Arizona Unemployment Benefits
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADEC) handles Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits in the state of Arizona. The ADEC provides monetary support to the unemployed people, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
YArizona at work provides a range of services to potential job seekers. The services include job fairs and recruitments, training programs, vocational rehabilitation, and research labor market and wages to name a few.
Find out more about eligibility requirements, benefit extensions and how to apply for unemployment benefits in the state of Arizona.
Eligibility to Apply for UI Benefits in Arizona
For applicants to qualify for unemployment benefits in Arizona. They must gain monetary eligibility, establish a reason why you separated from your previous job. Applicants must also establish and maintain certain set criteria throughout the benefits weeks.
Monetary Eligibility
Monetary eligibility in the state of Arizona is based on the applicant’s insured wages during a period of one year called the base period. Applicant’s base period is the first four of the last five completed quarters prior to the date applicants first applied for Unemployment Insurance.
The calendar year is divided into four quarters:
- 1st quarter is January 1 – March 31
- 2nd quarter is April 1- June 30
- 3rd quarter is July 1- September 30
- 4th quarter is October- December 31
Wages prior to this 12 month period cannot be considered when filing for unemployment benefits in Arizona. For applicants to qualify for benefits he or she must have worked for an employer who paid unemployment taxes. Applicants must have earned:
Or
At least $7000 in total wages in at least two-quarters of the base period, with wages in one-quarter equal to $5987.50 or more.
If applicants are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits using the standard base period, they can use an alternative base period. The alternative base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to the date you become disabled. Applicants must meet certain conditions to qualify for claims using the alternative base period:
- Be ineligible for a claim using the current base period
- Earned base period wages before the applicant became injured or disabled that were not used on a prior UI claim and file an UI claim within two years of the work-related injury or disability and
- File an UI claim within four weeks of the last week the applicant was considered disabled and was compensated
- Attempted to return to work for the employer where the injury/disability happened
The maximum weekly benefits amount in the state of Arizona is $240, and the minimum weekly benefits amount is $60. The maximum weeks of benefits in the state of Arizona are 26.
Find out more about eligibility requirements
Job Separation
Once an applicant’s monetary eligibility is verified, the next step for qualification will be that the applicant lost his/her job for no fault of your own. All applicants must meet the mentioned guidelines to be eligible for unemployment insurance in Arizona.
- Applicants should be out of work for no fault of their own
- Applicants who are laid off due to economic reasons such as plant closing, reduction-in-force, or lack of work are eligible for unemployment benefits
- If applicants quit their job without good cause in connection to your employment, you will not qualify for unemployment benefits in Arizona
- If you were discharged from your last job due to misconduct or negligence you will not be eligible for UI in Arizona
If the reason for your separation is due to some other reason. A determination will have to be made whether you are eligible for benefits or not. All determinations of whether candidates are eligible for benefits or not are made by the Arizona Revised Statute, Administrative Code or any applicable federal laws.
Eligibility requirements – overview
Maintaining Eligibility
Once an applicant starts receiving unemployment benefits, he or she must follow certain guidelines that make sure that he or she receives his or her benefits without any hindrance.
Here are the guidelines that applicants need to follow to maintain unemployment Insurance:
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- Claimants must be physically and mentally able to work for a job which they are qualified for with experience, education, or training
- TApplicants must have engaged in an organized and sustained effort to attain work during four different days of the week
- You should have made at least one job contact on each of those four days in which you claimed benefits
- Claimants must be accessible to the labor market, and be ready to accept full-time work when offered
- If a claimant receives a job offer he/she is expected to accept it if he/she fits the requirement
- Claimers are expected to report to work at the time when the employer requires
- Candidates must make an active, serious, and continuing effort to look for work each week that claimants seek benefits
- Claimants will be automatically registered to Arizona- one-stop service, if claimers provide any false information it may result in denial or loss of benefits
- Claimants must make telephone inquiries with appropriate follow-ups, which include submissions of resumes and personal visits
- If the claimant’s work is of seasonal nature and the claimant is out of work, claimants must seek work for which they are suited for
Applicants should maintain a record of all contacts made each week which he or she files for benefits. The work will be assessed by the Arizona Department of Economic Security on the methods and the type of contacts used. Claimants must keep all this information handy.
At any given point in time, you may be subject to an eligibility review. In the eligibility review, you will be required to show evidence of all your efforts to find employment. Applicants might be asked to produce records periodically.Find out on job search requirements
How to Apply For UI Benefits in Arizona?
Make sure to carry the following documents to apply for benefits:
The following outlets are available to apply for benefits in Arizona:
Online
Unemployment Insurance in Arizona can be filed online. Applicants have to log on to
https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual
and click file their weekly claims. Weekly claims can be filed from 12:01 a.m. Sunday to Monday at 6:00 p.m.
Telephone
Applicants can also file for Unemployment Insurance via the phone. The Telephone Information and Payment System (TIPS) can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The TIPS toll-free number is 1-877-600-2722. Information about the previous week’s claim which is already filed will be available from Tuesday, 12:01 noon through Saturday at 12:00 midnight.
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How to File Weekly Claims
When filing weekly claims in Arizona claimants can call the TIPS line or go online and use the Internet Weekly Claim Application. Applicants should begin filing claims from the first week after filing for an unemployment insurance benefit.
The applicant must file for his or her weekly claims regardless of whether or not he or she is called for an interview. Weekly claims have to be filed between Sunday and Friday. This has to be done whether you are receiving money or not.
If due to any reason the applicant misses his or her weekly claim, the system will show that the applicant’s social security number is not recognized. For reactivation of unemployment claims, the applicant will have to go to the local employment service office or call the ARRA call center.
Learn how to claim weekly benefits
UI Benefits Amount
The calculator finds out how much weekly benefits you may be eligible to earn in the state of Arizona.
Benefits Calculator
Use the calculator to find out how much weekly benefits you may approximately earn in the state of Arizona.
Disclaimer: The estimates are good in faith and accuracy is not guaranteed. We are not liable for any loss and damages caused by using the tools on our website. This calculator is here to assist you in evaluating what you might obtain if you are entitled to receive benefits. We make no promises that the sum you receive will be equal to what the calculator illustrates.Know more about the Benefits Calculator
Things to Know After Filing An Application
After filing for Unemployment Insurance in Arizona, claimants need to be aware of certain rules and regulations. Claimants should also get a better understanding of the job-related services provided to claimants in the state of Arizona.
Overpayments and Fraud
Overpayments occur when claimants receive more benefits than the claimant is lawfully qualified to receive. When the Department of Economic Security Unemployment Insurance Administration determines an overpayment, the department mails a determination of overpayment. A determination of overpayment contains the following information:
- Date of determination
- Amount of overpayment
- Cause of overpayment
- Distribution of overpayment
- How can claimants repay the overpayment
- Appropriate methods the department can use to collect overpayments
- Repayment plans available on overpayments
- Claimant appeal rights
- Date of collection of overpayments
Overpayments can occur due to a number of reasons such as:
- A department error usually occurs when the claimant submits information but the department fails to address it in an appropriate manner
- The employer failed to submit requested or necessary information in a timely manner
- The employer submits incorrect or inadequate information to the claimant or the department
- One of the claimants base period employers provided a delinquent wage report which changed the number of benefits that the claimant is entitled to
- An initial decision found the claimant eligible for benefits but later on an appeal decision turned the original decision
- If the claimant unintentionally gave incorrect information he or she may receive overpayments
Fraud occurs when a claimant knowingly misrepresents or conceals material facts in order to obtain benefits which he or she was not legally entitled to. If a claimant claims weekly benefits that they did not work or earn and in fact, the claimant did work and earned wages and failed to report it he or she is committing fraud.
If a claimant states that he or she was separated from the last employer due to lack of work. If later on determined that he or she was discharged for disqualifying reasons he or she is committing fraud. The following policies apply if fraud is committed in the state of Arizona:
- A penalty of 15% will be added to the overpayment amount
- Claimants won’t be allowed to receive Unemployment Insurance benefits until the fraud overpayment, penalties, and the rate has been paid in full
- A no waiver of repayment of overpayment will be issued
- If any legal action is taken, the courts will decide the repayment plan
- Interest will accrue on the unpaid balance beginning with the month following the month of overpayment
- The collection starts once the overpayment becomes final
- The department can refer the matter to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for unlawful prosecution
To repay the overpayment benefits system applicants can use DES Online Payment System and make payments with a valid MasterCard, Discovery or American Express Credit Card, and Visa card. Claimants can also make payments using the telephone system dial 1 (844) 722-6247 or (602) 252-0024 and press option 1. The claimant may also mail a money order or check payable to the Department of Economic Security on the address shown at the top of the determination of overpayment.
Benefits Extension
The state offers benefits extension when the unemployment rate is high. Applicants should visit or call the concerned authorities to get a better idea of the current Reemployment Assistance plans available.
Job Training Assistance
Job training assistance is a very vital aspect of job seekers. Job seekers need training and need to stay up to date on the current trends in the market. Claimants can log into https://arizonaatwork.com/ to find an array of services provided to job seekers. The services provided to job seekers are:
- Job seekers can create or edit their resumes, search job openings, and get matched with likely nearby hiring employers
- Potential employees in Arizona get access to events and job fairs throughout the state which connects them to job seekers and get work-related opportunities
- Claimants also get information on industry trends, in-demand jobs, wages by occupation, and career planning
- The Arizona Career Readiness Credential provides all unemployed applicants a chance to thrive in today’s workforce
Work centers can be found in 12 regional areas and 47 local offices. The work centers provide an innovative workforce so Click here to locate nearest centers.
- Date of determination
My Base period year was with Company ?? ..”A”… Im receiving a non-pension retirement from company “B” I worked for 20 years ago… will that effect my unimployment benefits in Arizona ?
It will not have a bearing since its not part of the “Base Period”.
I was sent a letter and told I did not qualify because I had no base period wages. I have summaries of all 4 periods they are referring to from both Lyft and Uber, How can I submit them? I am reluctant to go out to an office as I am almost 70 and would be a prime subject for this virus. I have these gross wages and can list them if told where. Thank you
Don,
Please try finding answers online since there might be limited phone support due to the shortage of staffing. You can use the “Resources” or “FAQs” section of the website.
I was recently let go by a Head Start program in Arizona due to end of the Head Start Year program and they gave us a letter saying that we were not guarantied a job position next year, will I be able to receive my benefits.
John,
If you were let go due to involuntary reasons and your employment remitted Unemployment Taxes into the system, you should qualify.
I work for a hotel as a. Server. They are remodeling and closing the restaurant for 6 months. Can I receive unemployment benefits?
Antonia,
I am not sure if you qualify under these circumstances. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state.
What are the requirements for re-applying for benefits after 6 months?
I am not sure if any such feature exists.
Please call the Claims Center for further details.
I will be laid off on Nov 26, 2016, can I apply for benefits before that time. Also, I have worked for the last three years and recently claim my Social Security while working. Will my SS have any effect in receiving benefits?
You can only apply after being laid off. Please wait for your last working day to be over.
SS benefits will have a say. I suggest you inquire further with the Unemployment Office in your state for specific details.
Mm my husband was laid off after 35 yes for one company.Know he can get Unemployment but he’s not in good helth,congestive heart failure,not able to stand very long due to bad hip so uses a wheelchair.He’not filed due to having to look for a job are their any exceptions for this?
Well, UI benefits are only extended to those who’re able and available for work. He may not be eligible with the current health condition.
Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for further details.
I was hired just for the Mardi Gras holiday as a bartender at Mango Mango I was laid off on February 9th 2016 was my last day of work I also suffer from a sever anxiety disorder and see a doctor for it. Do I qualify for unemployment and if so how do I make a claim? Thank you.
You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
Hi
I get an Arizona State Retirement System pension. I retired several years ago but also worked recently again and then was laid off. Would the pension be deductible from Unemployment Benefits?
In some states, you can receive both these benefits. Not sure of how it works in Arizona.
Please call the Unemployment Office for precise information.
Hello! I was let-go from my employment yesterday for lack of normal productivity in the last couple of months. I asked the employers Human Resource director if I can file for un-employment benefits. Her answer was “I am eligible to file”. Would getting let-go for not showing normal productivity be considered as misconduct? Thanks for your response.
It can be the reason for stopping you from qualifying since UI benefits are only extended to those who lose the job due to involuntary reasons.
Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state.
I have been on work comp for the last19months for a work related injury.I’ve had two surgeries.last year after the first surgery I was released to light duty I tried to file unemployment but was denied because my work said I could have my job back when I was released now after many second surgery I’m released with permanent restrictions. So many work had nothing for me.can I file for unemployment ?
Unfortunately, personal reasons such as health are not considered.
Please check further with the labor dept in your state.
if I have surgery to repair my torn ACL and MCL and will miss a significant amount of work can I collect ui? also if the company offers (short term disability) std can you collect both ui and std?
You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
Personal reasons like health issues are not considered.
After my last job I got hired by a company and had completed 4 days of computer training, had 2 scheduled days off – during those 2 days off became violently ill to where I couldn’t even call to let them know. Is that the LAST job legally or do I use the job prior to that I actually WORKED at and was let go from??
I guess just 4 days may not count as your last job. You can apply on the basis of your employment before that.
Please call the customer service wing of the labor dept in your state for further information.
Are you eligible for unemployment if your hours have been reduced from 40 to 27 and your hourly wage reduced?
Yes, you are eligible for UI benefits for the hours lost.Please contact your state office for more info surrounding this.
i quit my job because i moved to florida 5 years ago. was working in florida for past 5 years am i still eligable for work in az
Its best advised to file for UI from the state where you last worked.If you’re contemplating,please file from FL.
I have worked temp agencies for about 7 months. Two weeks ago, On my way to work on my bicycle at 4:30 in the morning (two blocks away from my job site) I had a collision with another oncoming bicycle with no headlights. I broke my finger which will require surgery to have two pins put in. My hand will be in a cast for a month. It is my right hand and unfortunately, I am right handed. I found out today my temporary job assignment, Amazon, terminated me since I am unable to do the work I was hired to perform. I am my sole support. Do I qualify for disability or unemployment?
We are in the middle of a buy out from another company , I make $14hr and work 40 hrs a week and my hubby works25 at 11.50hr and furnished and apt with utilities as part of my compensation and get 5 weeks vacation time every yr. My question is the new company will most likely offer me 25 hrs a week at considerably less money may be even minimum wage and cut my vacation pay and charge me for some if not all of the elec and water .
my question is when they take over and we have to submit an application and resume’ and then negotiate our wages etc. if we decide not to work for them at that time since the other company now has technicaly let us go because are not working for anyone at that point ….. are we still eligable for UI or not?? .till we can find another job .
If you are expecting a significant cut in your working hours, it would be better to work and claim partial unemployment benefits.
I’ve been retired since 12/2010 would I be able to apply and qualify for unemployment benefits while looking for a job now?
I have been caught in a lay-off at my company in Tucson, I am eligible for a small pension, around $500.00 a month. Can I still collect unemployment while looking for a new job.
I retired at the age of 70 before retiring I worked 2 yrs. for a mining company am I able to file for unemployment.
Regards
Louis O. Mancha
If you are willing to look for suitable employment, then you may be able to receive unemployment benefits. There are other requirements too.
well for the last two almost three mouths I have been decided benefits and they make up fast stuff to not give it to me and the number I have been given to call to resolve the problem its hard to get throw and when a do finally get threw to some one they hang up on me and how I see it if they cant do there job I sure can and I can at lest answer the phone and not hang up and anyways how do I get the benefits I deserve if people are going to keep hanging up on me and I don’t know what to do anymore
We are in the middle of a buy out from another company , I make $14hr and work 40 hrs a week and my hubby works25 at 11.50hr and furnished and apt with utilities as part of my compensation and get 5 weeks vacation time every yr. My question is the new company will most likely offer me 25 hrs a week at considerably less money may be even minimum wage and cut my vacation pay and charge me for some if not all of the elec and water .
my question is when they take over and we have to submit an application and resume’ and then negotiate our wages etc. if we decide not to work for them at that time since the other company now has technicaly let us go because are not working for anyone at that point ….. are we still eligable for UI or not?? .till we can find another job .
My hours are cut from full time 35 hours to part time 14 hours and cannot survive on the lower wages, what is the terminology for leaving my job? Will I be terminated or laid off or what? I am in this position and do not want to jepordize eligilbility to receive unemployment benefits. I need to give my employer an answer in the morning.
Hi Audrey,
You can collect unemployment benefits when your working hours are cut significantly. Please check about the procedure to procure partial unemployment.
I have filed for U/I three seperate times and have been denied. The last two as a school bus driver i was let go due to a surgery, i had my (fmla)ran out and i was fired.Three months later i found employment at another school but never was awarded u/i. And now im on summer break and was denied again.I was told “school bus drivers are not qualifed for u/i” But i have friends at other school bus companies that receive it. Can someone explain this to me?
Hi Tony,
You must be able and available to work while collecting benefits, so I think the 1st time you were out for surgery, you were unable to work and hence were denied benefits. If you were fired for work related misconduct, then you will be denied benefits. Summer break is a seasonal holiday in your employment and hence you may have been denied benefits. Drivers sure receive benefits.
Is anyone else having problems when trying to log into file your weekly claim? Its not letting me view or file. Gives an error message. Also, does anyone know when it will be fixed?
Hi Jessica,
The call center and certain functional areas were closed on 27th as it was a state holiday (Memorial Day). You might have faced some problem due to this. Any information you need should be available by wednesday at the latest.
The website is still not letting you file! You cannot call your claim in and the site was also not working on Sun. When will I be able to file my claim and recieve my benefits? You guys need to get your site up so people can file. People depend on there weekly cash deposit. I have been working straight for 9 years, and have more than paid my dues, I would have got my payment already but instead i am sitting here wondering if I’ll be able to put gas in my car or food on the table, thanks Arizona State Dept. You cant even talk to anyone when you call. What am I supposed to do?
Hi Jessica,
This is indeed a big issue. We have couple of other users complaining about the site. It might help if you could visit the nearest unemployment office. It sure is an inconvenience, but should be able to help.
If i started working full time in october off 2812 to may off 2013 would i wualify for ui benifits.
Hi Rose,
The state determines you eligibility to receive benefits not only on how long you worked, but also on how you lost your job and how much you earned during the base period. Your benefit amount amount is calculated based on your earnings in the base period (the period of employment). Generally at least 4 calendar quarters of employment is needed to receive benefits which means 12 months. However, your state may choose to provide unemployment benefits based on other alternate methods.
Check for other eligibility requirements in your state before proceeding to apply.
I was just just let go from my job at the home depot. How can I file and for how long will I get unemployment
Hi Grayson,
You have a possibility of receiving compensation as your seem to be not at fault for having lost the job. But, there is also a minimum earning requirement to be eligible. This is called monetary requirement. You will have to check if you have sufficient earnings in the base period under covered employment. You may be entitled to up to 26 weeks of state unemployment benefits
How do I apply for emergency unemployment wages and how soon will I receive them after applying?
Dear Sir,
I am permanent resident of USA and live in AZ since oct 2012, since then I have been applying for jobs but iam still unemployed ,am I eligible for unemployment benefits. please let me know at the earliest as i have very less money left.I am trying my best to get a job , thank you
You will be eligible if you make an active effort for work each week that you claim benefits.
An active work search includes the usual methods of obtaining work that you are suited for by experience, education and/or training. An ample search for work is a sincere effort, and is not just an attempt to remain eligible for benefits.
General inquiries and phone calls are considered basic explorations of the job market. These should be accompanied by suitable follow-ups, which may consist of personal visits and submission of applications and resumes.
Arizona defines a systematic and sustained work search as making work search contacts on at least four days of the week. These contacts can be in person, by mail, or through the internet. Looking for work at your local Employment Service office can count as one of your contacts
I have been trying to fill out a form to start my claim for unemployment benift’s, as I was laid off 5-13-2013, have tried every site, and still have not been able to file, and no phone# avaiable, the phone# they listed said they no longer do this on the phone, and the sites that I have gone on have one product after another that they want me to try, I do not want any of this, just want to fill out the form for UI, please give me just a site for just the form, and not all the garbage of wanting me to try or by stuff, this has been very cofusing for me, why can’t they just put up a simple site? please reply via my e-mail thank you, M Boslett
Hi Mary,
Here is the link to Arizona’s official unemployment site – https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=317&id=3861 please use this site to file for unemployment. More information on necessary documents on our site and you have nothing to fill in or any product that we sponsor.
What if someone you know moves from one state to Arizonia, is living with someone else, files for unemployment when thet left their job willingly, and files for food assistant claiming minor dependents, when they don’t live with them. How do I confirm if this has been done or just let it be and do nothing?
I moved to Nevada and did not receive my 1099 for 2012. How can I receive a copy? Also, what is your Federal ID number?
Thank you,
Raquel
Do I qualify for unemployment if I work part time started in Sept. 17.50 hours per week and if I get a early retirement of only 372 dollars. I got laid off June 29th was my last day but my severance pay ran out in November.
If I find employment and report earnings, is UIB stopped. Is there an amount formula for earnings reported to still receive partial UIB?
I am currently working only a few days aweek. This may be my last week and I will be layed off. How do I know if I will qualify for unemployment. I worked may 15th 2011 thru it will be the 2nd week of oct 2011 and had no prior work for 2 years before this job.
I need to add wages that were (for some unknown reason) not used to dermine my eligibility for benefits. I do not know how to do this on-line.
You can add your wages by visiting https://www.azdes.gov/landing.aspx?id=5242 . Make sure you have all the information needed before you start the process.
My employer has cut my hours from 40 to 24 per week can I file for partial unemployment?
I have filed a claim. When will I hear from your office
cale
I presently work at a major food store chain here in Arizona. I work part time. I’ve been informed by my doctor that I will need surgery. If the company will not allow me to take a leave of absence and advises me that I have to quit my position would I be able to draw unemployment? Thank you