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Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19

Click on the boxes below for updates and filing information.

Report unemployment fraud and identity theft. Click here to learn more.

  • Are you currently receiving state unemployment insurance benefits?

    • Report unemployment fraud and identity theft. Click here to learn more.

    • Click here for a guide to unemployment insurance programs and extensions.

    • The federal provision in the CARES Act for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation ($600) expired on July 31, with the last payment week ending July 25.

    • You will need to continue to file your claim each week to receive benefits.

    • Click here to file your weekly claim benefit online, or call ArkLine at 501-907-2590 between 12:01am – 6pm on Sunday and between 6am – 6pm Monday – Friday.

    • The work search requirement is now in effect and you must report the number of job contacts when filing your weekly claim. Click here for more information.

    • Due to the high number of claims being processed, it is recommended that you file your weekly claim on Monday or Tuesday.

  • Are you self-employed, an independent contractor or unable to work due to COVID-19?

    • Report unemployment fraud and identity theft. Click here to learn more.

    • Click here for a guide to unemployment insurance programs and extensions.

    • Self-employed workers, independent contractors and those who are unable to work due to COVID-19 will file claims in the PUA system. You will not complete an application in the regular unemployment filing system.

    • Click here to apply in the PUA unemployment filing system.

    • Even if you resume working or start another job, you will still be able to file weekly claims backdated to the date that you became unable to work because of a COVID-19 related reason.

    • Based on income from the prior tax year, payments for the Arkansas PUA program will range from a minimum of $132 weekly to a maximum of $451 weekly.
    • To qualify for more than the minimum PUA weekly benefit amount of $132, you will need to provide proof of wages and earning information for 2019, which may include: 2019 Federal Tax Return, 1099 Forms - Miscellaneous Income, W-2 Form, Pay Stubs, Bank Statements.
    • Click here to file your weekly claim certifications online. Or call 1-844-908-2178 to file weekly certifications by phone.

    • Click here and enter your email address to receive updates and information.

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  • Have you been laid off or has the business where you work closed?

    • Report unemployment fraud and identity theft. Click here to learn more.

    • Click here for a guide to unemployment insurance programs and extensions.

    • Filing a claim is the first step. Click here to file online if you are not self-employed.

    • The last page of your completed online application is a confirmation page. This page will have information on what you need to do next, including how to set up your PIN. You should keep a copy of this page. Follow the instructions to print the page or you can take a screenshot.

    • If you file by phone, you will receive confirmation information by email.

    • You will receive benefit payments back-dated to your date of separation from work.

    • The federal provision in the CARES Act for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation ($600) expired on July 31, with the last payment week ending July 25.

  • Here’s what to do after filing and how to claim your benefits each week.

    • Report unemployment fraud and identity theft. Click here to learn more.

    • Click here for a guide to unemployment insurance programs and extensions.

    • You will need to claim your benefits every week to receive payments.

    • The work search requirement is now in effect and you must report the number of job contacts when filing your weekly claim. Click here for more information.

    • Keep the confirmation page from your completed application.

    • There are two ways to claim your regular unemployment benefits each week:

      • ArkNet - Click here to file your regular unemployment weekly claim benefit online, or

      • ArkLine - Call 501-907-2590

    • There are two ways to claim your PUA (self-employed/unable to work due to COVID 19) benefits each week:

      • Click here to file your PUA weekly claim benefit online, or

      • Call 1-844-908-2178

Apply Online

Sunday - Saturday: 6am - 6pm

The online system closes at 6pm to process claims filed each day.

Regular Unemployment

Apply Online

To file your regular unemployment weekly claim benefit: Click here

PUA Unemployment is for self-employed or those unable to work due to COVID-19

PUA Unemployment

PUA Apply Online

To file your PUA weekly claim benefit: Click here

Call to Apply

1-844-908-2178

Sunday - Saturday: 6am - 4pm
It may take more than 30 minutes to complete an application by phone after the call is answered. Online is a faster way to apply.

Call Now

To file your regular unemployment weekly claim benefit, call 501-907-2590

Important Updates

July 1

Division of Workforce Services Identifies Uptick in Unemployment Fraud

Immediately Report Suspicious Activity

The Arkansas Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) has identified an uptick in fraudulent activity related to unemployment claims as a nationwide fraud scheme continues to grow.

Read More

June 24

Work Search Requirement Resuming June 28

The Arkansas Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services (DWS) announced today that the work search requirement for Unemployment Insurance will be back in effect beginning June 28, 2020.  When claiming benefits for the week ending July 4 and after, individuals will have to report the number of job contacts they made that week.

Read More

May 4

PUA Claim Filing System Available

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claim filing system for self-employed workers, independent contractors and those who are unable to work due to COVID-19 will be available beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 5.

Read More
More Updates
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