How do I file for unemployment benefits in Arizona?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in Arizona?

Arizona unemployment is administered by the Department of Economic Security (DES) under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 23-601 et seq. 1. How and When to File - File online at azuiclaims.azdes.gov or by phone with the UI Call Center. - File the first week of unemployment . - A one-week waiting period applies. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $200 to $320 per week (cap raised from $240 effective July 2023, the first increase in over 20 years). - Calculated as 4% of high-quarter wages . - Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits. 3. Eligibility Requirements (A.R.S. § 23-771) - High-quarter wages of at least $4,640 , OR base-period wages in 2 quarters totaling 1.5× high-quarter wages with at least $1,500 in the high quarter. - Lost work through no fault of your own — not fired for willful misconduct (§ 23-775(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 23-775(1)). - Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 4 employer contacts per week — one of the highest requirements in the country. - Must register at Arizona Job Connection within 7 days. - Maintain a detailed log. 5. Certifying for Benefits - File a weekly certification online or by phone. - Earnings up to $160/week (recently raised) are disregarded. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 15 days to the Appeals Tribunal. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Arizona unemployment is administered by the Department of Economic Security (DES) under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 23-601 et seq.

1. How and When to File

File online at azuiclaims.azdes.gov or by phone with the UI Call Center.

File the first week of unemployment.

A one-week waiting period applies.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $200 to $320 per week (cap raised from $240 effective July 2023, the first increase in over 20 years).

Calculated as 4% of high-quarter wages.

Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits.

3. Eligibility Requirements (A.R.S. § 23-771)

High-quarter wages of at least $4,640, OR base-period wages in 2 quarters totaling 1.5× high-quarter wages with at least $1,500 in the high quarter.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not fired for willful misconduct (§ 23-775(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause (§ 23-775(1)).

Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 4 employer contacts per week — one of the highest requirements in the country.

Must register at Arizona Job Connection within 7 days.

Maintain a detailed log.

5. Certifying for Benefits

File a weekly certification online or by phone.

Earnings up to $160/week (recently raised) are disregarded.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 15 days to the Appeals Tribunal.

This is legal information, not legal advice.