Arizona Unemployment

Arizona Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Unemployment insurance benefits in Arizona are provided by the state to help unemployed Arizonans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

An unemployed worker in Arizona must show eligibility based on wages earned within the state during the base period for review – from employers who paid unemployment insurance tax on those wages. 

The program provides a necessary bridge while unemployed eligible workers seek new jobs, helping maintain financial stability for families, communities, and the state economy.

Arizona Unemployment Services

How To Qualify for Arizona Unemployment Benefits

While individual determinations are made on a case-by-case basis, claimants who meet the following eligibility requirements are generally approved for UI benefits in Arizona:

• The claimant must be currently unemployed, through no fault of his or her own
• The claimant must have worked in Arizona during the previous 12 months
• The claimant must have earned a minimum amount of wages, as determined by Arizona guidelines
• The claimant must actively seek work during each week for which benefits are collected
• The claimant must be available to accept suitable work, including having child care and transportation arranged

If you are unsure whether you meet all the qualifications, you should apply anyway. The state of Arizona recommends that you apply for your unemployment compensation as soon as you become unemployed.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How To Apply for Arizona Unemployment Benefits

In Arizona, you must apply for UI benefits online. If you don't have a computer, you are welcome to visit a One-Stop Center or DES Employment Service office resource center, where you can access a computer free of charge. Customer representatives at these offices can help you with your initial claim if you need assistance.

When you submit your initial unemployment compensation claim, you will set up an account, which you can use to check the status of your claim and to submit your weekly benefit certifications.

How Do I Manage My Unemployment Benefits?

For every week that you collect an unemployment payment, you must complete a weekly benefit certification. To verify your eligibility, you will answer a set of questions about your job search activity for the previous week, along with any income earned and any job offers you may have received.

You’ll be able to use the same account you created when you submitted your initial claim, so make sure to remember your PIN and login credentials for accessing your account.

How Do I Appeal a Decision?

You will receive an official decision letter about your claim. If you disagree with the determination, you may file an appeal. Your employer may do the same. These appeal rights will be clearly outlined within your decision letter.

You must submit your request for appeal within 15 calendar days following the postmark date of your official letter.  You may do so by any of the following methods:

• Online - You may submit your appeal by completing Arizona’s online appeal submission
  
• Telephone - Call the number listed in your decision letter to speak with a DES representative about submitting your request for appeal.
  
• In Writing - You may mail or fax your request for appeal – both the fax number and the mailing address will be included in your official letter.
  
• In Person - You may hand deliver your written request for appeal to any Employment Service Office. Make sure that it is signed and that you also include a copy of the original decision that is being appealed.

How Do I Report Fraud?

Unemployment benefit fraud is a waste of taxpayer dollars, and it takes resources from the Arizona residents who need them most. Unfortunately, states across the U.S. recently have seen a dramatic surge in unemployment insurance benefit fraud, largely in association with identity theft.

If you suspect someone of fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits, or believe that you may be a victim of identity theft, please make a report using Arizona’s online reporting form.

Arizona Unemployment Office Locations