Updates

April 29

New Eligibility Conditions for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

Little Rock, Ark. April 29, 2021—The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) issued guidance establishing three additional COVID-19 impact scenarios under which certain individuals may self-certify to establish eligibility for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.

March 16

Arkansas makes additional unemployment benefits available

March 16, 2021: The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (DWS) has announced that Arkansans receiving benefits through certain unemployment programs may begin applying for the Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program. MEUC is a new, temporary program created by the Continued Assistance Act for workers who had multiple sources of income.

February 17

Important Information Regarding ID Verification for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

Due to the inclement weather, DWS has extended the 7-day deadline to verify ID in person. DWS will be sending new ID verification emails the week of February 22, 2021. Claimants should check that the email address on their PUA application is valid and, if necessary, update by February 21 to receive the new link. Email address can be updated by calling 844-908-2178. For PUA claimants currently approved and receiving payments, no action is required.

February 12

Workers Have New Federal Requirements for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

February 10, 2021: The federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program was recently revised and extended under the Continued Assistance Act (CAA). The CAA revision strengthens documentation requirements to ensure PUA program integrity and identification verification.

February 12

Text Messaging Scam Targeting State Unemployment Insurance Systems

February 12, 2021: Arkansas state officials are warning residents of the latest scheme targeting people through unsolicited text messages. The U.S. Department of Justice released an alert stating that they recently discovered people are receiving text messages from identity thieves claiming to represent unemployment agencies. Scammers are most likely phishing for victims’ personal information in order to submit a fraudulent unemployment claim.

January 27

Victims of Unemployment Insurance Fraud

January 27, 2021: If you receive a 1099 form but you did not file for unemployment insurance, you should report the potential fraud to DWS immediately and file a police report. Once you have filed a police report, you will need to submit a copy of the police report to DWS.

January 27

Arkansas Continues Implementation of Federal Unemployment Programs

January 27, 2021: The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services is continuing to implement the Continued Assistance Act, the federal legislation that amends the unemployment benefit programs established under the CARES Act. The Continued Assistance Act extended three unemployment programs: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).

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.

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.

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.

Updates | Arkansas Division of Workforce Services