Arizona Unemployment Benefits: Understanding 53-Week Eligibility

Arizona may allow you to collect unemployment benefits for a total of 53 weeks.

The state of Arizona allows up to 20 weeks of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to an individual. During these 20 weeks, you must keep records and show proof of job searching. After that time, if you still have not found a suitable job, the state of Arizona may find you eligible to extend your benefits for another 14 weeks, then 13 weeks and, lastly, six more weeks. This Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) from the federal government extends your unemployment benefits so that you receive a total of 53 weeks. Arizona allows you to apply for an extension over the phone, through the mail or online.

Apply Over the Phone

Step 1

Call the Arizona Unemployment Insurance (UI) call center toll free at 1-877-600-2722. You also may choose to call the Phoenix UI location at 602-364-2722 or the Tucson office at 520-791-2722. You must call between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Step 2

Call between Monday and Friday, depending on what your Social Security number ends with. If it's 0, 1, 2, or 3, call the UI center on a Monday. If your social security number ends with 4, 5, 6, or 7, call on a Tuesday. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are for any number.

Step 3

Have your Social Security number, full legal name and previous employer information ready. You will need those details to apply for an extension.

Apply Through the Mail

Step 1

Complete the "Claim For Emergency Unemployment Compensation" form mailed to you at the end of your UI benefits. If you lost the form, you can download it from the Arizona Department of Economic Security web page.

Step 2

Have your Social Security number, full legal name and previous employer information ready. You will need it to complete the application for an extension.

Step 3

Mail your form to: Arizona Department of Economic Security Unemployment Insurance Administration P. O. Box 29225 Phoenix, Arizona 85038-9225

Apply Online

Step 1

Visit the Arizona Internet Continued Claims page on the Arizona Department of Economic Security website. Continue the application in English by clicking "here."

Step 2

Choose "File Weekly Claim" from the drop down menu and click "Proceed". Enter your Social Security number, then select "Proceed" again.

Step 3

File your application for Emergency Unemployment Compensation. Have your Social Security number, full legal name and previous employer information ready. You will need those details to complete the application for an extension.

Tip

You must use all of your Unemployment Insurance (UI) before applying for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC).

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number

• Full legal name

• Previous employer information