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 is Here for You and Your Family
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) is the State of Arizona’s human services agency with more than 40 different programs and services for individuals and families in need of support. In coordination with other state agencies and community partners, we work together to provide critical and essential services to all Arizonans.
Many lives have been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and our community partners are here to serve you during this critical time. The sections below outline our programs and services. Under orders from the Governor, DES services are considered essential services, which means DES will continue to stay open to serve Arizonans in need. The public is encouraged to access DES services online or by phone to continue social distancing, but select offices will remain open for those who cannot access services virtually.
Learn how to protect yourself and stop the spread of COVID-19.
Unemployment Insurance
The Unemployment Insurance Benefit Program is a nationwide program created to provide a temporary source of income for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, while they conduct an active search for work. Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of COVID-19. The amount of the benefit will vary based upon the amount of money that the individual has previously earned.
State and federal legislation expands Unemployment Insurance and eligibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about what this means for you by reviewing the resources listed below.
- To file for unemployment insurance benefits, visit www.azui.gov and click on the button titled “Apply for UI Benefits.”
- To submit an application by phone, please call 1 (877) 600-2722.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides benefits to individuals who are historically ineligible for regular unemployment benefits. To learn more about PUA, visit the PUA webpage.
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) is a temporary federal program that provides 13 weeks of additional unemployment benefits to qualified individuals whose regular unemployment benefits were exhausted on or after July 6, 2019. You must wait for your regular unemployment benefits to expire before applying for PEUC. Learn more by visiting the PEUC page.
Unemployment Relief for Workers Affected by COVID-19
The federal CARES Act that was signed into law March 27, 2020, provides enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits for Arizonans. Click the charts to learn more.
Resources for UI
- How To File An Unemployment Insurance Claim video
- How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits video
- What to Expect after Applying for Unemployment Benefits video
In light of COVID mitigation strategies, DES is not encouraging individuals to visit the offices mentioned in the video.
Shared Work Program
In response to impacts of COVID-19, DES has revised the Shared Work program to provide maximum flexibility to support employers facing labor cuts and expedite economic recovery. The DES Shared Work program provides an alternative for employers faced with a reduction in force by allowing businesses to divide available work or hours among affected employees in lieu of layoffs. Participating employees are also eligible for partial Unemployment Assistance while working reduced hours.
ARIZONA @ WORK
ARIZONA @ WORK offers no-cost workforce readiness services to help job seekers get back to work and help employers hire and retain the best labor force for their needs. Learn more about job search services, resume support and training opportunities.
Check ARIZONA @ WORK for an expansive list of employers who are hiring immediately. DES is also hiring for many job openings across the state.
2-1-1 COVID-19 Hotline
This new hotline will serve as an entry point to any questions and concerns you have about COVID-19, including:
- How to prepare for and prevent COVID-19 spread
- What to do if an individual gets sick
- A list of websites with accurate, reliable and up-to-date information.
- And more
Call 2-1-1 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day of the week.
Cash, Medical and Nutritional Assistance
DES is committed to providing assistance to Arizona communities during the COVID-19 outbreak to meet their basic needs. Apply for Nutrition, Cash and Medical Assistance online or call (855) 432-7587.
The DES Coordinated Hunger Relief Program partners with regional food banks to provide food to individuals in need.
- View the April 2020 Statistical Bulletin for SNAP and TANF Case Data.
Developmental Disabilities
The DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is working with AHCCCS and providers who support our members to ensure the continued delivery of services. DDD has taken several actions to facilitate service delivery while Arizona deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Arizona Early Intervention Program knows our services are critical to the families we serve, and we want to make sure every family is supported with the continuity of their child’s necessary services. Alternative service delivery methods are currently allowed for children receiving services within our program.
Mortgage Assistance
There are hardship programs in place to help homeowners who have been directly or indirectly affected by the coronavirus and are struggling to make their mortgage payments. The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, encourages homeowners adversely impacted by the coronavirus who are having difficulty paying their mortgages to reach out to their mortgage servicers as soon as possible. You can find the number for your mortgage servicer on your monthly mortgage statement or coupon book.
Child Support
The Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) provides services to parents and caretakers who receive child support as well as parents who pay child support. Some of the services include obtaining or modifying a child support order, collecting child, medical and spousal support from parents who have a court order, and helping unwed parents establish paternity for their child.
Resources:
View the frequently asked questions on:
Arizona Together
The State of Arizona and its community partners are committed to making sure you have access to the resources you need as we work to get our state through the COVID-19 outbreak. We’re in this together.
Additional community partners across the state have a wide variety of services available to assist families. Browse through dozens of organizations by service type to see how they may be able to serve you.
- March 11, 2020
Governor Doug Ducey issued a Declaration of Emergency and an Executive Order regarding the COVID-19 outbreak in Arizona. This action will provide health officials and administrators with tools and guidance necessary to combat the continued spread of COVID-19 and to reduce financial burdens on Arizonans by lowering healthcare costs associated with the virus. - March 30, 2020
Governor Doug Ducey issued a Stay-at-Home order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning April 1, 2020 through April 30, 2020. Under previous orders from the Governor, DES services are considered essential services, which means DES will continue to stay open to serve Arizonans in need. The public is encouraged to access DES services online or by phone to continue social distancing, but offices will remain open for those who cannot access services virtually.
Do you have a question about COVID-19? Go to the webform and submit your question to DES
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