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Max. Weekly Benefit Amount
$451
Max. Weeks of Benefits
12
Current Jobless Rate
3.4%
Max Weekly Benefit Amount
$451
Max Weeks of benefits
12
Current Jobless rate
3.4%

Updated : April 27th, 2023

Arkansas Unemployment Benefits

Arkansas Unemployment

The Arkansas Unemployment Insurance benefits provide temporary financial protection during periods when you are unemployed through no fault of your own. The UI program is administered by the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services and funded by the employers through payroll tax. Read on to know more about the Arkansas unemployment benefits program.

Arkansas UI Benefits Calculator

The Arkansas Unemployment Benefits Calculator helps you estimate your UI weekly benefits amount.

UI Benefits Calculator
Calculate Your Arkansas Unemployment Benefits

See our Arkansas unemployment calculator to estimate your UI benefit payments.

Arkansas Unemployment Calculator

Eligibility Requirements for UI Benefits In Arkansas

You must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for the unemployment insurance program in Arkansas. They include:

Monetary Eligibility

You must meet two monetary requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits in Arkansas. They are:

  • You must have covered wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period
  • Your total base period wages must not be less than 35 times your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)

Note that the Workforce Services will consider the ‘alternate base period’ if you don’t have sufficient wages in your regular base period.
Regular Base Period – It is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
The Alternate Base Period – It is the four completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the quarter in which you filed an initial claim.

You must also be a United States citizen or be legally authorized to work in Arkansas.

Find out more about eligibility requirements

Job Separation

You will qualify for Arkansas unemployment benefits only if you have lost your job through no fault of your own. The Workforce Services will disqualify you from receiving benefits if you are unemployed due to any of the following reasons:

  • You quit your job without good cause
  • You were fired or discharged for misconduct
  • You were fired for failing a drug test

Eligibility Calculator


Maintaining Eligibility

You must maintain your eligibility as long as you want to receive Arkansas unemployment benefits. You can maintain your eligibility in the following ways:
Able To Work – You must be physically and mentally able to perform suitable work.
Available For Work – You must be available to take up a job. There should be no personal or other reasons that stop you from accepting suitable work.
Actively Seek Work – You must actively look for suitable work. This includes making efforts to secure work by reaching out to people with hiring authority, union local, etc.
Register With DWS Employment Services – You must register with DWS Employment Services and contact a specific number of employers each week.
Document Work Search Activities – You must record your work search activities and submit them to the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services when requested.

Learn more about job search requirements

How To Apply For UI Benefits In Arkansas?

You must submit the following documents to apply for UI benefits in Arkansas:

When applying, be sure to have your personal information on hand, such as your Social Security number, driver’s license, employer information, banking information, and recent work history.

You can file for Arkansas unemployment benefits through any of the following methods:

Online

Applying online is the easiest and fastest way to apply for unemployment benefits. The process takes about 30 minutes.

Visit Job Center

You can also visit your nearest Arkansas Workforce Center and apply for benefits if you don’t have access to the internet or computer.
Note – There is a one week a waiting period during which you will not receive an unemployment benefit.

How To File Weekly Claims

You must file weekly claims for each week you wish to receive benefits. You can file your weekly unemployment claim online or over the phone. Note that you won’t receive payments for the weeks you failed to file a certification.

Learn how to file a weekly claim


Things To Know After Filing An Application

You must know several aspects after filing for Arkansas Unemployment Insurance. They include:

Overpayments

You may sometimes receive a benefit amount more than you are entitled to. Unemployment overpayment occurs due to false misinterpretation, administrative errors, failure to report wages and other information, and reversal of previous unemployment decisions.
If you receive an unemployment overpayment, you must repay it to the Unemployment Compensation Fund. If you fail to pay back, the Department may recover the amount by deducting the amount from any future benefits payable to you.

Overpayment Through Fraud

If you receive unemployment overpayment through fraudulent practices, you may be required to pay a penalty and be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. Criminal charges are also possible. Learn more about Arkansas unemployment fraud.

Benefits Extension

Generally, you can receive Arkansas unemployment benefits for up to a maximum 16 weeks. However, if the state’s unemployment rate is high, the Workforce Services may provide extended benefits.

Job Training Assistance

Along with the Arkansas Workforce Centers, the state offers reemployment services to help job seekers find work. Some of the services offered include:

  • Supportive Services Case Assessment
  • Skills Development
  • Job Search Programs
  • Job Development
  • Job Referrals
  • Employment Counseling

Find job training opportunities in AR

Appeals

If you are denied benefits or you disagree with a decision, you have the right to file an appeal. The first step in the process is to request a hearing with the Arkansas Appeal Tribunal. If you disagree with that decision, you can appeal further to the Arkansas Board of Review. Learn more about Arkansas UI appeals.

Arkansas unemployment contact information

If you have questions about your claim for Arkansas unemployment benefits, or require assistance with filing, you can call the unemployment claims center.

If you are looking for help with finding a new job, including resume writing help and training programs, visit your local Arkansas Workforce Center.

Frequently Asked Question

Q. When will I start receiving unemployment benefits?
You will not receive payments in the first week as it is considered a waiting period. If there are no issues with your application and eligibility, you may start receiving benefits from the second week.
Q. What can I do if my claim is rejected?
You can file an unemployment appeal if Arkansas Division of Workforce Services reject your claim. You must file a claim with the Appeal Tribunal, a separate entity that hears unemployment cases and renders a new decision. If you disagree with its decision, you can appeal with the Board of Review, followed by the Arkansas Court of Appeals.
Q. Do I have to report my wages every week if I find a part-time job?
Yes, you must report your wages and the number of hours worked for every week you work and claim. Failing to do so may result in unemployment overpayment.
Q. Is UI tax deducted from my paycheck?
No. Employers who are covered by laws of the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services are required to pay a quarterly tax on their payroll, which funds your unemployment benefits.

Questions & Answers

  1. I was working a job, i was sick and could not go to work, my then boss told me to turn in my stuff..however i feel she will lie and say she didnt say this..she text it to me but i deleted text messages..how should i handle this as i need unemplyment..struggling single mom

    • Hi, Shayla – it’s a good idea to reach out directly to someone with the Arkansas unemployment office who can discuss with you the particulars of your case. Both you and your former employer will be asked about the circumstances of your losing work before the state determines if you’re eligible for benefits. If you have reason to believe that you qualify for benefits but that your former employer won’t support your claim, it might also benefit you to visit with a qualified unemployment attorney who can advise you.

    • Due to snow storm ,my plant (Simmons cook plant) closed from Feb 15 to Feb 19-2021.Can I receive help from Arkansas unemployment and how can I do .

      • I worked for a temporary service and gave notice to take care of my son before the assignment ended. However the unemployment office stated when speaking to the staffing agent they stated the assignment ended and I didn’t quit. How does the unemployment office determine eligibility with that info??

        • Sharise,

          Well, its all about the type of exit. If it’s considered “voluntary” on your end, the claim might not be approved.

  2. I was involuntarily terminated on 11/16/18. Due to management not processing a form on time, I just received my lump sum vacation pay check on 12/14/18. When I make my weekly claim via ArkLine, do I have to report the amount from the vacation check as income earned during that week? Technically, it was for vacation earned prior to this month but, through no fault of mine, I’m just now getting the money for it.

  3. I am going to have to resign from my current job to home school my child who is being bullied at school and her therapist recommends she is transferred to another school but the school district will not honor the reccomendation. If I resign will I be able to collect unemployment until I am able to find a job that is at night or weekends?

    • Ashley,

      Unfortunately, personal reasons are not considered. Please call the Unemployment Office for further advise.

  4. I have worked at my job for over 2 years. I have catatonic seizures which causes me to have irrational and occasional verbally combative behavior. These have occurred at work and usually are result of stressful situations. The last one I had was over two months ago. I was allowed to resume work after my head cleared on that day. I was suspended from my job two months later even though I hadn’t done anything wrong. would I be eligible for unemployment benefits while being suspended. I have been told I would remain on suspension until I get fit to work order from the worker compensation doctor. This doctor doesn’t want to give me this until I am seen by a nuerologiist. I have been told this could take up to six weeks.

    • Bill,

      Generally, personal reasons as health conditions are not considered. However, if the working conditions are leading to health hazards or otherwise, please call the Unemployment Office to ascertain eligibility.

  5. I was honorably discharged from the USMC September 12, 2017. My husband is still active duty and we moved on orders to Fayetteville, AR. I am a 32 week pregnant full time online student with a 1 year old already. Can I qualify for Arkansas unemployment benefits since my schooling is to qualify me for my desired job field? Anticipated graduation is Fall 2019.

    • Esther,

      Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for further details since they may have an exclusive program for you.

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  7. If I start going to school and have an approved training program that allows me to continue to draw monetary benefits will I be able to draw for the full length of the program which is 15 months or will I be eligible to get an extension?

  8. I think I’m going to be fired for performance reasons in the next few weeks. If I resign in lieu of termination, would I still be eligible for unemployment benefits? Thanks.

    • Chris,

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

  9. i have a buddy that works jobs and was fired from his main job of 9 yrs. 16can u collect unemployment while working a part time job

    • Steve,

      He should be able to collect. Please ask your friend to contact the Unemployment Office before applying.

  10. I have worked at a company for 25 yrs in upper management. there have been changes in management recently and because of personality conflicts upper management recently gave me and a couple others the “opportunity to resign” or be fired. We resigned with severance packages. We were not given reasons, but other remaining employees were told we had agreed it was time to part ways and move on, which wasn’t true.
    Are we eligible to draw unemployment?

    • You can be, as long as separation from employment was involuntary.

      Please wait until the severance payout is over.

    • Unemployment Insurance benefits are only extended to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons. If there were compelling reasons to quit (eg: hostile working conditions), you can apply.

      Please call the Unemployment Office to confirm.

  11. This is my husbands second week to file. This week he got holiday pay. He included it and when he did it now says his claim is denied. What did he do wrong?

    • I am not sure what went wrong. Please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided for further information.

  12. I have been a hotel manager for a small franchisee with 3 properties for nearly 3 years. Since the beginning of this year I have been managing 2 of those properties instead of just one. My pay was increased to 40,000 a year at that time. I was recently told the 2nd hotel was not making enough money so they were eliminating my position there and running it themselves. This will cut my pay by 35 percent to 26,000 a year. If i quit due to the reduction in pay will i be able to draw benefits? The companies are structured in an odd way. They are two seperate corporations in name but owned by the same couple and my work week was split between the two. They often share employees between all 3 properties. I recieved two seperate paychecks. I was salaried in both positions. One paycheck was for the rate of 26,000 a year and the other was for the remaining 14,000 per year.

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

      Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for further information.

  13. I am currently on workers comp. due to an injury at work. My employer made me wait a year before receiving medical insurance, workers comp is taking good care of me to present time. My one year anniversary was Sept. 9th 2016. After repeated calls to the job asking to talk to owner about having them add me on the medical insurance, I received no callback. So I decided to go there on Sept. 23rd to actually talk to boss face to face. He said he had to replace me, and that I no longer have a job there. When I asked him when he replaced me, his response was Sept. 9th. which would be my anniversary date. He said after workers comp. released me, I could go draw unemployment benefits. Later that afternoon he called me three times, and I could not answer the phone, so when I arrived at home, he was in my driveway and said he changed his mind and made a mkstake and wanted me back. I am concerned that he may have thought what he did was illegal in some sort, and is just trying to cover his rear end now. I dont want to go back after the way I have been treated. If I refuse to go back now, can he deny me unemployment insurance?

    • Well, if he refuses to take you back, you can be eligible to claim Unemployment Compensation in your state.

      In case if they deny on the basis of the feedback provided by your employer, you can file an “Appeal”. Please speak to the Unemployment Office in your state.

  14. My job is being eliminated due to company restructure. Can I drawn employment if I get severance pay?

      • Does it make a difference if I get my severance in weekly installments or as a one lump sum payment?

        • Yes, it does make a difference. If paid in installments, you may have to wait until the payout ends.

          Please contact the Unemployment Office in your state for further information.

  15. I was fired from my job in Arkansas but have enough to quarter in N.M. to draw unemployment. How do I do this?

  16. My company does not have a fmla plan for my current position. It is strictly your boss that decides your time on and off and the excuses that go along with that time. If I have to miss time because of sick family, personal sick days, and etc. And my employer fires me, does that fall under the category of “no fault of my own?”

    • Also, I have been denied a layoff from said company. I have a family member who is very ill and not expected to get better anytime soon. I really need some information on what my options will be if my company ends up firing me.

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

        Please lookout for other options online.

    • Please specify the nature of your query. You must be earning the prescribed wages to qualify for Unemployment Compensation.

  17. Ive been working for about 4 wks now and I’ve never received over 30 hours they have me down as a full time employee but I’m getting part time hours

    • You can be eligible to claim the lost hours. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state and apply accordingly.

  18. I quit my job due to my employer failing to maintain safe work environment. Am I still eligible for unemployment?

    • You can be, if you’re able to supply supporting documents in case of a dispute.

      Please consider applying.

      • I filed for unemployment and began the weekly claim for Nov 23, 2019 and then claimed for Nov 30, 2019. I’ve since received 2 letters stating my weekly benefits were not being paid because a decision is being made. How long does it take before a decision is made? Bills are stacking up, the Christmas holiday is only weeks away and I’ve been applying for jobs in my area every week. This is stressing me out. The FAQS don’t address the process of how long the waiting period is and what constitutes a decision making to pay or not to pay. Is it waiting to hear back from my former employer who agreed to pay for my unemployment insurance or what?

        • Tracy,

          I can understand your situation. There may be a delay due to the holiday season. All I can ask you to do is keep chasing the Claims Center until you have your first payment.

  19. Would I be eligible for unemployment if I quit my job (with notice) because my husband was ordered to relocate to another state in the military?

    • Please check with the labor dept in your state. Generally, personal reasons such as moving with spouse is not considered.

  20. if i am a paid caregiver and become the guardian i can legally no longer get paid so can i draw unemployment

  21. I gave my two weeks notice due to moving and the company let me go that day. I am wondering if this is considered being fired and i can claim unemployment.

  22. I am needing to leave work to care for my mother. The hours I work will not allow me to be the primary caregiver. I have been told that I could qualify for unemployment benefits in the state of Arkansas. Is this correct?

  23. I worked from the 11th of June 2013 to the 8th of November 2013 last paycheck was on the 15th of November do I qualify for unemployment benefits?

    • Hi Shirley,

      30 hours of work per week should help you receive partial unemployment benefits as anything below 40 hours a week is considered for reduced payment. But please do not forget to report all earnings and hours of work whether you are working full time or part time. Also, you must continue to look for and be available to accept work.

      Gross earnings (before any deductions) for all work performed for the week being claimed must be reported when filing your weekly claim for benefits. Wages are to be reported in the week earned, regardless of when you actually receive your pay from your employer.

      Earnings from commission sales are also reported in the week earned if the amount is known. If the amount cannot be determined at the time the week is claimed, it may be reported during the week received.

      Deductions will be made from your Weekly Benefit Amount when your earnings are more than 40% of the Weekly Benefit Amount. Here a procedure to calculate your partial benefit amount –

      1. Calculate your weekly benefit amount using our calculator tool

      2. Check your weekly earning. If your weekly earning is more than 40% of your weekly benefit amount, proceed to the next step.

      3. Calculate the 40% of your weekly benefit amount. Consider this X.

      4. Now –> your weekly earning – X = Y.

      5. You weekly benefit amount – Y = Reduced benefit amount.

      I have tried to simplify this as much as I can. Hope this helps.

      If you receive any other pay like holiday pay, vacation pay, bonus pay etc., please do not forget to add it up and also mention while you file your claim.

  24. My unemployment claim was denied and I went to work nov 12, 2012 and then was laid off after 4 weeks due to business being slow. Do I reopen my old claim even though I never drew anything or do I file a new one? Thank you so much

  25. I can understand your frustration. Please note this is a private forum and not a govt. organization.

    I suggest that you ask your wife to file an “Appeal” with an adjudicator. Make sure to keep supporting documents handy if you decide to file.

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