State: Arizona (AZ)
Maximum Weekly Benefit Amount: $240
Maximum Weeks of benefits:26
Current Jobless rate:4.7
How to claim your benefits in Arizona
- Apply For Benefits-Arizona
All Information required to apply for unemployment compensation here. - Application
Your questions on benefits answered here. - Benefit Questions
Calculate your benefit amount using our free calculator here. - Calculator
Detailed information on eligibility requirements in your state. - Eligibility
Know more about how you can receive extended benefits. - Extension
More information on what you have to do each week while receiving benefits. - Job Search Requirements
Available resources to enter job market. - Job Training
Helps you locate a One-stop career center closer to you. - Office Locations
Updated list of office phone numbers to assist you contact a claims specialist. - Phone Number
Here is what you should do while applying for weekly claims. - Weekly Claims
- Eligibility Calculator-Arizona
State: Arizona (AZ)
Phone Number:1-877-600-2722. Phoenix #: 602-364-2722.
Tucson #: 520-791-2722. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf: 1-877-877-6226
File Online:https://www.azdes.gov/landing.aspx?id=4211
Major Towns:Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, and Peoria
Current Unemploymnet Rate in Arizona
Arizona Unemployment Questions
What is the Shared Work Program?The Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program is an alternative for employers faced with a reduction in force. It allows an employer to divide the available work or hours of work among a specified group of affected employees in lieu of a layoff, and it allows the employees to receive a portion of their Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits while working reduced hours. The Shared Work Program is not available to an employee unless the employer for whom the individual is currently working reduced hours completes an application which then must be approved by the Department of Economic Security. An approved Shared Work Plan is valid for one year and an employee may be eligible for up to 26 weeks of Shared Work benefits.
What are the eligibility requirements?
The employee is eligible for Shared Work benefits for each week in which:
- His or her normal weekly hours are reduced by at least 10% but no more than 40%,
- The employee files a claim and meets the eligibility requirements for regular Arizona benefits,
- The employee has not exceeded the maximum benefit amount that is payable within the benefit year of his/her UI claim.
How does the Shared Work Program differ from regular Unemployment Insurance?
Under the Shared Work Program, an employee is not required to:
- Be available for other work,
- Conduct an active search for work,
- Apply for or accept work other than for the Shared Work employer.
As an employer, how will the Shared Work Program affect my UI Tax Account?
Shared Work benefits are charged against reimbursement and experience-rated employer accounts in the same manner as regular benefits are charged. However, any experience-rated employer having a negative reserve in his/her tax account and having employees paid Shared Work benefits during the fiscal year July 1 through June 30 may have a surtax added. The surtax will be added to the computed rate of negative reserve accounts.
What other criteria must the employer meet?
The employer must certify that, for the duration of the Shared Work plan, the reduction in hours replaces a layoff which would have resulted in a reduction of at least the same number of hours of work.
What are the advantages (and disadvantages) of participating in the Shared Work Program?
Advantages to the Shared Work Program
- Production and quality levels are maintained and rapid recovery to full capacity is possible through retention of an experienced workforce.
- When the economy recovers, administrative and training costs of hiring new employees are eliminated.
- Affirmative action gains are protected.
- Employee morale remains high.
- The impact of a recession is more equitably distributed because most recently hired workers who would have been most susceptible to layoff are retained.
- Employees retain their skills and advancement opportunities.
- Consumer spending patterns remain more stable, which could result in a milder recession.
- Public Assistance expenditures are lessened.
- Valuable employees who are able to locate full-time employment elsewhere may be lost.
- Overhead costs are not reduced proportionately to the reduction in hours.
- Work scheduling may be more difficult.
- Senior employees suffer a reduction in hours and income.
How can an employer apply for a Shared Work Plan?
A Shared Work Plan Application is available online. Your completed application and list of participants should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the date you wish your plan to begin. You will be notified by mail of the approval or disapproval of your plan. An employer may have two or more plans in effect at the same time (to cover separate groups of employees). Each plan must include at least two employees, and all must be identified by name and Social Security Number. Each plan must specify the beginning date for the plan. On the application, the employer must certify that:
- Each employee listed on the plan has been paid at least $1,500 in wages from the business during the six months prior to the effective date of the plan.
- For the duration of the Shared Work plan, the reduction in hours replaces a layoff, which would have resulted in a reduction of at least the same number of hours of work.
- He or she has read and understands the Shared Work information and application instructions and is aware of the potential effects on his or her UI account if benefits are paid to his or her employees.
- The plan application must specify any changes the affected employees will experience in fringe benefits.
- Written approval of the plan must be obtained from any collective bargaining representative representing any employee listed on the plan.
Working in multiple states
If you have Arizona wages and also worked in another state, or currently reside in Arizona and have earnings from employers in two or more other states (within the base period), you may choose to combine these wages to establish monetary eligibility. If you were employed in more than one state at any time during the current base period, you may have the option of:
- Filing a claim against any state in which you were employed using only the wages from that state, or
- Filing a claim against any state in which you were employed, using the wages from all states in which you earned wages.
State unemployment laws, weekly benefit amounts and eligibility requirements vary between states. Which option is best for you will depend upon the laws in each state that you worked.
If all of your employment during the base period has been in a state other than Arizona, you must file a claim for benefits against that state
Additional Eligibility Creteria To qualify for benefits, you must have been paid wages in insured employment of:
- At least $1,500 in one of the four quarters of the base period and your total base period wages must be at least 1-1/2 times your high quarter, or
- At least $7,000 in total wages in at least two quarters of the base period, with wages in one quarter equal to $5,987.50 or more.
Filing weekly claims
You must file regular weekly claims:
- while you are waiting to see if you are eligible,
- after you have been determined eligible, and
- after you have begun receiving payments.
If you miss filing your weekly claim, the system will no longer recognize you. Failing to file a weekly can result in a delay in having your benefits approved and/or in receiving your weekly benefit payments.
Even if you know that you were not eligible during a specific week, as long as you are still unemployed and wish to continue receiving benefit payments, you should file for that week.
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