When you sign up for Alabama Unemployment, you can choose payment by direct deposit or card. The problem is that you cannot enter your bank information. You have to call an 800 number after 5 PM so that a rep will call you back the next day between 7 AM and 5 PM. Good luck in talking with someone that will actually set your direct deposit correctly.
Recommendation: Do not become unemployed in Alabama.
It’s more efficient to ignore their complex system and instead request a card if you can — using a card is still simple enough. If you feel that following their deposit procedure is not optional, make sure to record all of your conversations and get in touch with a boss or a state officer when the situation requires. There’s no point in prolonging the countdown, attempting to reach an agent on their side — get what you need or speak to someone else and bypass them.