Unemployment if you quit or were fired in Arkansas

Quit, fired or refused work

If you quit

If you quit, you may get benefits only if you can show you left for good cause related to the job. Leaving for personal reasons not related to work is disqualifying. The Division of Reemployment decides after hearing from you and your employer.

Examples the state names:

• Unsafe working conditions
• You or your child were victims of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault

If you were fired

If you were fired for misconduct, you may not receive benefits. You can still be eligible if you were laid off or your hours were cut by your employer.

If benefits are denied for the separation

A disqualification for quitting without good cause or for misconduct continues until, after the disqualification starts, you have had at least 30 days of work covered by unemployment law in Arkansas, another state or the federal government.

Refusing work

If you fail without good cause to apply for or accept available suitable work, you are disqualified until you have had at least 30 days of covered work. Since January 1, 2024, failing without good cause and without notice to attend two scheduled job interviews with the same employer is also disqualifying, also until 30 days of covered work. Refusing a recall after a layoff can also stop benefits.

Law: Ark. Code Ann. secs. 11-10-513, 11-10-514, 11-10-515 (Act 453 of 2019; Act 106 of 2023)

Official source: Source page

You usually must be unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states this means you lost your job because there was not enough work.

Able, available and looking for work

Job contacts per week: 5

Unless you are excused, you must do at least five qualifying work search activities each week and report them in LAUNCH or on Arkline. Qualifying activities: applying for a job that fits your skills, a job interview, a job fair (only one per week counts), job skills training at an Arkansas Workforce Center, or training with an approved provider for an in-demand occupation. If you belong to a union or will start or return to full-time work within three weeks, email proof to ADWS.UI.Hotline@arkansas.gov.

Records to keep

Record your activities in LAUNCH (you can upload documents there). Work search reports are audited; inaccurate or incomplete activities can lead to an overpayment.

Law: Ark. Code Ann. sec. 11-10-507 (Act 587 of 2023); Ark. Code Ann. sec. 11 CAR sec. 1-104

Official source: Source page

To be paid for a week, you must be able to work, available to work and actively seeking work.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(12)

Noncitizens

What the state says

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need your Alien Identification or registration number to apply. You must be legally allowed to work in the United States to receive benefits.

Free help

Call 1-844-908-2178. Legal aid and other free help in Arkansas → Official sources →