State Labor Department improves unemployment claims portal

MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Labor is rolling out an improved customer service portal for unemployment claimants. Claimant Portal is a modification of the website to file and certify unemployment compensation claims.

With Claimant Portal, claimants can:

• Apply for an unemployment compensation benefits claim
• File a weekly certification application for benefits
• Manage their profile and account information
• Access claim and issue details
• View weekly benefit payments

The changes to the portal and the hearings & appeals process are expected to roll out Tuesday. The existing URL will remain the same, www.labor.alabama.gov.

“We are excited to roll out our new Claimant Portal to allow our customers better access to their claims information,” said Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. “This added improvement should provide a benefit to those who rely on unemployment compensation during down times. This also improves security, making sure that customers’ information is protected.”

Upon first use, claimants will need to either create an account or sign in through their existing account using two-factor authentication via Apple, Google, or Microsoft. A new registration page will need to be filled out, but this is only on the first visit.

Claimant Portal will allow users to access more information, and quickly file a claim or weekly certification. These tasks can still be completed by phone, as well, by calling 866-234-5382.

Additionally, claimants or employers who file an unemployment compensation appeal will now use a different process.

Instead of registering for a telephone hearing the day of the hearing, appellants will now call to register THE DAY BEFORE their scheduled hearing. Appellants will need to call 1-800-321-9323 by 11:59 p.m. the day before the scheduled hearing to provide a telephone number where they may be reached during the hearing the next day.

On the day of the hearing, appellants will need to be available at the phone number provided for at least 60 minutes after the scheduled hearing time to receive a telephone call from the hearing officer.

Any party who fails to provide a telephone number will not be contacted. If an appellant fails to provide a contact number or fails to answer the telephone call, this will be considered a non-appearance and the original claim decision will stand.

This process will allow for ADOL’s hearings officers to hear more appeals each day and issue decisions more rapidly.

Instructions on using the new Claimant Portal can be found HERE.