Your Georgia Unemployment Benefit Determination, Explained

Unemployment Insurance Benefit DeterminationGeorgia noticeChecked against an official source

Also called: Unemployment Insurance Benefit Determination, Benefit Determination

Last reviewed 2026-07-18

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What this notice usually means

The Georgia Department of Labor, or GDOL, mails this letter when you file a claim. It is called the Benefit Determination. GDOL also calls it the monetary determination. It lists the wages GDOL found for your base period. Your base period is the first four of the last five completed quarters. This letter is different from the Claims Examiner's Determination. That one covers why a job ended. GDOL sets your weekly benefit amount from the wages on file.

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“An Unemployment Benefit Determination is mailed to claimants when an initial claim is filed. The determination will provide the rate for your claim filing period.”

From Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)Retrieved 2026-07-18

“The base period is the period of time we look at to determine if you have been paid enough wages to establish a claim. For Georgia, the base period is the first four of the last five calendar quarters completed at the time you file your claim.”

From Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)Retrieved 2026-07-18

“When appealing a Benefit Determination (monetary) or a Claims Examiner’s Determination (non-monetary), you will submit your appeal to the Appeals Tribunal.”

From Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)Retrieved 2026-07-18

What to do now

1
Find the release date on your letter
Your letter lists a release date. GDOL mailed it on that date. Your appeal deadline counts from that date.
2
Check the wages GDOL used
Compare the wages on your letter to your own pay records. Check the same span of quarters.
3
Appeal within 15 days if something looks wrong
Submit a written appeal within 15 days. Send it to the Appeals Tribunal. File online, by email, fax, or hand delivery.
4
Keep filing weekly claims while you wait
Keep filing your weekly claims while you wait. Also keep your work search records. Call GDOL or local legal aid if anything is unclear.

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Deadline

GDOL gives you 15 days to appeal. The clock starts on the release date on your letter. That date controls, not the day you opened the mail. File your written appeal with the Appeals Tribunal before that date.