Employment Security; certain notice provisions relating to benefits and appeals; revise

New timing rules for Georgia unemployment appeals

Beginning January 1, 2026, Georgia unemployment review deadlines run from the printed issue date, when the department releases the decision. Release can be by mail, hand delivery, or electronically with the party’s consent. Parties entitled to notice have 15 days after that date to request reconsideration or appeal an initial determination. Hearing officer decisions become final unless further appeal starts within 15 days after the printed date. Board decisions become final after 15 days unless the board reconsiders; notice of reconsideration pauses court review. Court review requires completing all administrative review steps first. Before an initial determination becomes final, the labor commissioner can issue a new determination for good cause, which remains appealable. The commissioner can also use rules to waive, change, extend, or set aside finality deadlines. Those rules must protect fair process and follow the employment security law’s purpose; they do not guarantee extra time.