Department of Economic Security

Unemployment Insurance benefits are paid from a fund accumulated from taxes paid by employers. Workers in Arizona do not make any payments into the fund. There are a variety of UI programs available in Arizona. If you become unemployed and believe that you are entitled to UI, file your claim at a local UI office. UI benefits are paid for weeks of unemployment after a claim is initiated. The time that you are out of work cannot be counted for credit, and benefits cannot be received until you have filed a claim.

An unemployed worker's eligibility for UI benefits is based upon:

• Monetary eligibility:
  • Base period earnings
• Non-Monetary eligibility:
  • Reason for separation from the last employer
  • Ability to work
  • Availability for work
  • Seeking full-time work

When you file a claim, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Social Security card
• Name under which your last employer does business
• Complete business address of your last employer, and Alien registration, if applicable.

When a claim is filed, a Wage Statement will be issued, which lists the wages reported by the employer during the base period of your claim, and the weekly and total amount of benefits that may be received if all eligibility requirements are met during the benefit year. To continue receiving benefits, individuals must make an active, serious, and continuing effort to seek full-time employment each week that benefits are claimed. Continued claims may be made by telephone or mail.

For more information about Unemployment Insurance, contact:

(520) 428-7079