Georgia § 34-8-21 - Base period; alternative base period.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 34-8-21 — Base period; alternative base period., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-8-21. Base period; alternative base period.
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, as used in this chapter, the term "base period" means the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the first day of an individual's benefit year; provided, however, that, in the case of a combined wage claim under Code Section 34-8-80, the base period shall be that applicable under the unemployment compensation law of the paying state. If an individual does not have sufficient wages to qualify for benefits under the definition of base period in subsection (a) of this Code section, then his or her base period shall be calculated using the last four completed quarters immediately preceding the first day of the individual's benefit year. Such base period shall be known as the "alternative base period." Applicants shall receive written notice of the alternative base period. Implementation of the alternative base period shall commence on January 1, 2003. Implementation of the alternative base period under this subsection shall be under such terms and conditions as the Commissioner may prescribe by rules and regulations. (Code 1981, § 34-8-21 , enacted by Ga. L. 1991, p. 139, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 1119, § 2; Ga. L. 2004, p. 1074, § 1; Ga. L. 2009, p. 139, § 8/HB 581.) Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2002, p. 1119, § 1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Employment Security and Enhancement Act of 2002.'" Ga. L. 2009, p. 139, § 1, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This Act shall be known and may be cited as the 'Georgia Works Job Creation and Protection Act of 2009.'" Law reviews. - For survey article on labor and employment law for the period from June 1, 2002 to May 31, 2003, see 55 Mercer L. Rev. 303 (2003). For annual survey of labor and employment law, see 56 Mercer L. Rev. 291 (2004). For note on the 2002 enactment of this chapter, see 19 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 258 (2002).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 34-8-21
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 34-8-21 cover?
Section 34-8-21 ("Base period; alternative base period.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 34-8-21?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 34-8-21" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 34-8-21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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