Losing a job can be a stressful experience and lead to much financial uncertainty. Fortunately, Arizona provides unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to eligible workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. These benefits offer temporary financial assistance while you search for new employment.
The sections below discuss the process for applying, qualifying, and maintaining eligibility for unemployment benefits in Arizona.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying, you must meet specific eligibility requirements under Arizona law.
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Arizona, you must:
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own. This generally means you were laid off, your position was eliminated, or your employer reduced your hours. If you were fired for misconduct or you voluntarily quit without good cause, you may not be eligible.
- Be able to work and actively be seeking work. You must be physically and mentally capable of working, ready to accept a suitable job, and actively looking for work each week.
You must also have earned sufficient wages during your base period. Arizona looks at your “base period,” which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the week you file your claim. You must have earned at least $1,500 in one quarter and a total of at least $3,000 over two quarters.
Step 2: File Your Claim
You must file a claim with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). You can do this online at the DES website or by phone if you need assistance.
To complete your application, you will need:
- Your Social Security number
- Arizona driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Employment history for the past 18 months (including employer names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of employment, and reasons for separation)
- Alien registration number (if not a U.S. citizen)
After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation and a determination of benefits eligibility within a few business days.
Step 3: Recognize Benefit Amounts
The weekly benefit amount (WBA) in Arizona is calculated as 1/25 of the wages you earned in the highest-paid quarter of your base period, up to a maximum of $320 per week (as of 2025).
For example, if you earned $8,000 in your highest-paid quarter, your weekly benefit would be $320 (the current cap).
Arizona provides up to 26 weeks of benefits in a benefit year, although federal extensions may apply during times of high unemployment.
Step 4: Maintain Weekly Eligibility
Once your claim is approved, you must file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits.
Each week, you must:
- Report any income earned (including part-time work)
- Confirm that you are available and actively seeking work
- List job search activities (you must make at least four job contacts per week)
- Attend any required job assistance or training programs if assigned
Failure to submit weekly claims or meet these conditions could delay or stop your benefits.
Step 5: Respond to Requests from DES
The Arizona Department of Economic Security may request additional information at any time. Always respond to these requests promptly to avoid delays or disqualifications. If your former employer contests your claim, DES may conduct a fact-finding interview to assess the circumstances of your job separation.
If DES denies your claim, you have the right to appeal within 15 calendar days of the determination. The appeal must be in writing and can be submitted online, by mail, or by fax. A hearing will be scheduled before an administrative law judge, and you’ll have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses. The decision from this hearing can also be appealed to higher levels if necessary.
Contact the Phoenix Employment Lawyers at Houk Employment Attorneys for Help Today
Collecting unemployment benefits in Arizona can be a complex process, but you don’t have to face the process alone. Houk Employment Attorneys is here to help.
Our experienced Phoenix employment attorneys can help you understand your rights and seek the benefits you need to fill the gap. Contact us today at 480-569-2377 to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more.
Our employment law firm is conveniently located near you, with an office in Phoenix, AZ.
Houk Employment Attorneys
631 N 1st Ave Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(480) 569-2377
