Arkansas Unemployment Benefits

The Arkansas Unemployment Insurance benefits provide temporary financial protection during periods when you are unemployed through no fault of your own. The UI program is administered by the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services and funded by the employers through payroll tax. Read on to know more about the Arkansas unemployment benefits program.

Arkansas UI Benefits Calculator

The Arkansas Unemployment Benefits Calculator helps you estimate your UI weekly benefits amount.

Arkansas Unemployment Calculator

Eligibility Requirements for UI Benefits In Arkansas

You must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for the unemployment insurance program in Arkansas. They include:

Monetary Eligibility

You must meet two monetary requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits in Arkansas. They are:

• You must have covered wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period
• Your total base period wages must not be less than 35 times your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)

Note that the Workforce Services will consider the ‘alternate base period’ if you don’t have sufficient wages in your regular base period.
Regular Base Period – It is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
The Alternate Base Period – It is the four completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the quarter in which you filed an initial claim.

You must also be a United States citizen or be legally authorized to work in Arkansas.

Find out more about eligibility requirements

Job Separation

You will qualify for Arkansas unemployment benefits only if you have lost your job through no fault of your own. The Workforce Services will disqualify you from receiving benefits if you are unemployed due to any of the following reasons:

• You quit your job without good cause
• You were fired or discharged for misconduct
• You were fired for failing a drug test

Eligibility Calculator

Maintaining Eligibility

You must maintain your eligibility as long as you want to receive Arkansas unemployment benefits. You can maintain your eligibility in the following ways:
Able To Work – You must be physically and mentally able to perform suitable work.
Available For Work – You must be available to take up a job. There should be no personal or other reasons that stop you from accepting suitable work.
Actively Seek Work – You must actively look for suitable work. This includes making efforts to secure work by reaching out to people with hiring authority, union local, etc.
Register With DWS Employment Services – You must register with DWS Employment Services and contact a specific number of employers each week.
Document Work Search Activities – You must record your work search activities and submit them to the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services when requested.

Learn more about job search requirements

How To Apply For UI Benefits In Arkansas?

You must submit the following documents to apply for UI benefits in Arkansas:

When applying, be sure to have your personal information on hand, such as your Social Security number, driver’s license, employer information, banking information, and recent work history.

You can file for Arkansas unemployment benefits through any of the following methods:

Online

Applying online is the easiest and fastest way to apply for unemployment benefits. The process takes about 30 minutes.

Visit Job Center

You can also visit your nearest Arkansas Workforce Center and apply for benefits if you don’t have access to the internet or computer.
Note – There is a one week a waiting period during which you will not receive an unemployment benefit.

How To File Weekly Claims

You must file weekly claims for each week you wish to receive benefits. You can file your weekly unemployment claim online or over the phone. Note that you won’t receive payments for the weeks you failed to file a certification.

Learn how to file a weekly claim

Things To Know After Filing An Application

You must know several aspects after filing for Arkansas Unemployment Insurance. They include:

Overpayments

You may sometimes receive a benefit amount more than you are entitled to. Unemployment overpayment occurs due to false misinterpretation, administrative errors, failure to report wages and other information, and reversal of previous unemployment decisions.
If you receive an unemployment overpayment, you must repay it to the Unemployment Compensation Fund. If you fail to pay back, the Department may recover the amount by deducting the amount from any future benefits payable to you.

Overpayment Through Fraud

If you receive unemployment overpayment through fraudulent practices, you may be required to pay a penalty and be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. Criminal charges are also possible. Learn more about Arkansas unemployment fraud.

Benefits Extension

Generally, you can receive Arkansas unemployment benefits for up to a maximum 16 weeks. However, if the state’s unemployment rate is high, the Workforce Services may provide extended benefits.

Job Training Assistance

Along with the Arkansas Workforce Centers, the state offers reemployment services to help job seekers find work. Some of the services offered include:

• Supportive Services Case Assessment
• Skills Development
• Job Search Programs
• Job Development
• Job Referrals
• Employment Counseling

Find job training opportunities in AR

Appeals

If you are denied benefits or you disagree with a decision, you have the right to file an appeal. The first step in the process is to request a hearing with the Arkansas Appeal Tribunal. If you disagree with that decision, you can appeal further to the Arkansas Board of Review. Learn more about Arkansas UI appeals.

Arkansas unemployment contact information

If you have questions about your claim for Arkansas unemployment benefits, or require assistance with filing, you can call the unemployment claims center.

If you are looking for help with finding a new job, including resume writing help and training programs, visit your local Arkansas Workforce Center.