If you've been laid off in Arizona, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). Arizona's maximum benefit of $320/week is among the lowest in the nation, so understanding the system and planning for supplemental income is important.
Arizona Unemployment Benefits Overview
Benefit Amounts
Category
Amount
Weekly minimum
$194
Weekly maximum
$320
Benefit duration
Up to 26 weeks
Replacement rate
~50% of wages
How Benefits Are Calculated:
Your weekly benefit amount is based on your highest quarter earnings in the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters).
Formula: High Quarter Wages ÷ 25 = Weekly Benefit (capped at $320)
Example: If your highest quarter earnings were $10,000:
$10,000 ÷ 25 = $400, capped at $320/week
Important: Even high earners receive only $320/week maximum—roughly $1,280/month before taxes.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Arizona unemployment:
Earned sufficient wages in your base period (at least $7,000 total with wages in at least 2 quarters)
Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force)
Be able and available to work full-time
Actively seek suitable work each week
Register with Arizona Job Connection
Be legally authorized to work in the United States
How to File for Arizona Unemployment
Before You File
Gather the following information:
Social Security number
Arizona driver's license or ID number
Mailing address, email, and phone number
Last employer information:
Company name, address, phone number
Dates of employment
Reason for separation
Supervisor's name
Work history for past 18 months (all employers)
Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers)
Tip: Phone lines can be busy. Online filing is faster and available 24/7.
Filing Timeline
Event
Timeframe
File initial claim
First week of unemployment
Waiting week
First week (no payment)
Register on AZ Job Connection
Within first week
First weekly claim
After waiting week
First payment
~2-3 weeks after filing (if approved)
After You File
The Waiting Week
Arizona has a one-week unpaid waiting period. Your first week of unemployment serves as the waiting week—you must meet all requirements but won't receive payment.
Filing Weekly Claims
Arizona requires weekly claims:
When to File:
Available Sunday through Saturday
File for the previous week
Must complete each week to receive benefits
What You'll Answer:
Were you able and available to work?
Did you work or earn money?
Did you complete 4 work search activities?
Did you refuse any work?
Did you attend school or training?
Important: Missing a weekly claim forfeits benefits for that week.
Work Search Requirements
Arizona requires at least 4 work search activities per week—stricter than most states:
Acceptable Activities:
Applying for jobs (online or in-person)
Submitting resumes to employers
Interviewing for positions
Attending job fairs
Registering with employment agencies
Attending approved training programs
Using ARIZONA@WORK services
Networking with documented job leads
You Must Also:
Register on Arizona Job Connection
Keep detailed records (employer name, contact, date, result)
Be prepared to provide proof if requested
Accept suitable work offers
Receiving Your Benefits
Payment Methods
Direct Deposit:
Fastest payment method
Set up during application
Funds available within 24-48 hours of processing
Arizona Debit Card (Bank of America):
Default if no direct deposit
Card mailed after claim approval
Takes 7-10 days to arrive
Can use at ATMs or for purchases
Payment Schedule
File weekly claims
Payments processed within 48 hours of claim
Direct deposit arrives 1-2 business days after processing
Taxes on Unemployment
Unemployment benefits are taxable income at both federal and state levels.
Federal Tax:
Optional 10% withholding
Arizona State Tax:
Subject to AZ income tax (2.5% flat rate as of 2024)
Optional state withholding available
Recommendation: Have taxes withheld to avoid a large bill at tax time.
Working While Receiving Benefits
Partial Benefits
Arizona allows part-time work while receiving reduced benefits:
Earnings Formula:
You can earn up to $30 per week without reduction
Earnings above $30 reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar
If you earn more than your weekly benefit + $30, no payment
Example:
Weekly benefit: $300
Earnings allowance: $30
Your earnings: $150
Excess: $120 ($150 - $30)
Benefit paid: $180 ($300 - $120)
Total income: $330
Reporting Requirements
When filing weekly claims:
Report all work, including part-time and gig work
Report gross earnings (before deductions)
Report for the week worked, not when paid
Report job offers and refusals
Common Issues and Solutions
Claim Under Review
Your claim may need review if:
Your employer disputes the separation
You quit or were fired
Wages need verification
Previous claims had issues
What to Do:
Respond promptly to all DES requests
Attend scheduled phone interviews
Provide documentation (termination letter, etc.)
Continue filing weekly claims during review
Benefit Denial
If your claim is denied:
You'll receive a Determination letter
You have 15 calendar days to appeal
File appeal online or by mail
A hearing will be scheduled with an Appeals Tribunal
Arizona pays only $320/week maximum—one of the lowest nationally
Duration is 26 weeks—standard duration
Complete 4 work search activities per week—stricter than most states
File immediately during your first week of unemployment
One waiting week before benefits begin
File weekly claims—not biweekly
Register on Arizona Job Connection immediately
Plan to supplement with part-time work or assistance
Appeal if denied—you have 15 days
Use direct deposit for fastest payment
Arizona's unemployment benefits are among the lowest in the nation. File promptly, meet all requirements, and plan to supplement benefits with other income or assistance programs.
