As of Jan. 1, 2020, Alabama employers will save an estimated $42.3 million annually under a law that reduces the duration of Alabama’s unemployment payouts while increasing benefits.
Under Act No. 2019 – 204 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, and Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, the number of weeks Alabama’s jobless can collect unemployment compensation will float between 14 and 20 based on the unemployment rate in the state and other factors.
The new variable compensation could be extended to between 19 and 25 weeks for who those participate in up to five weeks of a state-approved training program.
Previously, if a person lost a job through no fault of their own, they were eligible to apply for up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits.
Under the new law, in good times, when unemployment is low and jobs are available, the number of weeks someone could be on unemployment would decrease.
The law, which the governor signed May 21, 2019, also increases the weekly benefits from $265 to $275.
The decreased weeks and increased benefits would save Alabama employers about $42.3 million annually, according to the law’s fiscal note. The state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund is funded through employer contributions. Since 2010, Alabama employers have been paying taxes into that fund at the highest rate possible. The fund, currently about $624 million, would have to reach $800 million before Alabama employers could move into a lower rate schedule.
>> LEARN MORE: New unemployment compensation law in effect
Alabama Daily News, Jan. 7, 2020
Last updated Jan. 7, 2020
Originally posted 10:30 a.m. May 21, 2019
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