This week marks the launch of our #EmployArizona campaign highlighting the myriad of workforce services available to job seekers. As opportunity continues to surge within the job market, DES and ARIZONA@WORK are helping job seekers engage with employers and find the right fit for fulfilling and successful careers.
Arizona is leading the way when it comes to attracting new business and expanding operations. According to a recent study conducted by the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the state’s growth is expected to outpace the nation by nearly 550,000 new jobs between 2019 and 2029, led by the health services and education sectors. Our partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority gives us insight into the industries that are hiring now, so we can forge pathways for job seekers to break into these in-demand fields.
With services ranging from resume building to training/certifications and job search assistance, we are here to help guide individuals to a path to self-sufficiency. Throughout the campaign, we will highlight hiring events, open positions for in-demand industries, training and apprenticeships, and testimonials to show how we can help job seekers find their calling. #EmployArizona is more than just finding a job; it’s about helping job seekers bridge the gap that leads to the best opportunity. Virtual appointments with employment specialists are available to meet the specific needs of job seekers. Appointments can be scheduled online at workappointment.azdes.gov or by calling 1-833-762-8196. Together, we are not just building Arizona’s economic future, we’re building the future of Arizona families.
On May 13, 2021, Governor Doug Ducey and DES announced Arizona's Back To Work Program to help individuals transition from unemployment and return to the workforce. With our economy on the rebound, the demand for assistance within our communities has declined, with nearly 75,000 fewer weekly claims filed the week ending July 3, 2021, compared to the week ending May 15, 2021, when the announcement was made.
With the new Back to Work Program in place, Arizona will stop administering the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) supplemental benefit effective Saturday, July 10, 2021. Eligible claimants will continue to receive their weekly benefit amount for either regular Unemployment Insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) without the additional $300.
To help make the transition back to work easier for unemployment claimants, Arizona will be providing Return-to-Work Bonuses (RTWB), for claimants who have reentered the workforce to apply beginning next week available on our website. The State has set aside $300 million of federal resources to distribute bonuses on a first-come, first-served basis--so if you believe you are eligible, don’t delay your application! Ahead of the launch, you can check your eligibility.
Eligible individuals can apply to receive a $2,000 RTWB after working the equivalent of eight 40-hour weeks (320 hours) or more over ten weeks since returning to work (between May 13 and September 6, 2021) OR eligible individuals can apply to receive the $1,000 RTWB after working the equivalent of eight 20-hour weeks (160 hours) or more over ten weeks since returning to work (between May 13 and September 6, 2021).
In addition to the RTWBs, claimants who are returning to work can also apply for the Child Care Returning Workers Program by visiting the DES Child Care Assistance website anytime through September 6, 2021. The State will provide three months of child care assistance for individuals with children who return to work after receiving unemployment benefits. Individuals who received unemployment benefits before or after, but NOT during the benefit week ending May 8, 2021 or May 15, 2021, are not eligible for this program. However, they may apply for regular Child Care Assistance.
We look forward to continuing to support Arizona’s economic rebound, and its continued growth, together.
Michael Wisehart
07/08/2021