How Do I Check My Unemployment Benefits with the Alabama Department of Labor?

How Do I Check My Unemployment Benefits with the Alabama Department of Labor?

Unemployment benefits offer temporary financial help to unemployed workers. However, they must first meet the eligibility requirements to receive the benefits. For instance, if you are fired for misconduct or malpractice, you are not eligible to receive the benefit.

To qualify for the unemployment benefit program, first you must be a resident of Alabama and meet all the laid down eligibility rules. As a resident, you must have worked in the state for at least 12 months and earned the determined minimum wage amount as per the eligibility guidelines.

Besides, you must be available to work for every week you collect your unemployment benefits. Plus, continue to file for unemployment weekly even as you actively search for work.

How Do I Check for My Unemployment Benefits?

You can check your benefits online by going to the Alabama department of labor website. Online method is much faster and you can know whether your claim is under processing or has been processed. Besides, you can know if the claim was denied or not.

Alternatively, contact Alabama department of labor customer support representative through the issued phone number (toll-free). In a peak unemployment period, the phone lines can be busy and you can get a busy signal. Be persistent and the call will go through and inquire about your unemployment benefits.

How Long Does It Take for Me to Receive My Benefit Payment?

Once you have filed for unemployment benefit in Alabama, your first payment will be due within three weeks. This is subject to you meeting the eligibility requirements and correctly following the instructions. After the claim is approved by the Alabama department of labor, you will receive your weekly benefits within the next 14 days.

If there is a delay, you can contact the department of labor customer support staff by the toll-free number or online to get an update.

Alabama has a one week waiting period like other states. You don't get benefit payment for that waiting period. Therefore, even if your claim is approved, you still have to wait for a week to receive your initial payment.

However, you are still required to file weekly unemployment claims for that waiting week even though it won't be paid. Once you begin receiving your unemployment benefits, file your weekly claims online.

How Will I Receive My Benefit Payment?

Once your claim is approved and processed, your benefit payments are sent to your bank account or your Alabama Vantage debit account at the end of the following business day if you made the filing by 5.00p.m.

It can take at most 48 hours for the payment to be reflected in your account depending on the bank policy. You can always call the inquiry line to check on the status of your benefit. However, make the call between 8.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

Delays can be due to issues with your filing or failure to follow instructions properly. In this case, move quickly to resolve the issues or ask for help if you don't understand anything to fast-track the approval process. In case the claim is denied, you can file an appeal online or by sending a fax to the Alabama department of labor.

In some cases, your unemployment claim may have been approved but your weekly benefit payment is late. Simply check the status of the benefits online. You can even check for 5 weeks at once.