Alabama Department of Workforce, Unemployment Compensation Division

Alabama · Unemployment

workforce.alabama.gov/divisions/unemployment-compensation

State Unemployment Benefits in Alabama

The Alabama Department of Workforce (formerly the Alabama Department of Labor) administers unemployment compensation. When a claimant dies with benefits still owed, the survivor contacts the Department's Legal Division, which instructs them on how to file for the benefits owed to the deceased.

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Contact the Alabama Department of Workforce Legal Division at (334) 956-7470 to report the claimant's death.
2
Ask the Legal Division how to file for the benefits owed to the deceased and what documentation it requires.
3
Ask about any remaining balance on the claimant's AL Vantage prepaid benefits card.

State Unemployment Benefits in Alabama: key facts

What Alabama says3

Reporting a death

The Department's unemployment FAQ directs a survivor to contact the Legal Division of the Alabama Department of Workforce when a relative who was a claimant dies with a balance on the debit card.1, 2

Benefits at and after the death

The Legal Division instructs the survivor on how to file for the benefits owed to the deceased, including any balance left on the claimant's AL Vantage debit card.1, 2

Claimant portal

Claimants use the Department's claimant portal at uiclaimantportal.labor.alabama.gov.3

Other offices involved1

Alabama Department of Workforce, Legal Division

Instructs survivors on how to file for the benefits owed to a deceased claimant1, 2

Sources3

Alabama unemployment benefits

Alabama Department of Workforce, Unemployment Compensation Division

Phone

1-866-234-5382 (option 2 to file a new or reopened claim)

Hours

7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Verified Aug 2026

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Free tools for settling an estate in Alabama: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Alabama: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysAla. Code §§ 43-2-835, 43-2-836Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsAla. Code §§ 43-2-60, 43-2-61, 43-2-350, 43-2-354, 43-2-371Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.

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Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?

Alabama requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Ala. Code § 40-18-5Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.

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