The shutdowns and closures of businesses around Arizona have left hundreds of thousands out of work. For Verde Valley residents who have never filed for Arizona unemployment insurance, we have provided this guide from the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
First and foremost, know that there is absolutely no shame in taking advantage of the programs that were created to protect Americans when we are economically vulnerable. These resources exist to help Americans and Arizonans through hard times. Take advantage of these resources to help you and your family. You WILL get through this downturn and make it out on the other side.
Applicants can apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits online at www.AZUI.gov anytime between midnight on Sunday through 6 p.m. on Friday. Individuals without an Internet connection can call 1 (877) 600-2722 to submit an application telephonically.
Hard copies of the applications are also available in the documents center (UB-105 Arizona Initial Claim for Unemployment Insurance) at www.azdes.gov.
Individuals should apply as soon as possible after the last day of work.
www.AZUI.gov contains detailed information about various steps in the application process, information needed, frequently asked questions, and requirements to receive benefits.
Information Needed
When submitting an application for an initial claim, individuals will need to provide their Social Security Number, mailing address, county of residence and, if available, their Driver License or state-issued ID number. In addition, they will need the following information about their employment history:
• The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers for the last 18 months including the correct mailing address and telephone number for the most recent employer
• The last day worked immediately prior to filing the UI claim
• Amount (before deductions) and date of any payment for severance, vacation, holiday or unused sick pay
• The name and local number of your union hall, if applicable
• Alien Registration Number, if applicable
• Copy # 4 of DD Form 214 if released from the military in the last 18 months
• SF 8 or SF 50 if employed in Federal Civilian service in the last 18 months
• Start date and monthly benefit amount of any pension (other than Social Security) It is very important applicants are prepared with this information as they begin to file the claim.
As applicants move through the process, any eligibility issues will be identified. An individual can know his or her application is successfully submitted when reaching the end of the application, certifying the statements made on the application are true, and receiving a confirmation number.
DES customer service centers are currently experiencing intermittent phone issues, as a result of the unprecedented increase in requests for services as a result of COVID-19. DES is working with telecommunications partners to quickly resolve. Please visit www.AZUI.com to apply for unemployment benefits, view frequently asked questions pertaining to employment impacted by COVID-19, and other important information. Resources for other programs can be found at: https://des.az.gov/services/coronavirus.
$2.2-trillion federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
The CARES Act includes expansion of unemployment insurance benefits as follows:
• Expands eligibility to individuals who historically have not been eligible for unemployment benefits such as individuals who are self-employed, contract workers or gig workers under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
• Provides people with an additional $600 per week in Pandemic Unemployment Compensation on top of the unemployment amount already offered by Arizona Unemployment benefits. This includes the newly-eligible individuals outlined above.
• The additional Pandemic Unemployment Compensation provided is not considered “income” for purposes of Medicaid and CHIP
• Authorizes extended benefits for an additional 13 weeks for individuals who exhaust their unemployment benefits.
The CARES Act has been signed into law, and Arizona is awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor on when the benefits will be available.
After the Application
Within approximately one week of filing your initial claim, applicants will receive the following information from DES in the mail:
• A Guide to Arizona Benefits UIB-1240
• Wage Statement UB-107
• Certificate of Understanding (Eng/Span) UB-99Y
Please print, sign, and return the Certificate of Understanding to the address or fax number listed on the form. If we need more information to process your claim, we will mail you a questionnaire to co mplete and send back.
Payments
DES is doing everything possible to get Arizonans benefits as soon as possible. However, DES is experiencing an influx of claims due to COVID-19 and processing times may vary. Additionally, if there are issues with the claim, such as incomplete information, processing the claim may be delayed.
Direct deposit is available at www.AZUI.gov. Applicants may also receive an Electronic Payment Card (EPC) issued by Bank of America (applicants who have received UI within the last 3 years or are currently receiving child support, will not receive a new EPC card). The EPC card will have a zero balance until the applicant’s first benefit payment has been processed.
Maintaining Benefits and Other Information
To maintain benefits, applicants are required to file weekly claims confirming they continue to meet the requirements to receive Unemployment Insurance. Applicants must file a claim every week he or she is unemployed, or underemployed, by visiting our online claims system at www.AZUI.gov. The benefit week starts on a Sunday and ends on Saturday.
DES is analyzing changing state and federal guidance and updating its eligibility requirements accordingly. These requirements may continue to change as the government response to COVID-19 evolves.
Applicants are also automatically registered with Arizona’s largest jobs database, Arizona Job Connection (www.AZJobConnection.gov). By completing their registration, job seekers can create a digital resume, search for jobs, and get matched with hiring employers.
Additional Information and Resources
Additional information about Arizona Unemployment Benefits can be found by visiting www.AZUI.gov or in the “Guide to Arizona Benefits” handbook that is available on DES’ website and that applicants receive in the mail.
ARIZONA@WORK staff can provide job seekers with no-cost job assistance to help them get back to work. Learn more about the services available and view a list of jobs with immediate openings by visiting, www.ARIZONAatWORK.com.
Please view the COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Frequently Asked Questions for additional information about eligibility and other information related to UI.
