How to file in Alabama, step by step
- Gather your documents. Alabama asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at workforce.alabama.gov or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. Look for work every week you claim benefits. The state does not publish a fixed number of contacts in the source we checked.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents Alabama asks for
- Social Security number and Alabama driver's license or state ID
- Immigration card, if it applies
- Your last two employers: name, full address, phone, start and end dates
- Details and documents for any federal, military or out-of-state work in the last 18 months
- Checking or savings account and routing number for direct deposit
Source: labor.alabama.gov. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much Alabama pays and for how long
All statesMaximum from the U.S. DOL table effective July 2026. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
Alabama unemployment phone
Details1-866-234-5382, option 2
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Central.
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is workforce.alabama.gov, run by the Alabama Department of Workforce (Workforce Alabama). Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from Alabama tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
Alabama job centers that help with unemployment
All 24Alabama Unemployment Compensation Guides give in-person guidance on benefits at the career centers the state lists. Claims are not decided or paid at the counter.
Albertville Career Center
5920 U S Highway 431 North, Albertville
Bay Minette Career Center
201 Faulkner Drive, Bay Minette
Brewton Career Center
1023 Douglas Avenue, Suite 314, Brewton
Cullman Career Center
1201 Katherine Street Northwest, Cullman
Demopolis Career Center
1074 Bailey Drive, Demopolis
Foley Career Center
200 West Michigan Avenue, Foley
Huntsville Career Center
2535 Sparkman Drive NW, Huntsville
Mobile Career Center
515 Springhill Plaza Court, Mobile
Sheffield Career Center
500 South Montgomery Avenue, Suite 102, Sheffield
Tuscaloosa Career Center
202 Skyland Drive, Tuscaloosa
Alabama unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in Alabama?
Online on the Alabama Department of Workforce (Workforce Alabama) website or by phone at 1-866-234-5382, option 2. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the Alabama unemployment phone number?
1-866-234-5382, option 2. Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Central.
How much is unemployment in Alabama?
Up to $275 a week. Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in Alabama?
Up to 14 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 14 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to Alabama unemployment?
Use the official site (workforce.alabama.gov) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my Alabama unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: workforce.alabama.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: workforce.alabama.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: labor.alabama.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: workforce.alabama.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
In-person policy: adol.alabama.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.