How Is Unemployment Calculated in Georgia?

Understanding how unemployment benefits are calculated provides clarity for individuals navigating joblessness. In Georgia, the process involves specific criteria related to past earnings and benefit duration. The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) administers these benefits, basing determinations on an applicant’s work history and adherence to state regulations.

Understanding the Base Period

The “base period” is the foundation for unemployment benefit calculations in Georgia. This period identifies the wages earned that determine eligibility and the potential benefit amount. For a regular claim, the base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the claim’s effective date. For instance, a claim filed in October 2024 would use a base period from June 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024.

To qualify, an individual must have earned wages in at least two of the four quarters within this base period. Total wages earned during the entire base period must also equal at least one and one-half times the wages earned in the highest-earning quarter. If a claim cannot be established using this standard base period, an alternative base period (the most recently completed four calendar quarters) may be used. This alternative applies if the only reason for disqualification is failing the one and one-half times wage requirement.

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit Amount

Once eligibility is established, the Georgia Department of Labor determines an individual’s Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA). The standard WBA calculation combines wages from the two highest-earning quarters within the base period. This total is then divided by 42, with any fraction of a dollar disregarded. For example, if an individual earned $5,000 in one high quarter and $4,000 in another, their combined high-quarter wages of $9,000 result in a WBA of approximately $214 ($9,000 / 42).

An alternative WBA calculation is used if a claim fails the one and one-half times wage requirement. In this scenario, the highest single quarter of base period wages is divided by 21. Under this alternative, wages must still have been paid in at least two quarters of the base period, and total base period wages must meet a minimum of 40 times the calculated WBA.

Maximums and Duration of Benefits

Georgia law sets limits on the weekly benefit amount and duration. The minimum weekly benefit is $55, and the maximum is $365. Even if a calculated WBA exceeds this maximum, the payout is capped at $365 per week.

The total duration of benefits ranges from 14 to 26 weeks. This range depends on the seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate at the time the claim is filed. The maximum number of weeks is adjusted twice annually, based on statewide unemployment rates published in April and October. The total benefits payable in a benefit year are the lesser of the maximum weeks multiplied by the WBA or one-fourth of the total base period wages.

Adjustments for Other Income

Income received while claiming unemployment benefits can lead to adjustments in the weekly payout. The Georgia Department of Labor requires individuals to report all gross earnings for each week worked, including part-time or temporary employment. For weeks ending on or after July 8, 2023, any amount earned over $50 is deducted dollar-for-dollar from the weekly benefit. For example, if an individual earns $100 in a week and their WBA is $200, $50 is disregarded, and the remaining $50 is deducted, resulting in a $150 benefit payment.

Other income types also affect eligibility. Severance pay generally makes an individual ineligible for unemployment benefits during the period it covers. If an individual receives a retirement pension from a base period employer, the pension amount may be deductible from their weekly benefit if the employer contributed 50% or more toward the pension fund. Workers’ compensation payments (temporary total or temporary partial) also make an individual ineligible for unemployment insurance in Georgia.