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DUA BASE PERIOD AND WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT The most recent tax year will be considered as the base period to calculate the DUA weekly benefit amount (WBA). We’ll use the standard unemployment compensation (UC) formula to compute your WBA and earnings allowance. All individuals who worked full-time but didn't earn enough wages to compute a WBA, or individuals whose DUA WBA is less than 50 percent of the average weekly UC amount, will be eligible for 50 per cent of the average weekly UC amount.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE PERIOD (DAP) A disaster assistance period (DAP) begins the first week following the date the major disaster began. The DAP ends the last week that begins prior to 26 weeks after the date the major disaster was declared. DUA benefits will not be paid for any unemployment that takes place before or after the DAP.
EXTENDED BENEFITS Alabama Law provides for extended benefits for claimants who have used up their benefits during periods of high unemployment. The Department will make public announcements to all news media of the beginning and ending dates of any extended benefits period.
EMPLOYER FILED CLAIMS Your employer may file a partial claim for benefits for any week that you worked and earned less than your weekly unemployment benefit amount. To be valid, your employer must file the partial claim after the end of the payable week, but within 14 days following the week claimed. If your employer isn't going to file the partial claim for you within that time period, it is your responsibility to file your claim application while you are unemployed.
PART SEVEN: FRAUD AND OVERPAYMENTS To report fraud, call 1-800-392-8019, or visit www.labor.alabama.gov/Fraud/.
WHAT IS FRAUD? Fraud includes the following actions: • Intentionally withholding (not reporting) information that impacts your eligibility to receive benefits. • Providing false information on your claim application or weekly certifications. • Using another person's identity to file a claim. Fraud includes any intentional misrepresentation or withholding of information about your eligibility while you're claiming benefits; this is the case even if you don't receive benefits as a result of fraudulent actions.
FRAUD DETECTION PROGRAMS Alabama and other states have multiple methods of detecting fraud, including the following: • Reviewing employer wage records. • Conducting benefit payment audits. • Conducting quality assurance audits. • Taking reports through the Fraud Hotline. • Taking reports through the State and National New Hire programs.