.
Tara said ADOL is, doing everything we can to get those payments out.
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I Cant Get Any Help: Alabamas Unemployment Rate Is Down But Problems With Unemployment Claims System Continue
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Martha Moore made it through the pandemic without losing her job at a local car dealership, until the owner decided it wasnt worth it anymore and shut down.
Our business closed after about 30 years, about 2.5 weeks ago, Moore reports.
Moore had never had to file an unemployment claim in her life. After trying to get some help filing her first, she wishes shed never had to deal with this system to begin with.
Oh my God you cannot speak to a live person, Moore complains. They give you a number to call everyday at 5 p.m. and by 5:03, 600 people have already lined up. Theres no way in three minutes.
Moore says someone tried to file a fraudulent claim under her name last year while she was still happily at work, and that created an issue in getting her legitimate benefits this time. Thats why shes spent weeks calling five days a week right at 5 p.m., trying to get 1 of the 600 daily appointments with the Department of Labor for help.
I started at 4:59 p.m. like I was told at the career center, and by 5:03 they told me 600 slots had been taken for the next day, Moore says.
Were doing the best we can with the numbers we have, we just encourage them to continue trying to get through, says Alabama Dept. of Labor spokesperson Kelly Betts.
But all of those extra hands havent helped Moore yet, and her savings wont last long.
Heres the link to the ADOL help site.
Copyright 2021 WBRC
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Claim Denials Or Discrepancies
When you file your application for unemployment insurance, your claim is sent to a Claims Examiner, who examines the information provided by both you and your employer. The Claims Examiner determines whether or not you are legally eligible to receive unemployment compensation and issues a letter stating the decision. You will receive the determination for unemployment insurance eligibility through postal mail.
You could be denied benefits if you fail to meet eligibility requirements, or if there is a discrepancy between information given by you and your employer. If the information provided is incomplete or fraud of any kind is suspected, you may have cause for an appeal. Intentionally providing misleading information or withholding information could affect your unemployment insurance eligibility, now and into the future. It is considered an act of fraud and can carry serious consequences such as fines and possible jail time.
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