The national unemployment rate at seven.6% and the Alaska unemployment rate at 7.5%, many Alaskans are out of work and looking for solutions to support themselves and their families. A good the program is Alaska unemployment.

I have been in this position myself and needed help accessing to help that I needed. I decided to create this guide to Alaska Unemployment Benefits so that others could benefit from what I learned. The following questions are the most frequently asked with the answers. I really do anticipate that this information helps you!

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What Is Alaska Unemployment?

Alaska unemployment provides financial assistance and is backed by the federal government for unemployed individuals.

How Do I Qualify For Alaska Unemployment Benefits?

To qualify for Alaska Unemployment Benefits, you must:

1) Have worked for and been paid by an employer that pays Alaska Unemployment taxes. which does not include Federal employment nonprofits in most churches. To find out for sure, you should contact your employer’s payroll department or check with the Alaska Department of Labor.

2) Have made a total gross income of at least $2,500 earned over two calendar quarters (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec) of your base period (the four quarters preceding your termination of employment.

3) Be able, available, and actively seeking work

Also, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own. If it is determined that you are unemployed due to quitting or misconduct, Alaska Unemployment may assign a six-week penalty in which you will not be eligible to receive Alaska Unemployment Benefits.

How Do I Apply For Alaska Unemployment Benefits?

The moment you become unemployed you should file for Alaska unemployment benefits. You can apply for Alaska Unemployment Benefits by contacting the Alaska Employment Security Division – Unemployment Insurance Program online at http://myalaska.state.ak.us and clicking on “Unemployment Insurance Benefits” under ‘Quick Links’; or by phone at 1-888-252-2557.

Once your claim is active, you must continue to file for benefits every other week, either online or over the telephone.

What is the amount that I will receive in the time frame?

Alaska Unemployment Benefits range from $56 to $370 a week, plus an additional $24 a week for each dependent child, up to a maximum of $72 a week. The recently signed Federal Stimulus bill also provides an additional $25 a week, effective for benefits paid for 2/22/2009 through 12/21/2009.

While an Alaska Unemployment claim lasts for 52 weeks, benefits are only provided for 16 – 26 weeks, unless extended by law.