When to Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Alaska
It is important that applicants in Alaska file for unemployment registration as soon as they are terminated or have their hours reduced to part-time (in which case, they may be eligible for partial benefits). You can submit an unemployment EDD application in AK without your pink slip or severance package. Once you have received any necessary documents, they can always be added to your unemployment claim at a later date.
The reason why you should file for an unemployment claim in Alaska as soon as possible is that you will not receive any benefit payments for the time period before you filed your application. However, while not submitting your documents right away may delay the time when you start to receive your benefits, it will not reduce the amount of your benefits. You can quickly file an online application for unemployment and start the process the same day as your termination.
What Documents Are Needed to File for Unemployment in Alaska?
In order to file for an unemployment claim in Alaska, you will need to provide some information. Whether you are submitting an AK online application for unemployment or filing a claim over the phone, you will need the following information:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your alien registration number and work permit type, as well as any other documentation that authorizes your employment in the United States (if you are not a U.S. citizen).
- The name, mailing address and phone number of your last employer and the location where you reportedly worked.
- The full dates of your last employment including the first and last day worked.
- The earnings made during your last week of employment.
- Any other deductible income received during the last week, including vacation, severance or bonus pay.
- If you are a former federal/government employee, you must mail or fax copies of forms SF8 and SF50, as well as any Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
- If you are ex-military personnel, you are required to mail in a copy of the DD214 member 4 file.
How to Apply for Unemployment Online or Over the Phone in Alaska
As mentioned earlier, concerning where to register for unemployment benefits in Alaska, claimants have two options: applying online or by phone. By filling out an online application for unemployment in AK, you are able to file for unemployment 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without having to speak directly to a claim representative. In addition, you are also able to change your payment method, file your bi-weekly claims, or contact your claims counselor through the same Online Alaska Unemployment Portal.
Now that you know where to sign up for unemployment online, you may also want to consider the by-phone application process and learn about the call schedules set by the state of Alaska. To speak with a claims representative, you can call the claim center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Once you have filed for an unemployment claim over the phone, you will then be required to file bi-weekly claims to maintain eligibility. You can file your bi-weekly claims by calling VICTOR, the automated telephone system. Part of this Alaska unemployment registration process requires that you report your employment status.
Your claim will not be effective until the Sunday of the week in which your unemployment EDD application was filed, which is another reason why you must file for unemployment as soon as possible. Additionally, note that the first eligible week of your new claim is a “waiting week,” during which you will not receive payment. If you wish to receive credit for this week, you must file a claim for it and meet your weekly requirements.
Note: You may still apply for unemployment benefits in Alaska if you must move out of state due to a situation that concerns your health, domestic violence or caring for a sick or injured family member.
