UPDATE: PUA claimants who were not able to certify for eligible weeks prior to April 19 are now able to file for eligible weeks back to their last date of employment (but no earlier than February 2). Individuals must file weekly PUA certifications for each week for which they are claiming eligibility for benefits, including retroactive certifications back to their last date of employment. Individuals who have already received the initial phase of payment will not see the option to certify for the three weeks for which they have already been paid. File weekly certifications at https://pua.azdes.gov.
UPDATE: Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides an extension of unemployment benefits, will be available in Arizona June 6.
Due to scheduled maintenance, des.az.gov and web applications with the domain “azdes.gov” will be unavailable 10:00 p.m. Thursday, June 4 to 1:00 a.m. Friday, June 5. Thank you for your understanding.
Michael Wisehart, Director
Michael Wisehart is an experienced leader with 20 years of progressive responsibility overseeing human services programs within the Department of Economic Security. He is passionately committed to improving the lives of Arizonans across all walks of life. Mr. Wisehart currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services, and has previously served in a similar role in the Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility overseeing the SNAP and Cash Assistance programs in Arizona. Over the course of his career, Mr. Wisehart has served in a variety of other positions within DES including as the Chief Financial Officer during the Great Recession.
Playing key roles within DES during both the COVID-19 pandemic and the prior recession, Mr. Wisehart is a strong problem-solver and collaborative leader, focused on supporting Arizonans in need while recognizing the important fiduciary responsibility of the Department. He is a champion for process improvement and staff development and will focus on community partnerships and improving the customer experience for DES clients and stakeholders.
A native Arizonan, Mr. Wisehart has both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Arizona State University. He is the proud father of two amazing boys.
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