Arizona Unemployment Application

Arizona Unemployment Application

Apply Online

Call Toll Free: 1-877-600-2722

Phoenix: 602-364-2722 | Tucson: 520-791-2722

Visit an ARIZONA@WORK Job Center


If you are an unemployed worker who needs cash assistance while looking for a new job, you’ll need to fill out the Arizona unemployment insurance application to start your claim for benefits.

How to apply for Arizona unemployment benefits

Apply online

Applicants can apply for unemployment insurance benefits online by visiting azui.com and clicking “Apply for UI benefits” anytime between 12:00 a.m. on Sunday through 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

Apply by phone

People who don’t have an internet connection or who would like the assistance of a live representative can call the Arizona UI call center to apply for benefits by telephone.

Apply by mail

If you want to apply for UI benefits by fax or mail, you can visit des.az.gov/documents-center and download form UB-105. You will need to send this form to:

Fax:

  • General: (602) 364-1210
  • Phoenix: (602) 364-1211
  • Tucson: (520) 770-3358

Mail:

Department of Economic Security
Unemployment Insurance Administration
MD 5895
PO Box 29225
Phoenix, AZ 85038-9225

Information needed to file for benefits

Before you file your initial unemployment claim, you will need to make sure you have the following information ready:

  • Social Security number
  • Mailing address and county of residence
  • AZ Driver’s License or AZ state-issued ID number
  • Employment history, including the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers you’ve had in the past 18 months
  • Last day worked
  • Amount you were paid (before deductions) and the date of any severance, vacation, holiday, or unused sick pay
  • Name and number of your union hall, if applicable
  • Start date and monthly amount of any pension (other than Social Security)
  • Alien Registration Number if you’re not a citizen of the United States
  • If you were released from the military within the last 18 months, a copy of your DD214 form
  • If you were employed in federal civilian service within the last 18 months, a copy of your Standard Form 8 (SF8) “Notice to Federal Employees About Unemployment Insurance” or Standard Form 50 (SF50) “Notice of Personnel Action.”

After submitting your application for benefits

After you file your initial claim for Unemployment Insurance, you’ll receive some important information from the Arizona Department of Economic Services in the mail within about a week.

This will include:

  • A Guide to Arizona Benefits (UIB-1240)
  • A Wage Statement (UB-107)
  • A Certificate of Understanding in English and Spanish (UB-99Y)

You’ll need to print out the Certificate of Understanding, sign it, and send it back to the address or fax number listed on the form. If the Arizona Department of Economic Services needs more information to process your claim, they’ll send you a questionnaire to fill out and return.

Verifying your identity for Arizona unemployment benefits

You will be asked to verify your identity using the ID.me system. ID.me is a safe and secure online service that verifies people’s identities. It’s available 24/7 and can be used on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security uses ID.me to make sure that only the real claimants are getting their unemployment insurance benefit, and not someone committing unemployment fraud by applying with a stolen identity.

What to do after submitting an initial application for Arizona unemployment insurance

In order to receive unemployment compensation, you must file a weekly claim to confirm you still meet the eligibility requirements. The Arizona Department of Economic Security also requires you to make work search contacts on four separate days of the week.

How to register for work

When you apply for Arizona unemployment insurance, you will automatically be registered with Arizona’s largest job database, Arizona Job Connection. This database allows you to create a resume, search for jobs, and get matched with companies that are hiring.

If there is a problem with your registration, you will receive a notice with steps to complete the process.

Why would a UI application be denied?

There are many reasons someone might be denied Arizona unemployment benefits, including:

  • You quit your job without good cause or were fired for misconduct
  • You are self-employed or an independent contractor
  • You are not available or actively looking for work
  • You did not earn enough wages during your base period
  • You did not provide accurate information on your application or weekly certifications
  • You refused suitable work or training opportunities offered by the unemployment department
  • You are participating in unemployment fraud

What happens if my unemployment application is denied?

If your Arizona unemployment application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Once your appeal is received, a hearing will be scheduled before an administrative law judge.

When will I start receiving UI benefits?

After you submit your initial application for benefits, you should receive your first unemployment payment within 10 business days, provided there are no eligibility issues. This is typically paid after you meet the waiting week and file your second weekly claim for benefits.

Visit our Arizona Unemployment Calculator to get an estimate of how much unemployment compensation you can receive each week.

  1. I’m falling way behind on my Bill’s and have been waiting for 8 weeks for my unemployment, I recieved the first 2 weeks and then nothing. Ok

    • Sandra,

      I can understand your situation. There will be a delay considering the number of applications that are being processed. Please continue chasing the office/check your status online at regular intervals until payments normalize.

  2. So it says I’m suppose to getting my unemployment on certain days & I have yet to receive anything I’m wondering to see why ? It also says “eligible date” 6/14 idk if I have to wait until then even though it says the money supposed to be deposited in my account & also when I call it sends Me to leave a feedback on The person I spoke to when I didn’t speak to anyone. doesn’t make sense to me

    • Martha,

      Please wait for an update from the office. There will be thousands of applications for the office to be processed. Make sure to check the status at regular intervals.

  3. I left a job in Pennsylvania in June 2017 to come and take care of a sick relative. They passed away in March 2018. Would I be eligible to file for unemployment as I have not yet found employment here. I still have a PA license.

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  4. out of work for more than 180 days,because of issues with my knee surgery.But have 6 more weeks of therapy. Can I receive unemployment? Short term payment is done , and starting FLMA long term .

  5. I have just moved from one city to another in Arizona due to going back to college, I am struggling to find work right away and it’s already been a full week I will not make it with another week without work would I qualify for unemployment? I worked at my last employee for two months but before that I was at another job for almost three years with less than a week between the two jobs …

    • Shekira,

      It looks like you quit the previous job for education. If “Yes”, you may not qualify to claim UI benefits.

  6. so ive been out of work for 2 week but I’m not fired can I still file for UI I have no idea when work will pick back up and I have rent and bills to pay

    • You can be eligible to claim UI benefits for temporary layoff.

      Please call the Unemployment Office in your state to inquire further and apply accordingly.

  7. I work construction. Work has come to a dead halt for myself as well as a few others. I am not yet laid off, but I have not been called to work yet. It came as a surprise. I’ve been job hunting even though my General Foreman told me that work should be coming soon. It’s been a week. I will not make ends meet even missing this ONE week. How can I get help with partial unemployment?

  8. I live in Idaho but for the past 6 years have worked for an Arizona company. They have been my sole source of income and I commuted back and forth. I just got laid off and Idaho says that I can not file in Idaho because I had NO Idaho income. Your eligibility page says I need an Az drivers license but have never had one because I am an Idaho resident. Is there a way to file without an Az drivers license?

  9. I left long-term employment to start a new job, but the new job decided I was not a good fit and let me go after only 2 weeks. I now want to file for Unemployment, but do not understand what date to put as my last day worked. The reason is that the new company continued to pay me for 3 more weeks via direct deposit (as a severance). Do I use the last day I physically worked or the last day I received payment from them?

  10. I quit my job in New York while living in Philadelphia, PA to relocate to Phoenix, AZ in March 2015. Since moving to AZ, I’ve completed one temporary assignment that lasted a month. Am I eligible for unemployment?

    • You need at least an year of continuous employment to qualify. With just one month of employment, you will not be eligible.

  11. I am relocating from Parlier, Ca to Scottsdale Az. I am looking for employment. Can I receive unemployment until I find employment in AZ. I recently graduated from college. I was employed while attending college.

  12. I will be laid off at the end of this week.
    How soon after applying for benefits will I be able to recieve a check?

    • The first week of unemployment on a newly established benefit year is a waiting week.If there are no issues established on your claim, you can expect your first benefit payment(normally after you’ve filed your second weekly claim) within approximately 10 business days.

  13. I had to quit my job and move back to Cochise, AZ from Dewey, AZ due to saving my house from foreclosure. I had renters who moved out without my knowledge in July. I found out it was 2 months late. I needed to move back to fix up and live in house. It is 260 miles from Dewey, AZ.

  14. I got laid off in dec 2010. I didn’t think I was eligible for ui so I did not apply. Is it too late to apply because I think I do qualify. Thank you.

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