Arkansas Unemployment Weekly Claims

Arkansas Unemployment

Continued Claims

After the initial application for Arkansas unemployment compensation, workers must file a weekly claim and certify each week to receive payments.

Filing a weekly claim in Arkansas is essential to maintaining eligibility for unemployment benefits. Claimants can file their weekly claims either online or by calling the claims phone number.

The process requires you to provide some personal information, such as your Social Security number, personal identification number (PIN), and any work search activity you have completed during the week.

When to file your weekly claim

After completing your initial claim for benefits, you must file continued claims each week. File your weekly claim for benefits within the 7-day period immediately following the week you are claiming.

If you are unable to file weekly claims for 14 days, your option to file by phone will be suspended. You will then be instructed to report in person to reactivate your claim. Any week filed after these deadlines is considered late and may not be accepted.

How to file a weekly claim in Arkansas

The ADWS uses a system called Arknet for online claims, and an automated voice system called Arkline for claims filed over the phone.

Online Weekly Claims (Arknet)

If you are receiving Arkansas unemployment insurance, you can file for weekly benefits online using ArkNet, the online claims system for UI benefits. Make sure you have access to a computer, a printer, and an internet connection.

To use the ArkNet system, you must have access to a computer, a printer, and an internet connection. After starting your claim, you will be asked a series of questions to verify you continue to meet eligibility requirements. You must report any earned wages, verify you are able and willing to work, and that you have completed your weekly work search requirements.

Your ArkNet weekly claim will take roughly 10-15 minutes to complete online. You will receive confirmation once you have successfully completed your unemployment claim.

Weekly Claims by Phone (Arkline)

ArkLine for Claimants: 501-907-2590

Call 501-907-2590 to start your claim. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number and PIN. During the application process, you were asked to create a PIN that is used to verify your identity.

Once you’ve entered the ArkLine system by inputting your Social Security number and PIN, the computer will respond with questions. Be sure to listen carefully and let Arkline finish before hanging up. If your phone claim is interrupted, you will have to call back and start over.

Arkline will ask you questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” To answer, use the telephone keypad to press a number: “1” for “yes” or “2” for “no.”

1 = YES

2 = NO

After each answer, the system will repeat your response and ask if it’s correct. To confirm or correct your answer, respond with “1” for “yes” or “2” for “no” again.

Information to have ready when filing your claim

Whether you file your claim online or over the phone, it’s important to have the following information on hand. This will ensure the claims process goes smoothly and quickly.

To get the best results, have the following information ready:

  • PIN
  • Social Security Number
  • The name & address of your last employer
  • The last day you worked
  • The reason you are no longer working (quit, fired, laid off, etc.)
  • The gross amount of pay you earned for the week

About your PIN

If you don’t already have a PIN for Arkansas unemployment benefits, you’ll be asked to create one the first time you call Arkline or visit Arknet online.

When choosing your personal identification number (PIN), pick any four-digit number that’s easy for you to remember. It’s recommended not to use your birthdate, numbers from your home address, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Make sure not to share your PIN with anyone, including family members, to protect your unemployment claim from unauthorized access.

If you forget your PIN, contact your local Arkansas Workforce Center either in person or by phone for help. The unemployment office won’t have access to your PIN, but they can reset your claim to accept a new one.

Sample Questions

Here are some examples of the questions you will be asked by DWS employment services while certifying for weekly benefits.

  • During the week you are claiming, did you earn any wages?
  • During the week you are claiming, did you go on vacation?
  • During the week you are claiming, did you receive any type of bonus pay?
  • Were you able and available for work each day of the week?
  • Did you refuse any suitable work offers or referrals to work?
  • During the week you are claiming, did you start school or a training program?
  • Did you make the required number of job contacts and meet work search requirements?
  • Do you certify that the statements you entered are true?

It’s very important to provide complete, accurate information to avoid issues with overpayments and Arkansas unemployment fraud. Staff at DWS employment services are actively prosecuting fraudulent claims.

Collecting Payments

You have two options for receiving your Unemployment Insurance benefits: debit card or direct deposit. Both payment methods are secure and convenient, so choose the one that works best for you. You can always use the Arkansas unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly benefit amount.

If you want to select direct deposit, you’ll need to have an existing personal checking or savings account. Make sure you know your account and routing numbers when signing up for direct deposit.

If you prefer the debit card program, you don’t need to have a personal bank account. Just follow the instructions to sign up and receive your benefits. The VISA debit card is a U.S. Bank ReliaCard. Your unemployment benefit will be automatically added to the card, and you’ll have immediate access to your funds.

    • Hi, Debra – it’s likely that you can make changes through your ArkNet account if you already have one set up. If you need help, you can contact Arkansas’ unemployment division by email at UI.General.Questions@arkansas.gov – This email address SHOULD NOT be used to file a claim. You also can call the ADWS Information Desk at 855-225-4440 or 501-682-2121. Someone should be available to help you Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  1. Kim cotton Arkansas Mississippi county I have tried every number everybody’s give me every number I can find in a book or on a piece of paper to call the IRS department of workforce anybody to help me it always hangs up on me nobody will talk to me except for recording and then it says we’re busy call back later I’ve been doing this for months my 19 weeks should be up but nobody will help me please help me somebody please guard help me I need my money or I don’t want to fix them to do fixing to lose everything I got our kids are dealing with them it’s it’s hurting and I need help please help sincerely Kim cotton

  2. I have been filing every Sunday like I’m supposed to do. But I have not received a payment. It has been going on 4 weeks now. I have called the hotline as instructed although every time I call it says press 1 to reset my pin or 2 if it’s regarding my claim. So I choose 2 and afterwards it says all representatives are busy and says to call back later and then hangs up on me…. This happens EveryTime…

  3. If I reopened a claim and it was after the Sunday. Do I have to wait till that following week to get paid. Or do I have to call to get a back payment for that week?

  4. I contacted the claim center after I filed my first weekly claim. The woman told me that there was a decision pending on my claim. That it would take 6 to 8 weeks for them to make a decision. Does that sound right? Can they actually let my family starve for 8 weeks before they can tell me if I qualify or not? I’m going to be so far behind by the time they decide something that it’s really not gonna matter anymore.

  5. I went online to claim my weekly work hours and it says that I already claimed them for the week??

  6. I have filed and gotten a confirmation that I am getting money, but I haven’t gotten a card yet? It has been 3 weeks since I got the confirmation letter. How long does it take or is there something else I need to do?
    TIA
    John Hammer

  7. How do y’all expect people to reset their pin to report weekly claims if 1. You can’t reset you our pin. 2. When you call the local office the number you call has a freaking voicemail that is full and the employee apparently doesn’t know how to empty their voicemail. So please explain to me how I’m suppose to pay my Bill’s will no income while y’all are still able to pay yours not doing your job.

  8. I have COPD and 73years old but was working until Clovis 19 hit. I have taken of work until it is over then I will return to work. Will I be able to draw unemployment?

  9. On my application status it says the reason for my 4/4/2020 wasn’t paid was because a written decision is still pending . Please what that mean thou tomorrow will make my 7 days waiting period complete .

  10. I need to know how to apply for direct deposit. I filed the claim through EZARC and it told me I had to wait 24 hrs. That was Friday April 3 and I cannot log back in on EZARC. The website section on direct deposit will not open on my phone. Help please.

  11. After applying, I tried to log in for the 1st time and it will not let me set up a new pin to access my account
    What should I do?

  12. I have not received my Benefits for week ending March 14th, 2020 It states that it has already been processed. I have yet to see it in my account. I also called in my week ending March 21 2020 and it says it is being processed. It is not asking me the usual questions when I call just processed this makes no sense. I also was receiving my benefits weekly until the Corona virus hit. I was already in the system so why am I not receiving my benefits regularly. I have bills to pay!! Please don’t tell me to call the number because you can’t even get through.

  13. I have not received benefits for the week ending March 14th. The recording states that it has been processed and I have yet to receive it in my account. I was receiving benefits on time
    until the Coronavirus happened. I have bills I need to pay. I just did my week ending the 21st so now I am wondering if it is going to be processed at all. I know you guys are busy with all applying but explained before I was getting my benefits before this took place!

  14. I have filed four claims within seven weeks. Have not received anything from you people. Why have I not gotten paid. and if I can’t get paid why haven’t you contacted me and let me know what the issue is. 7 weeks been 7 weeks. About four times seven weeks 4 times at 7 weeks what’s the problem.

    • Grant,

      Please note this is a private forum and we do not have access to your claim file. Please call the Claims Center immediately for assistance.

      • I can’t reach anyone and I guess my claim is just out in limbo. Just so thrilled with this right now. I have called every number and all I get is disconnected. Every number.

      • I was layed off so the cimpany saling tbere business and no work waa avaible for me i was giving my seperation pappers and 3 weeks of seversnce pay i reported it all and have been calling in for 4 weeks i served my waiting oeriod and it still says i am disqualified for what now there is ni one to talk to i was told that i woukd be getting payments still nothing

  15. I have called in my three weekly claims,but have not recieved benifits on card. Hotline says ive been paid, but card say i hav e not. Where are mmy benifits??

    • Harold,

      Please note this is a private forum and we do not have access to your claim. Please call the Claims Center and speak to a representative for an update.

  16. I filed sept. 27th. I was terminated from the job after almost 4 years. How long will I know if I will get unemployment? I have received the mailing where it tells what I will draw full amount.

    • Vanessa,

      Generally, the waiting period lasts for about 7-10 working days. If you’ve received a letter of determination, please call the Claims Center to confirm the payment status.

  17. I filed my continued weekly claim correctly but answered the fraud question with a no but was supposed to answer yes and I am out of town can I go to the nearest office and re file my weekly claim

    • So I issue call my claim in on Sunday, the first day after the week I am claiming. But with holiday weekend it slipped my mind tried to call about 615 and line closed at 6. So of I call Monday morning will I still be eligible for my claims or am I considered late and have to restart the process?

      • Jonathan,

        If you don’t claim within the stipulated time, the weekly payment will not be processed. Please call the Claims Center for more.

    • Nicole,

      Firstly, please call the Claims Center and speak to a representative for further instructions. I don’t think you would be required to make a physical visit.

    • After the initial “Waiting Week”, you should receive the payment. Please call the Claims Center if you do not receive in in about 7-10 business days from the time of claim.

      • I called in for the week ending the 21st on Sunday and to this day it says that it’s still trying to process the week ending the 14th and I’ve already got something in the mail saying that my benefits couldn’t be paid for the week ending the 14th please advise on this one

        • Stephen,

          We understand this might be a difficult time for you. We’re anticipating a shortage of staff across unemployment offices due to the massive surge in UI applications considering the pandemic. We advise against calling or visiting the office, as you may not get a response instantly.

          Your state may have activated “Extended Benefits (EB)” authorized by the federal government. We recommend you apply for UI benefits online. For more information, please visit your state’s official Unemployment website.

        • I need no money and just because y’all have a website problem or system problem doesn’t mean my bills stop. I want answers

  18. I file the week of the 19th it kept telling me it didn’t file or I have to call day after day.

        • Scott,

          You should be able to reopen the claim on the same window. If you do not see the option, please look up on the menu or call the Claims Center for assistance.

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