MONTGOMERY – Beginning September 30, 2026, individuals filing an initial unemployment compensation claim in Alabama will verify their identity through Login.gov. Claimants must begin from the Alabama Unemployment Claimant Portal and complete identity verification within 10 calendar days of filing.
The new process makes Login.gov the primary identity verification method for initial claims. After submitting a claim, an Identity Verification link will appear on the Claimant Portal home screen and direct the claimant through the required steps.
“Identity verification protects claimants, helps prevent fraud and safeguards Alabama’s unemployment compensation system,” said Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed. “Login.gov gives claimants a secure, straightforward way to complete this important step online. We encourage anyone filing an initial claim to begin promptly and follow every instruction through the final confirmation screen.”
What claimants need to do
- File an initial claim through the Alabama Unemployment Claimant Portal. Return to the portal home screen and select Identity Verification.
- Sign in to an existing Login.gov account or create one, then follow the prompts to upload a government-issued photo ID, enter personal information, take a selfie if requested and confirm a phone number.
- If using the participating U.S. Post Office option, complete the required fields, take the Login.gov barcode and requested ID to the location provided, then return to Login.gov after the visit.
- Select Agree and continue so the verification results can be shared with ADOW. Confirm that the completion screen shows the identity verification was submitted.
Deadline and Career Center assistance
Claimants must complete the process within 10 calendar days. Failure to provide proof of identity within the required period may delay or deny unemployment benefits. Online verification is the required first option. If the online process is unsuccessful or the claim is denied because identity verification was not completed, the claimant may visit an Alabama Career Center with a valid government-issued photo ID, Social Security card, and proof of address if the address differs from the photo ID.
Claimants can access the portal at uiclaimantportal.labor.
Media Release/Alabama Dept. of Workforce
