If you are an Arizona worker who recently suffered a job loss, you may qualify to collect unemployment benefits. Before you file an unemployment claim in the state of Arizona you'll need to gather up the appropriate information and documentation. Arizona needs to make sure their unemployment funds are going to the right places, and they also need to keep proper records. Because of this, you'll need the following items ready before you can apply for unemployment:2
Your Social Security number
Your mailing address, including the street address, city, state and ZIP code
The county in which you live
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all your employers for the last 18 months
The last day of your employment
The dollar amount of any severance, lieu of notice or dismissal pay; payment for unused vacation, sick, or holiday leave; or payment for military accrued leave, and the date you received (or will receive) the payment
The name and local number of your union hall, if you are a union member
Your Alien Registration Number if applicable
Copy # 4 of your DD Form 214 if released from the military in the last 18 months
Form SF 8 or SF 50 if employed in Federal Civilian service in the last 18 months
Start date of any pension income you are receiving (if applicable) and the monthly benefit amount.
Arizona Unemployment Insurance Benefits Information Needed to Apply
File Arizona's Weekly Unemployment Claim by Phone
You can file Arizona's Weekly Unemployment Claim by Phone. The following numbers will be used by claimants within Arizona and also those filing claims outside Arizona: From within the greater Phoenix Area you call 602-417-3800; from within The Greater Tucson Area 520-884-8477; from outside the Greater Phoenix and Tucson Area 1-877-766-8477.
The first time you use the system, you will be requested to select a permanent PIN. It consists of four-digit secret numbers. These numbers will be used to enter into your account every week you file your claim. Then you will select option one (1) for your weekly claim menu and questions.
Once you setup your account with the system, there is a series of YES/NO questions that you will need to pay close attention in order to answer them accordingly for you to receive your benefits. The questions belong for the specific week you are claiming
Arizona Unemployment Eligiblity Requirements
To receive money while out of work through the Arizona Department of Economic Security, you must first meet the state's eligibility requirements that have been established for issuing unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits are not issued freely, and you can be barred from being paid monies due to circumstances surrounding your departure from your previous job and other issues.
Separation From Work
Arizona only pays unemployment insurance benefits if you were separated from your previous employer due to a lack of work. For reasons other than a lack of work, the Arizona Department of Economic Security will investigate your claim for unemployment insurance benefits and make a determination. The investigation includes interviewing you, either over the phone or in person, about the circumstances surrounding your separation. Also, the state agency will conduct interviews with your previous employer to find out what happened.
Money Earned From Last Employer
To receive unemployment insurance benefits from Arizona, you must have earned enough money during the base period. The base period is the 12-month period you worked prior to becoming unemployed. The base period is used to calculate your benefits. If you cannot use the base prior because enough wages were not earned, an alternative base period that includes more than the last 12 months will be used. In determining the amount you will receive each week in unemployment insurance benefits, the Arizona Department of Economic Security will take 4 percent of the highest wages that were earned in the base period or alternative base period. The amount must be at least $60 to qualify for weekly Arizona unemployment benefits.
Separation Pay
Separation pay that is received upon your departure from your previous employer, such as a severance package, vacation days and sick days, will affect your eligibility to receive Arizona unemployment insurance benefits. If the separation pay exceeds your determined weekly benefits amount, you will not receive Arizona unemployment benefits for that particular week. If the separation pay is less than your determined weekly benefits amount, it will be considered earnings.
Actively Seeking Employment
If it's determined that you will receive Arizona unemployment insurance benefits, you must actively seek employment to continue to get paid. You will be required to submit a log of your job search to the Arizona Department of Economic Security. You must also be prepared to accept any type of job, including one that pays less and is a lower rank than your previous position.
Arizona Unemployment Insurance Benefits File Online (www.azdes.gov)
If you are an Arizona worker who recently suffered a job loss, you may qualify to collect unemployment benefits.
Arizona unemployment insurance benefits can provide a much-needed financial cushion while you are looking for work. Your new job is out there somewhere, and the checks you'll receive from your unemployment can hold you over until you find a new place to work. Without the money received from unemployment, many Arizona residents would face severe hardship due to temporary unemployment. This government program is designed to address this issue.
If you are an Arizona resident and you have recently been laid off, you should file for unemployment benefits right away, as eligibility for benefits begins on the date you apply, not the date you were laid off. There are no retroactive payments. If you want to file claim you need- Internet, Applicant's Social Security number, Contact information for previous employers, Income information for previous employment. Then you can file Arizona unemployment insurance benefits to flow this instruction-
You can Apply for unemployment benefits immediately following job separation. Benefits accrue beginning on the Sunday of the week the claim is filed. Apply online at the Arizona Department of Economic Security Web site at www.azdes.gov or by calling the Arizona Unemployment Call Center at 877-877-6226.
At first to provide requested personal information, such as your full name, address, county of residence and Social Security number.
Then furnish names, addresses and phone numbers for all employers within the last 18 months. Specify the last date of work for your previous employer, the length of time employed and the rate of pay. To qualify for benefits, applicants must meet minimum earnings requirements during the last year of employment, known as the base period.
Then Determine your weekly benefit amount. As of 2010, the weekly benefit amount is equivalent to four percent of the highest quarterly earnings during the designated base period, up to $240 a week.
Then Report any income received following separation, including vacation or unused sick pay and any severance pay received. Income received in excess of the predetermined weekly benefit amount may reduce benefits for that claim period.
Then Log in to view the status of your unemployment claim, work search requirements and scheduled payment request date.
Then Continue to request payment as scheduled, even if claim will not be paid due to the amount of severance received. Severance pay is allotted to the specific claim period in which it is received, and you may be eligible for future benefits.
www.azdes.gov - File for Unemployment in Arizona
If you are an Arizona worker who recently suffered a job loss, you may qualify to collect unemployment benefits. If you want to file you can use a personal computer or visit the nearest job service in the area. When you file your first unemployment claim online, you can see what information is needed and be prepared before you start. You need- Social Security number and Driving License.
Go to the Arizona Department of Economic Security website www.azdes.gov then Click on "Apply for UI Benefits & Federal Emergency Compensation" under "Online Services."
Read the list of required information. Some items do not apply to you. Stop and gather all of the information needed for your specific application.
Click the red arrow at the bottom of the screen labeled "Proceed."
Select to continue in English or Spanish. Review the information section about filing online and check that your meet the technical guidelines before proceeding.
Click "Proceed" after the first paragraph and read the supplemental filing information. Click "File a Claim" at the bottom of the page.
Follow instructions for the first section carefully. Read and understand the section before answering, and provide only honest answers to each question.
Double-check the help section in the upper-left corner as you answer each question. Pay close attention to special instructions or clarification that applies to the section you are working on.
Click "Continue" when you have finished answering the first portion of questions. Complete each additional section of questions and click "Continue" after each section.
Review the final application. Check your answers for accuracy and completeness, then click "Submit Application for Arizona Unemployment Benefits."
Print the "Certificate of Understanding UB-99Y" document from the list provided, or wait for a copy to arrive in the mail within a week. Fill out the document and mail it to the address provided as quickly as possible.
File weekly unemployment benefit claims at azui.com. Enter the pin number you receive in the mail, and follow the on-screen directions.
Register with Employment Services at arizonavirtualonestop.com. This is required to continue receiving weekly unemployment benefits.