How to file for unemployment in Arizona

The online claim is usually the fastest way. Here is what to have ready, when your claim starts and what comes after you file.

All about unemployment in Arizona

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Filing, step by step

Apply online on the DES website (the fastest way), or by phone at 1-877-600-2722 (602-364-2722 in Maricopa County, 520-791-2722 in Tucson). You can also fill out the paper application (UIB-1272A, in English or Spanish) and mail it to DES. ARIZONA@WORK centers offer free computer access and help.

When to file and when your claim starts

Apply as soon as you can after your last day of work. Benefits do not go back to before you apply.

What to have ready

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your mailing address and county
  • Your driver's license or state ID number
  • Names, addresses and phone numbers of all employers in the last 18 months, your last day of work and your pay before deductions
  • The date and amount of any severance, vacation, holiday or unused sick pay
  • Your union hall name and local number, if you have one
  • The start date and monthly amount of any pension (not Social Security)
  • Your Alien Registration Number, if you have one
  • Military in the last 18 months: DD-214. Federal civilian work: SF-8 or SF-50

Certify (claim your weeks)

How often: Weekly. File a weekly claim online every week, even while DES is still deciding your claim or an issue is pending. Report all earnings, including part-time work.

Register for work

You must register for work with the employment service. If you apply online, this is done as part of your application; if you apply by phone, mail or email, you must register separately.

Arizona Job Connection

Paper forms

Law: A.R.S. 23-771(A)(1), 23-772

Official source: Source page

What applies in every state

  • File with the unemployment program of the state where you worked. If you worked in another state or in several states, the agency in the state where you live now can tell you how to file with other states.
  • It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to get your first payment. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week you claim is the first week paid.

Free help

Call 1-877-600-2722. Legal aid and other free help in Arizona → Official sources →

More questions about unemployment in Arizona

Is there a waiting week in Arizona?

Yes. Your first eligible week of unemployment is an unpaid waiting week. You must meet all the rules that week, but you are not paid for it.