Arizona’s Unemployment Insurance Benefit Program, provided by the State of Arizona Department of Economic Security, was designed to help needy families who are facing financial difficulties. DES created unemployment benefits in Arizona for people who have lost income because they have lost their jobs and unable to find gainful employment. The money to fund this program comes from employers not from contributions from employee wages. However, people need to know how to get unemployment benefits in Arizona and see if they qualify for services.
People must meet two major criteria in order to qualify for unemployment benefits in Arizona. They must fit the monetary eligibility requirements based on “wages earned in Arizona’s Base Period from employers subject to the law,” and they must meet nonmonetary eligibility requirements. Nonmonetary eligibility requirements include reasons why they left previous employer, ability to work, and efforts made to seek full-time employment. Once people apply, their eligibility is determined.
There are two way to apply for unemployment insurance benefits, via ARRA telephone or the DES online application. Initiated on May 1, 2009, the ARRA telephone system allows people to call and file new claims and renew existing claims. They can call Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, except on holidays recognized by the state. For effective service, people whose social security number ends with 0, 1, 2, or 3 should file their claims on Mondays. Social security numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, or 7 should file on Tuesdays. All social security numbers can file on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday. The numbers to call to file unemployment claims are (602) 364-2722 for Phoenix residents, (520) 791-2722 for Tucson, and 1 (877) 600-2722 for other residents. Those who are deaf or hearing impaired can call 1 (877) 877-6226. If applicants are eligible, they will be notified by the Sunday after they file.
Individuals can also file their unemployment claims via the DES online application. Unemployed or partially employed people can file for unemployment insurance, or they can complete their Federal Extended Unemployment Compensation application. People who work in more than one state can even apply for benefits if they meet the requirements. Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher or Netscape Communicator 4.7 or higher must be installed on the computer where people are applying for unemployment.
On April 24, 2009, legislation passed approving the payment of up to 13 weeks of Extended Benefits in the state of Arizona who have used up their Unemployment Insurance and Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefits. Starting May 2, 2009, these people will receive applications and detailed information through the mail to see if they are eligible for the extension.
In order to successfully complete their application, people must make sure that the following information is in front of them
- Social Security Number
- mailing address, city, state and ZIP code
- The county of residence
- The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers for the last 18 months
- The last day worked immediately prior to completing application for benefits
- If severance was received, the amount (before deductions) and the date it was paid in lieu of notice or dismissal pay; payment for unused vacation, sick, or holiday leave; or payment for military accrued leave
- The name and local number of union hall, if applicable
- Alien Registration Number if not a citizen of the United States
- If released from the military in the last 18 months, a copy #4 of DD Form 214
- Form SF 8 or SF 50 if employed in Federal Civilian service in the last 18 months
- If collecting a pension other than Social Security, the start date of the pension and the monthly benefit amount (Information courtesy of DES website).
This is just a brief of information on how to get unemployment benefits in Arizona. In order to get detailed application information, the DES website provide data on eligibility, a brochure with a chart of the financial requirements, and what to do in the event people don’t qualify or experience delays in getting the necessary support. For people to receive unemployment benefits in Arizona, they need patience and persistence to get the needed assistance.
Sources:
https://www.azdes.gov/aspnew/default.asp
https://egov.azdes.gov/CMS400Min/InternetFiles/Pamphlets/pdf/pau-007-PD.pdf
https://egov.azdes.gov/CMSInternet/main.aspx?menu=234&id;=2550
