Main menu

To protect taxpayer dollars from criminals and ensure Arizonans in need can access benefits in a timely manner, beginning this week, claimants filing initial claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) will need to verify their identities using ID.me’s safe and secure online portal before they can receive PUA benefits. Learn more.

States across the nation continue to see an extraordinary number of claims filed as a result of identity theft. DES has become aware that some Arizona residents are receiving notices and benefit cards at their address with the names of individuals who do not reside at that location. This is the result of criminals attempting to obtain funds from the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program by using randomly selected in-state addresses during the application process. More information regarding unemployment fraud can be found here. To report fraud, file a report online or call the DES Fraud Hotline at 1 (800) 251-2436.

DES Services Related to COVID-19

Office of Community Engagement

Español

The Office of Community Engagement (OCE) is composed of four specific areas serving as a bridge between human services providers, non-profit organizations, private entities, and communities throughout the state. To achieve this mission, the Office was strategically developed to include Community Engagement, Ombudsman, Volunteer Engagement Center, and Tribal Relations.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement programmatic Liaisons are committed to engaging partners with respect, compassion, and transparency to cultivate communication and strengthen internal and external relationships that will promote and improve the quality of human services. This is achieved through improving awareness of services provided by the Department, ensuring these services are accessible and efficient, increasing the public’s trust, and through partnerships with community organizations statewide.

Ombudsman

The Ombudsman offers assistance to clients who are experiencing issues with DES programs and services, and have been unable to work through the normal channels within the agency to address their concerns. In addition, the Ombudsman has broad powers to look into a situation and make recommendations. However, the Ombudsman does not have the authority to make or reverse a decision or to set policy.

Volunteer Engagement

The Volunteer Engagement Center strives to improve and promote the productivity and quality of services within the Department of Economic Security by meeting the demands for human services and resources through volunteerism.

Tribal Relations

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) recognizes the importance of highlighting its commitment, perspective and resources to serve as a focal point for bringing pertinent information to Arizona’s twenty-two (22) Federally-Recognized American Indian Tribes. The Office of Tribal Relations serves as the point of contact to address and assist with the needs of the Tribes on a variety of human services issues. We provide guidance, support, and suggestions to DES on policy issues with a specific focus to Tribal Government consultation and cultural awareness.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons that require a reasonable modification based on language or disability should submit a request as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the modification. The process for requesting a reasonable modification can be found at Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Modification.

Search form