While most believe that funding for unemployment claims come from wages earned while working, it is actually the responsibility of employers. There are Arizona unemployment taxes that businesses must pay, which are dependent on the company’s rate. Businesses required to pay into unemployment insurance coverage for its employees must also report their wages and work closely with Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES). The state does not require all businesses to pay UI taxes nor pay for certain exempt employees, which is why some UI applicants receive denial notification when they apply.
The UI program in Arizona grants participants with financial compensation weekly as well as reemployment services. Since the UI program is temporary assistance for residents who are in-between jobs, the state focuses on returning laborers to work. As a result, the state provides workforce solutions and requires UI beneficiaries to participate in services that will help them obtain occupations.
Learn How to Apply for Unemployment in Arizona
Unemployment insurance benefits are not retroactive so petitioners should submit applicants as soon as the Sunday following the last day of work. When residents file Arizona unemployment claims, they are informing the state they are without an income and need assistance. During the unemployment application process, UI applicants will need to furnish information about their identity, previous employers and subsequent earnings. Residents have two options forapplying to the Arizona UI program; online and in-person at One-Stop Centers or DES Employment Service offices. Before initiating the application, former workers should have all the required documents and information needed on hand. This data will help the state determine the applicant’s eligibility to enroll in the program and receive financial compensation.
What are the requirements for unemployment benefits in Arizona?
Even if workers know how to file an unemployment claim in AZ, that will not mean they are eligible for UI benefits. Arizona unemployment insurance is available to terminated employees who lost their job due to no fault of their own. This means that those submitting an unemployment claim must not have voluntarily quit or experienced dismissal due to misconduct. DES will confirm with the former employer about the professional separation.
Applicants must have also earned a minimum amount in wages over a specified period to meet the monetary requirements. The earnings of workers will also determine the amount awarded to eligible UI petitioners. Furthermore, UI eligibility also includes the ability to acquire a job. Applicants who are not willing or ready to accept work will not be eligible to receive benefits. This includes petitioners who are sick, attending school or vacationing.
Find Out How to Claim Unemployment Benefits in Arizona
In addition to meeting the initial qualifications for unemployment in Arizona, UI beneficiaries must continue to be eligible for compensation. Those who successfully sign up for unemployment in Arizona must file a weekly claim specifying that they are fulfilling the requirements of the UI program. Enrollees continue to file for unemployment payments each week while making efforts to rejoin the labor force. Failure to indicate ongoing eligibility and contacting professional prospects this through the weekly UI-claim paperwork may result in DES withholding financial benefits for the specific period or outright dismissal from the program. Likewise, select UI participants may be need to report to scheduled reemployment services as part of their ongoing eligibility requirements.
UI beneficiaries who follow the programs policies will receive a weekly benefit amount (WBA), which is a percentage of reportable wages. However, the state has a maximum threshold and enrollees who earned a substantial income will not receive more than this amount. UI enrollees who are able to work part-time while collecting benefits must report these earnings to DES.
How Unemployment Benefits Extension Work in Arizona
Beneficiaries can collect unemployment in Arizona for a set number of weeks or until they exhaust their claim amount. An unemployment benefits extension can help workers enrolled in Arizona’s UI who are having a very hard time finding a job. However, an unemployment benefits extension in Arizona is only available during times of high statewide unemployment. In addition to meeting standard eligibility requirements, extension applicants must meet the conditions necessary to receive additional payments. Successful extension petitioners should also be aware the length of time and amount of compensation will be shorter and less than the original award. When an UI extension is available to eligible beneficiaries, the duration of additional benefits will depend on several factors.
How to Appeal Denied Unemployment in Arizona
The intent of Arizona unemployment insurance payments is to help eligible out-of-work residents while they search for new job prospects. Unemployment claim applications are subject to denials when the petitioner does not meet the requirements set by the state. Those denied unemployment registration, however, may be able to appeal the decision. It is important to verify the reason for the denial before pressing for an appeal hearing by reviewing the notification letter. UI petitioners who believe that the rejection is due to an error or are victims of wrongful termination in Arizonaare likely to have the decision overturned. Conversely, those who received a denial notification because they did not meet the state’s requirements for eligibility do not have a strong case. When the state denies UI beneficiaries currently enrolled in the program, those individuals have the right to appeal but may be responsible to payback compensation if they lose.
