If you need to apply for Arizona unemployment benefits, you can use the Arizona Unemployment Benefits Calculator to estimate how much cash assistance you may be eligible to receive.
It’s important to note that this calculator is just an estimate, not a guarantee of benefits.
Arizona Unemployment Benefits Calculator
Here are a few examples of what to expect:
- If you make $200 per week in Arizona, your estimated weekly benefit is $104 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $500 per week in Arizona, your estimated weekly benefit is $260 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $1000 per week in Arizona, your estimated weekly benefit is $320 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $1500 per week in Arizona, your estimated weekly benefit is $320 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $2000 per week in Arizona, your estimated weekly benefit is $320 for up to 26 weeks.
How are Arizona unemployment benefits calculated?
To figure out how much money you may receive each week in Arizona unemployment benefits, the state uses a calculation based on previous earnings. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated by taking 4% of the wages you earned during the highest earning quarter of your base period.
Currently, unemployment applicants are eligible to receive between $200 and $320 per week.
How many weeks do I get benefits?
If the unemployment rate in Arizona is below 5%, claimants are eligible for a maximum of 24 weeks. Once the unemployment rate goes above 5%, unemployed workers are eligible for up to 26 weeks of UI benefits.
If you max out your unemployment benefits, you cannot start a new claim until your benefit year (the 12 months after you file your initial application for benefits) has ended.
What is a base period?
The amount of benefits you receive from unemployment insurance depends on the wage you earned while working for an employer who pays into the unemployment insurance program. Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you applied for unemployment benefits.
Are Extended Benefits available?
There are currently no Extended Benefits available in the state of Arizona. Extended Benefits are usually provided when the unemployment rate in the state reaches a specific point, or when there’s a natural disaster or extreme economic uncertainty.
Can I work part time and receive benefits?
Yes, you can work part-time and still receive benefits. When filing your weekly claim, you will need to report any money you earned from working. You should report the total amount you earned before any deductions.
If you make less than $160, it won’t affect the amount of money you receive for that week, but if you earn more than $160, the state will reduce the amount of money you receive by the amount you earned over $160.
How do I get paid?
After you apply for unemployment insurance benefits, you will receive a debit card in the mail from the unemployment insurance department’s banking institution. This card is valid for five years—you will not get a new one if you file again within that time. Your unemployment compensation will be put into this card’s debit account.
If you wish to set up a direct deposit to a checking or savings account, you will need to fill out and submit an Agreement for Direct Deposit form to the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
What can affect my weekly benefit amount?
Income from other sources
As previously mentioned, any income you receive that exceeds $160 during the week will reduce your weekly benefit amount. This includes income from:
- Retirement income (other than Social Security)
- Part-time job wages
- Vacation, holiday or severance pay
Child support
If you have to pay child support, the Division of Child Support Services may deduct money from your weekly unemployment benefits to pay your obligation. The deducted amount is still considered income as it relates to taxes.
Do I have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits?
Arizona unemployment compensation is subject to income taxes. You can choose to have 10% of your benefits withheld for federal income taxes, and 1% withheld for Arizona income tax.
Each January, the Arizona Department of Economic Security sends out a Form 1099-G to all individuals who received unemployment benefits in the previous year. This form shows the total amount of unemployment benefits received for the tax year and any taxes withheld from those payments. You will need to input this information when filing your annual tax return.