For many Alaskans, unemployment benefits are a lifeline, especially during the winter months when the state work market turns seasonal. During these times, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) becomes an invaluable resource for those who find themselves unemployed.
One of the most pressing questions for workers seeking this benefit is how much money they might expect to receive. The amount of unemployment benefit is not fixed; it is computed depending on individual characteristics such as wages earned over a specified period of time, so be aware of the details.
What is the unemployment benefit in Alaska in 2025?
In Alaska, the amount received for unemployment benefits is not predetermined; rather, it is computed individually for each applicant depending on their wage history.
The weekly unemployment payout is determined by the wages received during the “base period” of the individual. This timeframe includes the first four quarters of the last five complete quarters before the application submission.
To be eligible, the individual must have earned at least $2,500 over that time period, with at least $250 earned outside of the quarter in which they made the most income.
What is needed to access Alaska unemployment benefit?
The information needed to access is as follows:
Social Security Number
Address and phone number of your last place of employment.
Dates of your last employment, including the first and last day of work.
Wages earned in the last week of employment.
Other deductible income: holiday pay or severance pay received in the last week of employment.
Salary test.
Federal employees should mail or fax copies of Standard Forms SF8 and SF50, and where possible, a Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
Former military personnel must send a copy of DD214 member 4 by mail or fax.
