Unemployment After a Job Ends
Ala. Code § 25-4-78 — quitting without good cause or a firing for misconduct disqualifies, and seven days to appeal a delivered decision
- A claim is made for each week under the department's rules, and the claimant registers for work and keeps reporting.
- The claimant is able to work and available for it, and was totally or partially unemployed that week.
- The claimant makes a reasonable and active search for work, which means contacting at least three prospective employers for each week claimed, with proof filed at the weekly certification.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama Department of Labor, Unemployment; and legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
| Reason the job ended | Effect |
|---|---|
| Reason the job endedQuitting without good cause connected with the work | EffectDisqualified |
| Reason the job endedLeaving because of sickness or disability, telling the employer as soon as practicable and coming back when able | EffectNot disqualified, subject to the employer's leave policy |
| Reason the job endedFired for a dishonest or criminal act at work, sabotage, endangering others, or drug use or refusing a test after a warning | EffectDisqualified |
| Reason the job endedFired for misconduct repeated after a warning, or for other work misconduct | EffectDisqualified, on the terms the section sets |
| Reason the job endedA disciplinary suspension | EffectDisqualified for the weeks of the suspension, no more than four |
Seven days, or 15 by mail. An examiner's determination becomes final unless a party appeals within seven calendar days after it is delivered, or within 15 calendar days after it was mailed to the last known address.
After the board of appeals' decision becomes final, a party has 30 days to file a notice of appeal in the circuit court of the claimant's county of residence.
Sources for this section (4)
- Ala. Code § 25-4-77 — Benefits Eligibility Conditions; “Suitable Employment” and Jury Duty Defined; Applicability of Subdivision (A)(5)
- Ala. Code § 25-4-78 — Disqualifications for Benefits
- Ala. Code § 25-4-91 — Determinations and Redeterminations Upon Claims for Benefits
- Ala. Code § 25-4-95 — Appeals from Final Decisions of Board of Appeals or Appeals Tribunal
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.