In May 2021, Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) announced the Back to Work Program. This initiative was designed to support unemployment claimants re-engage with the growing economy as we rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through expanded Child Care Assistance, education incentives and Return-to-Work Bonuses (RTWBs), the State has been able to support tens of thousands of individuals eager to work as they reentered the workforce. As of December 15, 2021, more than $41 million in RTWBs have been issued to nearly 21,000 individuals, with an additional 8,000 applications awaiting further information from applicants.