Arkansas Unemployment Weekly Claims

Continued Claims

After the initial application for Arkansas unemployment compensation, workers must file a weekly claim and certify each week to receive payments.

Filing a weekly claim in Arkansas is essential to maintaining eligibility for unemployment benefits. Claimants can file their weekly claims either online or by calling the claims phone number.

The process requires you to provide some personal information, such as your Social Security number, personal identification number (PIN), and any work search activity you have completed during the week.

When to file your weekly claim

After completing your initial claim for benefits, you must file continued claims each week. File your weekly claim for benefits within the 7-day period immediately following the week you are claiming.

If you are unable to file weekly claims for 14 days, your option to file by phone will be suspended. You will then be instructed to report in person to reactivate your claim. Any week filed after these deadlines is considered late and may not be accepted.

How to file a weekly claim in Arkansas

The ADWS uses a system called Arknet for online claims, and an automated voice system called Arkline for claims filed over the phone.

Online Weekly Claims (Arknet)

If you are receiving Arkansas unemployment insurance, you can file for weekly benefits online using ArkNet, the online claims system for UI benefits. Make sure you have access to a computer, a printer, and an internet connection.

To use the ArkNet system, you must have access to a computer, a printer, and an internet connection. After starting your claim, you will be asked a series of questions to verify you continue to meet eligibility requirements. You must report any earned wages, verify you are able and willing to work, and that you have completed your weekly work search requirements.

Your ArkNet weekly claim will take roughly 10-15 minutes to complete online. You will receive confirmation once you have successfully completed your unemployment claim.

Weekly Claims by Phone (Arkline)

ArkLine for Claimants: 501-907-2590

Call 501-907-2590 to start your claim. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number and PIN. During the application process, you were asked to create a PIN that is used to verify your identity.

Once you’ve entered the ArkLine system by inputting your Social Security number and PIN, the computer will respond with questions. Be sure to listen carefully and let Arkline finish before hanging up. If your phone claim is interrupted, you will have to call back and start over.

Arkline will ask you questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” To answer, use the telephone keypad to press a number: “1” for “yes” or “2” for “no.”

1 = YES

2 = NO

After each answer, the system will repeat your response and ask if it’s correct. To confirm or correct your answer, respond with “1” for “yes” or “2” for “no” again.

Information to have ready when filing your claim

Whether you file your claim online or over the phone, it’s important to have the following information on hand. This will ensure the claims process goes smoothly and quickly.

To get the best results, have the following information ready:

• PIN
• Social Security Number
• The name & address of your last employer
• The last day you worked
• The reason you are no longer working (quit, fired, laid off, etc.)
• The gross amount of pay you earned for the week

About your PIN

If you don’t already have a PIN for Arkansas unemployment benefits, you’ll be asked to create one the first time you call Arkline or visit Arknet online.

When choosing your personal identification number (PIN), pick any four-digit number that’s easy for you to remember. It’s recommended not to use your birthdate, numbers from your home address, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Make sure not to share your PIN with anyone, including family members, to protect your unemployment claim from unauthorized access.

If you forget your PIN, contact your local Arkansas Workforce Center either in person or by phone for help. The unemployment office won’t have access to your PIN, but they can reset your claim to accept a new one.

Sample Questions

Here are some examples of the questions you will be asked by DWS employment services while certifying for weekly benefits.

• During the week you are claiming, did you earn any wages?
• During the week you are claiming, did you go on vacation?
• During the week you are claiming, did you receive any type of bonus pay?
• Were you able and available for work each day of the week?
• Did you refuse any suitable work offers or referrals to work?
• During the week you are claiming, did you start school or a training program?
• Did you make the required number of job contacts and meet work search requirements?
• Do you certify that the statements you entered are true?

It’s very important to provide complete, accurate information to avoid issues with overpayments and Arkansas unemployment fraud. Staff at DWS employment services are actively prosecuting fraudulent claims.

Collecting Payments

You have two options for receiving your Unemployment Insurance benefits: debit card or direct deposit. Both payment methods are secure and convenient, so choose the one that works best for you. You can always use the Arkansas unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly benefit amount.

If you want to select direct deposit, you’ll need to have an existing personal checking or savings account. Make sure you know your account and routing numbers when signing up for direct deposit.

If you prefer the debit card program, you don’t need to have a personal bank account. Just follow the instructions to sign up and receive your benefits. The VISA debit card is a U.S. Bank ReliaCard. Your unemployment benefit will be automatically added to the card, and you’ll have immediate access to your funds.