Arizona Unemployment Benefits: Complete Filing Guide

Arizona's Department of Economic Security (DES) administers unemployment insurance for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This guide covers eligibility, filing, benefit amounts, and ongoing requirements for Arizona unemployment benefits.

Arizona Unemployment at a Glance

Detail	Information
Maximum weekly benefit	$320
Maximum benefit duration	26 weeks
Waiting period	1 week (unpaid)
Filing method	Online at azui.com
Administering agency	AZ Department of Economic Security

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Arizona unemployment benefits, you must:

Earnings Requirements

Base period: Arizona uses your wages from the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed.

Minimum earnings:

• Wages in at least one quarter of your base period equal to at least 1.5 times the high quarter wages, OR
• Total base period wages of at least $7,000

Work Requirements

• Lost job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
• Physically able to work and available for full-time work
• Actively seeking employment each week you claim benefits
• Ready to accept suitable work if offered

Who Is NOT Eligible

• Workers who quit without good cause connected to the work
• Workers discharged for willful misconduct
• Self-employed individuals (generally)
• Independent contractors (generally)
• Workers who refuse suitable work

How to File in Arizona

Online Filing (Recommended)

Website: azui.com

Steps:

1. Go to the Arizona UI website
2. Create an account
3. Complete the initial unemployment claim
4. Provide employment and wage information
5. Submit your claim

By Phone

Phone: 877-600-2722

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM

Information You'll Need

Gather this before you start:

• Social Security Number
• Driver's license or state ID
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers in the last 18 months
• Dates of employment
• Reason for separation from last employer
• Gross earnings from each employer
• Direct deposit bank account information (optional)
• Alien registration information (if applicable)

Benefit Amounts in Arizona

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit

Arizona calculates your weekly benefit as 4% of your highest quarter wages in the base period.

Formula: High quarter wages × 4% = Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)

Minimum weekly benefit: $198 (approximately) Maximum weekly benefit: $320

Example Calculations

High Quarter Wages	Weekly Benefit
$5,000	$200
$6,000	$240
$7,000	$280
$8,000+	$320 (maximum)

Total Benefit Duration

You can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits. Your total benefit amount cannot exceed one-third of your total base period wages.

The Waiting Period

Arizona has a one-week unpaid waiting period. This is the first week of your claim when you are unemployed but not yet receiving benefits.

• File your claim as soon as you're unemployed
• Your waiting week is served automatically
• Benefits begin the second week (if eligible)

Weekly Certification

You must file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits.

How to File

Online (recommended): Log into azui.com and file your weekly claim

By phone: 877-600-2722

When to File

File weekly claims for the previous week. Claims must be filed between Sunday and the following Saturday.

Claim Questions

Each week you'll answer:

• Were you physically able to work?
• Were you available for full-time work?
• Did you actively seek work?
• Did you refuse any work?
• Did you work or earn any money?
• Did you receive other income?

Answer honestly.

Receiving Your Payments

Direct Deposit (Recommended)

Set up direct deposit for fastest payment. Add your bank account information when filing or through your online account.

Debit Card

If you don't set up direct deposit, benefits are loaded onto an Arizona unemployment debit card (Bank of America prepaid card).

Payment Timeline

Payments are typically processed within 2-3 business days after you file your weekly claim successfully.

Work Search Requirements

Arizona requires active work search while receiving benefits.

Requirements

• Conduct at least 4 work search contacts per week
• Register with Arizona@Work (the state job bank)
• Document all job search activities
• Accept suitable work if offered

Qualifying Activities

• Applying for jobs
• Attending interviews
• Registering with staffing agencies
• Attending job fairs
• Networking for job opportunities
• Completing online applications

Documentation

Keep detailed records including:

• Date of contact
• Employer name and contact information
• Position applied for
• Method of contact
• Result

DES may audit your job search records.

Working While Receiving Benefits

You can work part-time and still receive partial benefits.

How It Works

Arizona uses an earnings deduction formula:

• Earn up to $30 per week with no deduction
• Earnings above $30: Every dollar earned reduces benefits by one dollar

Example

Weekly benefit: $300

• Part-time earnings of $25: Full $300 benefit
• Part-time earnings of $150: $300 - ($150 - $30) = $180 benefit
• Part-time earnings of $330+: No benefit paid

Report all gross earnings for the week worked.

Severance Pay and Unemployment

Arizona's treatment of severance:

• Lump-sum severance: Generally does not affect benefits
• Severance as wage continuation: May affect benefits for weeks covered
• Vacation pay: May be allocated to specific weeks

Report all severance payments. DES will determine the impact.

Special Situations

Quit with Good Cause

You may qualify if you quit for good cause connected to the work:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Non-payment of wages
• Harassment or discrimination
• Significant reduction in pay or hours

Personal reasons for quitting generally don't qualify.

Discharged for Misconduct

Willful misconduct disqualifies you:

• Intentional violation of employer rules
• Insubordination
• Theft or dishonesty
• Drug/alcohol violations
• Excessive absenteeism (in some cases)

You can appeal a misconduct determination.

Seasonal Workers

Arizona has agricultural and tourism seasonal employment. Benefits may be affected by the nature of seasonal work.

Retirees

If you're receiving a pension from a base period employer, your benefits may be reduced.

Appeals Process

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

How to Appeal

1. You have 15 days from the mailing date of the determination to file an appeal
2. File online or by mail
3. A hearing will be scheduled
4. Attend your telephone hearing
5. Receive a written decision

Preparing for Appeal

• Review the denial reason carefully
• Gather supporting documents
• Prepare your testimony
• You may have legal representation

Further Appeals

If you disagree with the hearing officer's decision, you can appeal to the Appeals Board.

Tips for Arizona Filers

1. File immediately — Benefits aren't retroactive before your filing date
2. Use the online system — It's faster and provides claim tracking
3. File weekly claims — Missing a week means losing benefits for that week
4. Register with Arizona@Work — Required for benefits
5. Make 4 job search contacts per week — Arizona requires more than most states
6. Report all earnings — Even small amounts
7. Check your mail — DES sends important notices by mail
8. Appeal within 15 days — Arizona's deadline is short

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive benefits?

With no claim issues, expect your first payment 2-3 weeks after filing (including the waiting week).

Why is Arizona's maximum benefit so low?

Arizona's $320 maximum is among the lowest in the country. This is a state policy decision that hasn't changed significantly in years.

Can I get unemployment if I was fired?

It depends on why. If fired for willful misconduct, you're disqualified. If let go for other reasons (performance not rising to misconduct, downsizing), you may qualify.

What if I worked in another state but live in Arizona?

You generally file in the state where you worked. If you worked in multiple states, you may file a combined wage claim.

Is unemployment taxable?

Yes. Arizona unemployment benefits are subject to federal income tax and Arizona state income tax. You can elect to have taxes withheld.

Can I collect unemployment while receiving Social Security?

Yes. Social Security benefits don't affect Arizona unemployment benefits.

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Key Takeaways

1. Maximum benefit is $320/week — One of the lowest in the US
2. File online at azui.com for fastest processing
3. File weekly claims to continue receiving benefits
4. Register with Arizona@Work — Required
5. Make 4 job search contacts per week — Document everything
6. Report all earnings when you file
7. Appeal within 15 days if denied — Short deadline

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Related Resources:

• Main Unemployment Guide →
• Emergency Budget Planning →
• First 24 Hours After Layoff →
• Unemployment Appeals →