Introduction to Alaska Unemployment Benefits
With the national unemployment rate at 7.6% and the Alaska unemployment rate at 7.5%, many Alaskans are out of work and looking for solutions to support themselves and their families. One solution that many are turning to is Alaska Unemployment.
I have been in this position myself and needed help accessing to help that I needed. I decided to create this guide to Alaska Unemployment Benefits so that others could benefit from what I learned. Here are the questions that are frequently asked (and that I asked myself) along with the answers. I hope this helps!
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What Is Alaska Unemployment?
Alaska Unemployment is a Federal-State funded program to provide temporary financial assistance for unemployed workers.
How Do I Qualify For Alaska Unemployment Benefits?
To qualify for Alaska Unemployment Benefits, you must:
1) Have worked for and been paid by an employer that pays Alaska Unemployment taxes. This does not include Federal employment and most churches and non-profits. To find out for sure, you should contact your employer’s payroll department or check with the Alaska Department of Labor.
2) Have made a total gross income of at least $2,500 earned over two calendar quarters (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec) of your base period (the four quarters preceding your termination of employment.
3) Be able, available, and actively seeking work
Also, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own. If it is determined that you are unemployed due to quitting or misconduct, Alaska Unemployment may assign a six-week penalty in which you will not be eligible to receive Alaska Unemployment Benefits.
How Do I Apply For Alaska Unemployment Benefits?
You should apply for Alaska Unemployment Benefits as soon as you become unemployed or start working less than full time. You can apply for Alaska Unemployment Benefits by contacting the Alaska Employment Security Division – Unemployment Insurance Program online at http://myalaska.state.ak.us and clicking on “Unemployment Insurance Benefits” under ‘Quick Links’; or by phone at 1-888-252-2557.
Once your claim is active, you must continue to file for benefits every other week, either online or over the telephone.
How Much Income Assistance Will I Get and For How Long?
Alaska Unemployment Benefits range from $56 to $370 a week, plus an additional $24 a week for each dependent child, up to a maximum of $72 a week. The recently signed Federal Stimulus bill also provides an additional $25 a week, effective for benefits paid for 2/22/2009 through 12/21/2009.
While an Alaska Unemployment claim lasts for 52 weeks, benefits are only provided for 16 – 26 weeks, unless extended by law.
Stayed tuned to this site for news and information you can use. Good luck!
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