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March 16, 2020
By Anthony Cammarata Jr.

In light of the economic effects the COVID-19 pandemic is having on businesses statewide, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has adopted an emergency Rule 300-2-4-0.5, effective March 16, 2020.

The emergency rule requires all Georgia employers to file partial unemployment claims through the GDOL’s online Employer Portal on behalf of their employees if employers either (1) temporarily reduce the amount of hours an employee works, or (2) temporarily eliminate an employee’s position. Such partial claims must be filed on a weekly basis for any week during which an employee works less than full-time due to a partial or total company shutdown caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Filing a partial claim results in employees receiving unemployment insurance benefit payments faster, usually within 48 hours.

An employer found to be in violation of this GDOL emergency rule will be required to pay the Commissioner the full amount of benefits paid to the employee. Thus, it is imperative that business owners familiarize themselves with the new rule and prepare for the administrative responsibilities it presents. Further instructions on how to file partial claims can be downloaded here: https://dol.georgia.gov/document/document/how-employers-file-partial-claims/download.

If you have any questions about the emergency rule, its proper implementation, or anything else during these difficult times, we would be happy to assist you. Our office is open and maintaining normal operations to provide support, guidance, and assistance should you need it. Please feel free to contact us.