Extended Unemployment Benefits

Arizona has an unemployment rate of 8.9%. If you’re one of the people who have been relying on unemployment insurance to pay some bills, you are naturally worried about what you’re going to do after it runs out. Thanks to legislation enacted on April 24, 2009, Arizona will pay up to 13 weeks of Extended Benefits (EB) once you’ve used up your unemployment insurance and emergency unemployment compensation benefits.

In order to receive EB, you must apply for it. When your receive you information in the mail, make sure to read it thoroughly. The requirements for EB are different than the requirements for receiving regular Arizona unemployment benefits. For example, you must look for work more than one day of the week. You need to provide written evidence of your job search contacts every week. If you do not file the requirements for EB, you could lose your benefits.

The extension of Arizona unemployment benefits applies to you if you’ve had a claim for normal unemployment insurance and have used received your last payment. It also applies if you if you do not qualify for a new, normal claim for unemployment insurance and your benefit year has expired. To remain eligible, you must be available to work, do your best to find a new job, and you must report any earnings.

If you have exhausted your benefits, visit www.AZUI.com to apply. The system is available from 12:01 AM Sunday to 5:30 PM Friday Mountain Standard Time. If your benefit year has ended and you don’t qualify for a new Arizona unemployment benefit, you must apply through the ARRA Telephone System. If you’re in the Phoenix area, dial (602) 364-2722 and in the Tucson area, dial (520) 792-2722. In other areas, use the toll-free number of 1-877-600-2722. The ARRA center is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM Mountain Standard Time.

If you are unemployed in Arizona and have been collecting unemployment benefits, it is worth your while to apply for extended benefits. That way, you can have money in the bank to pay your bills while you search for a meaningful new job.