File for Unemployment Benefits

There are three ways to file an initial claim for unemployment benefits in Arkansas. You can file in person at a local Department of Workforce Services Office (see information on locations in the Unemployment Office section), by mail, and online.

The online Unemployment application claim filing system is EZARK. It is the fastest and easiest way to open an initial claim for unemployment benefits in Arkansas.

Mail-in applications are available in most all public buildings throughout Arkansas, and also in printable PDF format on the Department of Workforce Services website. 

Unemployment Application and Initial Claim

File Your Unemployment Application and Initial Claim (Online)

Filing your initial claim application for Unemployment Benefits using the EZARK system will take approximately 30-minutes to complete. Under regular circumstances, you will not have to visit a local Department of Workforce Services office as most issues are manageable online. However, certain situations may call for you to report to an office, or to mail or fax necessary documents.

Read each page carefully and provide all pertinent information. There are possible delays between saving pages, so be patient and do not reload or hit “back” in your browser. Once you reach the end of the application process, you will have the option to review the information you entered to make sure it is accurate. Once you are finished, click “Submit” and this will take you to a confirmation page. You should print this page to show proof of filing an initial claim.

If there are special instructions and any further actions required of you, such as the need to appear at your local Department of Workforce Services office for any reason, you will be notified on the confirmation page directly after submitting your online application.

Notice of Monetary Determination

In the state of Arkansas, your employer is responsible for reporting quarterly earned wages to the Department of Workforce Services. You will not be asked to supply this information when you apply to open a claim.

After you submit an initial claim for benefits, you will receive a Notice of Monetary Determination in the mail. This document will show all wages reported by your employers covering your Base Period. It is important that you read and check the Notice of Monetary Determination carefully to be sure all information and wages are correct.

If you find that there are incorrectly reported wages or missing information, you need to contact your local Department of Workforce Services as soon as possible to file a Request for Redetermination. You can submit a request in person or by mailing a signed letter to the Department. You have one year from the date of determination to file a Request for Redetermination.

Federal and military wages won’t be listed on you first Notice of Monetary Determination. Wage earnings will be requested by the Department from the proper authorities.

If you worked for an employer in a job listed as seasonal, you can only collect Unemployment Insurance Benefits during the industry’s normal operating season. When you receive your determination, if you worked for a seasonal employer, a breakdown of the percentage you worked during your Base Period will be listed. Seasonal dates are also listed for eligible and ineligible wages earned.

You Initial Claim date commences a Benefit Year beginning on that date, and generates a Notice of Monetary Determination. You may file for full or partial Unemployment Benefits. Partial Unemployment Benefits apply to persons working less than 40 hours per week (or less than 140 percent of your WBA).

Documents and Information Needed During Filing

When you file an Initial Claim for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, be prepared to supply the following documents and information:

• Name and physical address
• Mailing address
• Social security number
• Telephone or contact numbers
• Name and address of your last employer
• Union name and number (if applicable)
• Work registration identification (alien identification number, if applicable)
• Bank checking or savings information, should you choose to opt for direct deposit of your benefits

Note: You will receive Unemployment Insurance Benefits via a debit card if you choose not to have the funds directly deposited into your bank account. The card will be sent to the mailing address you provided in your initial claim application within 5 to 7 business days after submitting your claim.

Initial Claim site information page: https://www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov/

Claim Weekly Benefits  

Once you are approved to collect Unemployment Insurance Benefits, you must claim these benefits weekly either by phone or online. You must claim weekly benefits within seven days from the Saturday after the week you are claiming. Failure to file your weekly claim could result in a loss of benefits.

When you claim weekly benefits, you must meet certain work search requirements and verify that your employment status is under the same circumstance as when you submitted your Initial Claim. You must report any changes promptly to the Department of Workforce Services.

The following chart shows when unemployment benefits are deposited via debit card or bank account based on when you file. Filing as early as possible Sunday will ensure that you get your benefits by Tuesday at the earliest. 

Week Claimed On:	Benefits Deposited to Debit Card or Bank Account
Sunday	Tuesday
Monday	Wednesday
Tuesday	Thursday
Wednesday	Friday
Thursday	Monday
Friday	Tuesday

Weekly Continued Claims Site: https://www.arknet.arkansas.gov/

Weekly Continued Claims Explanation page: http://www.arkansas.gov/esd/ARClaimHelp/ArkNet.htm

ArkNet/ArkLine FAQ: https://www.arknet.arkansas.gov/FAQ.aspx

How to Claim Weekly Benefits   

Unemployment Insurance Benefits are claimed weekly and run exactly one calendar week beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sunday to 11:59 p.m. Saturday.

The ArkNet program is a timd system—you have 15 minutes from the time you log in to enter and confirm your information. If time runs out, you will have to login again and reenter your information from the beginning. You must click the “Confirm” button at the end of the form for the system to recognize you have filed your Weekly Claim.

ArkLine is an automated system that will ask you a series of questions to verify your eligibility to claim weekly unemployment benefits. You will enter all information by using the touch keys on your telephone. ArkLine is available Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Both systems require the submission of the same information and process your weekly claim through the same channels. Filing online versus by phone will not process your claims any faster.

Both ArkNet and Arkline require a PIN. Once you have created a PIN on either system, you will use it to access both. You will also need your social security number, and birthdate when claiming by phone.

Both systems will give you information on your Unemployment Insurance Claim account, allow you to get payment information, and provide overall general information about Arkansas Unemployment Insurance topics.

ArkLine information: http://www.arkansas.gov/esd/UI/ArkLine.htm

Claim Denials or Discrepancies  

Most minor problems, such as missing information or address corrections, that occur during the claims process can be handled by contacting your local Department of Workforce Services office either by phone or in person. Denials and other major discrepancies should be appealed to the Arkansas Appeal Tribunal. It is important that your report any discrepancies to the department within 20 days of the date listed on your determination letter.

All appeals must be filed in writing, either by fax, postal mail, or in person at your local DWS office. Once your appeal is filed, you will receive a Notice of Hearing letter via postal mail. 

Appeals Process for Denied Claims

All Unemployment Insurance appeals must be filed within 20 working days of the date on the Notice of Monetary Determination. The fastest and easiest way to file an appeal with the Arkansas Appeal Tribunal is by going directly to your local Department of Workforce Services office.

Appeals not submitted at your local Department can be submitted via mail or fax. Whatever method you choose, you must include your name, social security number, and a copy of the determination in question. This can be done in the form of a letter with attached necessary documentation, or by using the "Petition for Appeal to Appeal Tribunal" form. These forms are available at your local Department of Workforce Services office or the Appeal Tribunal Office.

When you mail or fax your appeal, the postmark or fax date-stamp must be within the 20-day limit to file or it will be automatically denied.

If you are appealing a current unemployment insurance claim, you must continue to claim weekly benefits even during the appeals process in order to receive credit for any disputed claim weeks or amounts.

Appeal Hearings

Hearings are conducted by phone or in person at a local Department of Workforce Services office. Complicated or difficult appeals might be heard at the Appeals Tribunal in Little Rock, Arkansas.

All concerned persons will receive notice via mail of the time and date of the set hearing. Hearings are scheduled at their earliest convenience. Although phone hearings are more common, you, or any involved party, has the right to request an in-person hearing. However, in-person hearings may prolong the process due to many possible outstanding circumstances in regards to scheduling and travel for all persons needing to be present at the hearing.

You will have the opportunity to present any and all evidence to support your claim against determinations made concerning your unemployment insurance benefits claim. If, after the hearing has been decided, you disagree with the judgement, you can appeal that decision at a higher level to the Board of Review.

If you appeal to the Board of Review, you have 20 working days from the date of the final judgement of your hearing.

Office of Appeals Contact Information

Appeal Tribunal

P.O. Box 8013

Little Rock, AR 72203

Fax: 1-(501)-682-7734