The Georgia Department of Labor has recently been asked why not all initial unemployment claims have not been paid.  92% of all valid claims have received benefits in the past 19 weeks where a payment has been requested, but many of the others are not eligible for payment per state and federal law.

Over 135,000 claims have been filed by claimants who have not worked at all in the past 18 months making them ineligible for regular UI payments.

“Unemployment insurance is not a guaranteed benefit,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler. “Each claim has to be thoroughly reviewed for eligibility and verified before payments can be issued.”

A few of the most basic eligibility requirements are:
you must have sufficient insured wages.
you must have job separation from the last employer due to no fault.
you must be able, available, and actively searching for suitable work.

“The claims that have gotten to this point require a hearing to determine eligibility,” said Commissioner Butler. “We must maintain a fair and equitable process to ensure the integrity of the program.”