How To File For Unemployment Online In Arkansas

How Do I Appeal A Denial Of Benefits

If youre denied benefits, you can file an appeal with the Arkansas Appeal Tribunal.

To do so, you must visit the nearest DWS local office and complete an appeal form, or you can mail an appeal in writing to

Arkansas Appeal TribunalP.O. Box 8013Little Rock, AR 72203

Your appeal must be submitted within 20 days of the date that your denial decision was mailed to you. Be sure to clearly state the reasons for your appeal, include your name, address, and Social Security number, and attach a copy of the determination that was mailed to you.

While youre filing an appeal, you should continue to claim benefits for each week you are unemployed. If your appeal is approved, youll be paid for those weeks only if youve claimed them.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: Guidance On How To Prepare From The Arkansas Division Of Workforce Services

Today, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services announced that the claim filing system for self-employed workers, independent contractors and others who have lost self or contract employment due to COVID-19 is being developed and will be available soon. They also announced there are two things you can do now to be prepared to apply:

• File your 2019 Federal tax return so you can verify your income. Payments can still be paid by the deadline, but it will be helpful to go ahead and file.
• Gather documents to provide proof you are self-employed and how your business was impacted by COVID-19. Examples include:
• 1099 forms

Applying For Unemployment Benefits In Arkansas

The DWS accept unemployment claims in one of two ways:

Online: Create an account at ArkNet Portal and follow the prompts to file the claim.

Regardless of the method you choose, youll need to provide the following information:

• Your personal information .
• Your Social Security Number.
• Your Alien Registration Number, if applicable.
• Your union name and local number, if applicable.
• Your employment history, to include the name, address, and contact details for each employer, your occupation with that employer, the period of your employment, and the reason for the employment ending.
• The names, dates of birth and social security numbers for your dependents, if applicable.
• Severance Information, if applicable
• Military Form DD-214, if applicable.
• Form SF-8 or SF-50, if applicable.

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Do I Qualify For Unemployment Benefits

If your place of work has closed because of the novel coronavirus, albeit temporarily, or you are unable to work due to quarantine or sickness, you may be eligible for benefits. In fact, the state advises Arkansans to apply even if they do not meet all the requirements below as some may be relaxed during the pandemic.

In order to qualify for unemployment benefits in Arkansas, you must:

• Be partially or fully unemployed through no fault of your own.
• Be mentally and physically capable of working.
• Be available and searching for work, though the work-search requirement has been waived during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Meet the minimum earning conditions during your base period.

Your base period refers to the earliest four of the five complete calendar quarters before you filed your benefits claim. So if you file in March 2020, your base period will be October 2018 to September 2019, and if you file in April, it will be January to December 2019.

You need to have earned money in two out of four quarters and your total base period earnings need to be more than 35 times your weekly benefit .

Find Out How To Register For Work In Arkansas

Workers receiving federal unemployment benefits will have an opportunity to attend official DWS job-support workshops. Attending an official job search workshop counts as a contact, and can provide applicants with an updated set of skills.

During a workshop, job-seekers can expect to learn how to:

All workshop materials are free, but if you refuse to attend, the state will not allow you to claim unemployment benefits for a week. Former employees who work in the productivity industry or who have been impacted by outsourcing may be eligible for special job-training programs at no additional cost.

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After You File A Claim

Application confirmationYou will get a confirmation email when you submit any kind of unemployment application.

Watch your mail too. We will let you know if your claim has been approved or not. We will mail you a letter to let you know. If you are approved, we will let you know how much money you will get and what to do next.

It is taking us a minimum of four weeks to process regular unemployment insurance claims.

You can check on the status of your claim by logging into our Online Claim System.

Arkansas Rules For Involuntary Job Loss

When it comes to the reason you lost your job, the basic rule in Arkansas is that it must have been involuntary. Usually, that means youre out of work because of a layoff, furlough, restructuring, or similar action that your employer took for economic reasons. If you quit or were fired, your eligibility will depend on the circumstances.

• If you were fired. Being fired or discharged doesnt necessarily disqualify you from unemployment benefits. For instance, you may still be eligible if you were fired for poor performance, as long as your actions werent intentional or repeated despite progressive discipline. However, you will be disqualified if you were fired for misconduct relating to your job, such as being intoxicated at work, insubordination, dishonesty, or violating your employers written policies.
• If you quit. You won’t be eligible for benefits if you quit your job voluntarily, without good cause connected with work. Arkansas law spells out some important personal reasons that would be considered good cause, including your own disability, injury, illness, or pregnancy domestic violence that would jeopardize your safety if you continued to work and moving with a spouse who was transferred for work beyond commuting distance. Other circumstances might also be considered good cause, such as your employers refusal to correct dangerous working conditions, despite your complaints.

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Learn About Continued Unemployment Requirements In Arkansas

After your initial unemployment benefits claim in Arkansas, you will receive a Notice of Monetary Determination by mail, detailing your eligibility and the amount you are entitled to. Then, you will be required to file for benefits regularly on a weekly basis in order to maintain eligibility. Additionally, you will have to actively search for employment and provide proof of that search when the DWS asks.

After 25 weeks, you may be able to file for an unemployment benefits extension if you are still having trouble finding a job.

How To Apply For Arkansas Unemployment Online

“How do I file a Arkansas Unemployment Claim?” is a common question most recently terminated workers ask. Arkansas residents can file an unemployment claim online at . Many claimants who prefer to sign up in person can visit a Arkansas unemployment office and use the computers provided and get help if needed.

All applicants should learn how the Arkansas unemployment system works as many of the requirements for continuing to receive benefits must be done online. Most applicants prefer to file for Arkansas unemployment online as it can be done at their own pace, they can also pause the application in order to find the correct documentation.

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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Now Available To Arkansans

May 05, 2020

UPDATE AS OF 5/10/21: For the latest news release regarding the status of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in Arkansas, visit HERE.

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas Today, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services announced that Arkansas self-employed workers and independent contractors who are out of work because of COVID-19 can apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance beginning tomorrow, May 5. Applicants may apply online 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. by visiting ARunemployment.com. Those wishing to file may also call the hotline number at 1-844-908-2178 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Standard Time .

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA, is a federal program for people who are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits, extended benefits or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation , and are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable to work due to COVID-19.

This includes:

• Gig economy workers
• Individuals who work for employers exempt from participating in the regular UI program
• Part-Time workers without enough work history to qualify for regular UI benefits
• Individuals impacted by COVID-19 but not eligible for regular UI benefits due to a prior disqualification

To learn more about the eligibility requirements, or to file your application for PUA benefits, please go to www.arunemployment.com or call 1-844-908-2178 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Standard Time .

Arkansas Unemployment Eligibility Requirements

To receive unemployment insurance benefits, your work history will need to meet the criteria set by the Arkansas state government. If you do not match the stated eligibility requirements, you may not receive unemployment benefits.

Arkansas Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be partially or fully unemployed.
• You must be mentally and physically capable of working a job similar to your past work experience.
• You should be available to work with no issues such as transportation or finding childcare.
• You must sign up for the DWS Employment Services and be required to contact at least a minimum number of employers each week.

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Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

Each week that you request UI benefits, you are required to file a weekly benefits claim that shows the state of Arkansas that you remain eligible to receive benefits. You may use the ArkLine interactive voice response system, which is a quick and easy way to file for your weekly unemployment insurance benefits by phone.

You can also choose the ArkNet online system to file your weekly claim. This is usually the fastest and easiest option. You can use the same account you set up when you filed your initial unemployment benefits claim.

Earnings Requirement For Unemployment In Arkansas

For purposes of the earnings requirement, Arkansas will look at how much you received in wages during a base period, which is usually the first four out of the five full quarters before you filed your claim. Youll meet this requirement if:

• you were paid wages in at least two quarters of the base period, and
• your total wages during the entire base period were at least 35 times your weekly benefit amount .

If you didnt have enough earnings to qualify during the typical base period, but you did earn enough during the most recent four quarters, the ADWS will use those quarters as your base period.

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How Do I Apply For Unemployment Benefits

To file an initial claim, you need to complete an application on the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services website. You also have the option of filing by telephone at 855-225-4440, or the temporary hotlines 844-908-2178 or 501-534-6304. Be aware that current wait times can make it difficult to get through.

Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your Social Security number, or your Alien Registration Number
• Current address and telephone number
• Contact info for all employers you’ve worked for in the past 12 months
• Start and end dates for the most recent employer
• If you’ve served in the U.S. military at any time during the past 18 months, provide your DD-214 Member Copy 4 form
• If you worked for the federal government during the past 18 months, provide your SF-8 form

If you file online, a confirmation page will appear. Print it out and save it for your records.

How Can I Sign Up For Unemployment In Arkansas Online

Concerning how to apply for unemployment online in Arkansas, you can easily file for unemployment benefits on the official EZARC website. This is the only site where you can complete an online application for unemployment, so applicants need to make sure that they are applying on the official government website before they submit a claim.

You must complete your unemployment EDD application in a timely manner when applying online. If you wait too long to file, you risk not receiving benefits for prior weeks of unemployment. File for an unemployment claim in Arkansas during the week you wish to actually start receiving UI benefits.

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How To File For Unemployment Benefits In Arkansas

Before you can receive your federal unemployment benefits, you must fill out an application either online, over the phone, or in person. Online unemployment benefits claims can be filled out on the EZARC website, and if you need to take action on your end, the department may require you to make an in-person visit. When claiming benefits for unemployment in AR, you will have the opportunity to create a four-digit PIN number that will allow you to access your information and learn about the status of your claim.

Even if you are approved, you will need to file a claim on a weekly basis, and engage in the activities below:

You may file for unemployment if you intend to move out of state to search for work, but you must still utilize the regular application. If you just moved to Arkansas or you have held jobs in other states, you need to inform the DWS as soon as possible.

Learn The Unemployment Eligibility Rules Benefit Amounts And More In Arkansas

By Lisa Guerin, J.D.

Did you recently lose your job in Arkansas? If so, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits, which are compensation available to employees who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own. Although the basic rules for unemployment are similar across the board, the eligibility rules, prior earnings requirements, benefit amounts, and other details vary from state to state. Below you’ll find information on collecting unemployment in Arkansas.

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How Long Do Unemployment Payments In Arkansas Last

Unemployment was not designed to completely replace your income. It was designed to help individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own support themselves and their families during a transitional time . Therefore, Arkansas unemployment benefits expire after 25 weeks. However, this expiration is sometimes extended due to changes in the law.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program

The CARES Act also creates a new program called the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program through December 31, 2020. This new program provides unemployment payments to individuals who are not able to work due to COVID-19, who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment insurance. Examples of individuals who would now qualify for unemployment benefits include self-employed individuals, gig-economy workers and independent contractors.

Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston announced that it will be at least three additional weeks before this program is open for application. This delay stems from an entire new system needing to be built to process this program. The State also announced that impacted individuals who qualify for unemployment compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program will receive back payment to the date you were impacted by COVID-19. .

Both the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation programs were discussed during Governor Asa Hutchinsons press conference on March 28, 2020. To watch the press conference .

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Arkansas Division Of Workforce Services Issues New Press Release Concerning Federal Legislation

The Arkansas Division of Workforce Service published an additional press release on April 3, 2020 “CORONAVIRUS Information- FEDERAL LEGISLATION”. The press release explains that the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services is waiting for additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor before than can begin implementation of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program, the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation.

Types Of Disability Policies

There are two types of disability policies.

• Short-term policies may pay for up to two years. Most last for a few months to a year.

• Long-term policies may pay benefits for a few years or until the disability ends.

Employers who offer coverage may provide short-term coverage, long-term coverage, or both.

If you plan to buy your own policy, shop around and ask:

• How is disability defined?

• How long do benefits last?

• How much money will the policy pay?

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Arkansas Unemployment Benefits And Eligibility

COVID-19 UPDATE:Because the coronavirus pandemic has left so many Americans jobless, the federal government has given states more flexibility in granting unemployment benefits. If you have questions about whether youre eligible for unemployment benefits read our COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits and Insurance FAQ and check out Arkansas claimant handbook.

Collecting Unemployment Compensation Benefits In Arkansas

Unemployment benefits are available in Arkansas to employees who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The basic structure of the unemployment system is the same in every state: You must meet certain eligibility requirements based on your work history, you must be available and looking for work, and you must file a claim for benefits with your states unemployment department.

Each state has its own rules about who qualifies, how much the benefits are , and more. Heres how the unemployment rules work in Arkansas.

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Eligibility Requirements For Arkansas Unemployment Benefits

In Arkansas, the Department of Workforce Services handles unemployment benefits and determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must meet the following three eligibility requirements in order to collect unemployment benefits in Arkansas:

• You must have earned at least a minimum amount in wages before you were unemployed.
• You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, as defined by Arkansas law.
• You must be able and available to work, and you must be actively seeking employment.