If you’re working in Arizona and your hours have been cut due to the pandemic or other reasons, you may be wondering if you’re eligible for unemployment benefits. The good news is that you may still be able to receive unemployment insurance if your hours have been reduced.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) has programs in place to help workers who have lost their jobs or experienced reduced hours due to the pandemic. In this article, we’ll explore the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits in Arizona and what you need to do to apply.
AZ Unemployment Requirements: Reasons for Disqualification
Unemployment benefits are vital for many Arizonians who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own. However, there are certain requirements that must be met to be eligible for these benefits, and failure to meet these requirements can result in disqualification.
Reasons for Disqualification
There are several reasons why an individual may be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits in Arizona. These include:
1. Voluntary Quit
If an individual voluntarily quits their job without good cause, they will not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Good cause may include unsafe working conditions, discrimination, or a significant reduction in hours or wages. However, quitting due to personal reasons, such as wanting to go back to school or move, will not be considered good cause.
2. Misconduct
If an individual is fired due to misconduct, they will not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Misconduct may include theft, violence, or repeated violations of company policies.
3. Refusal of Suitable Work
If an individual refuses an offer of suitable work, they may be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. Suitable work is defined as work that is comparable to the individual’s previous employment in terms of skill level, pay, and hours.
4. Failure to Participate in Reemployment Services
Individuals who fail to participate in reemployment services, such as job training or job search assistance, may be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits.
5. False Information
If an individual provides false information when applying for unemployment benefits, they may be disqualified from receiving benefits and may be required to pay back any benefits received.
Appealing a Disqualification
If an individual is disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits, they have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be filed within 15 days of the date the determination was mailed. The appeal will be heard by an administrative law judge, who will make a decision based on the evidence presented.
By doing so, Arizonians can ensure they receive the financial support they need during times of unemployment.
Arizona Unemployment Benefits: How Much Will You Receive?
Unemployment benefits are a safety net for individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In Arizona, the Department of Economic Security (DES) administers these benefits.
How much will you receive?
The amount of unemployment benefits you will receive in Arizona depends on your previous earnings. The DES calculates your weekly benefit amount (WBA) by dividing your highest quarter earnings in your base period by 26. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the week you file your initial claim.
For example, if your highest quarter earnings were $8,000, your WBA would be $307. The maximum WBA in Arizona is $240 per week.
How long will you receive benefits?
In Arizona, the maximum duration of unemployment benefits is 26 weeks. However, during times of high unemployment, the federal government may provide additional weeks of benefits through Extended Benefits (EB) or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) programs.
How to apply for unemployment benefits in Arizona?
You can file a claim for unemployment benefits online through the DES website or by calling the Unemployment Insurance Call Center. You will need to provide personal information, including your Social Security number, employment history, and reason for unemployment.
After filing your claim, you will need to certify for benefits each week to continue receiving payments. You can certify online or by phone.
Arizona Unemployment Benefits: Exploring the Latest Updates
As the pandemic continues to impact the economy, many individuals in Arizona are facing unemployment. To help those affected, the state has implemented several updates to their unemployment benefits program. Here is what you need to know:
Extended Benefits
Arizona has implemented extended benefits for those who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits. These extended benefits provide an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits for eligible individuals.
To qualify for extended benefits, you must have exhausted your regular unemployment benefits on or after May 10th, 2020, and must not be eligible for any other state or federal unemployment benefits.
Additional $300 per Week
Arizona has also implemented the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program, which provides an additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits to eligible individuals. This program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is available for a limited time.
To be eligible for the LWA program, you must have a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 and must have been unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19.
New Online System
Arizona has also launched a new online system for unemployment benefits. This system, called AZUI, is designed to make the application process easier and faster for individuals seeking unemployment benefits.
The new system allows individuals to apply for benefits, submit weekly claims, and manage their accounts online. It also includes a chatbot feature to help answer common questions and provide assistance.
Final Thoughts
These updates to Arizona’s unemployment benefits program are designed to help those who have been impacted by the pandemic. If you are facing unemployment, it is important to take advantage of these resources and apply for benefits as soon as possible.
Arizona Unemployment Benefits: A Guide to Applying at the Right Time
Arizona Unemployment Benefits: A Guide to Applying at the Right Time
Introduction
Losing a job can be stressful, but if you live in Arizona, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. These benefits can help you financially while you search for a new job. However, it’s important to apply at the right time to maximize your benefits. In this guide, we’ll explain how to apply for unemployment benefits in Arizona and when to do it.
How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) handles unemployment benefits in the state. To apply for benefits, you’ll need to visit their website and create an account. You’ll need to provide your personal information, employment history, and reason for separation from your previous job. If you’re eligible, you’ll need to continue to file weekly claims to receive your benefits.
When to Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Arizona
It’s important to apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible after you lose your job. In Arizona, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $240, and you can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks. However, the benefits are retroactive to the date you became unemployed, so the longer you wait to apply, the more benefits you could be missing out on.
Another important factor to consider is the state’s unemployment rate. Arizona has a “waiting week” before unemployment benefits can be paid out. This means that you won’t receive benefits during your first week of unemployment. However, if the state’s unemployment rate is above a certain threshold, this waiting week may be waived. In 2021, the threshold is 6.5%, so if the state’s unemployment rate is higher than that, you’ll be able to receive benefits starting from your first week of unemployment.
If you are working in Arizona and your hours are reduced, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. The amount of benefits you receive will depend on your hours and earnings. It is important to file a claim as soon as possible to receive the benefits you are entitled to. Additionally, make sure to keep track of any job search activities as this may be required to continue receiving benefits. Contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security for further information or to file a claim.