Get Ready to Apply

The average unemployment application takes 60 minutes to complete. Below is some additional information to prepare you for applying for unemployment benefits. Learn more about how to apply before getting started.

Eligibility Requirements

The Division of Reemployment will review your claim to determine if you are eligible for benefits. We look at these criteria:

How much did you work in the 12-18 months before filing your claim? 

This period is your base period. These wages are reported by your employer through their taxes during this period. This will determine if you have enough wages to set up a claim and how much you could receive in benefits.

Why are you no longer working for your past employer?

The reason you are no longer working helps determine if you may receive benefits. Below are some examples of separation reasons and if you could receive benefits based on these reasons or not. 

Are you able and available to work? In order to receive benefits, you must be:

• Looking for work.
• Able to work (this means both mentally and physically).
• Legally allowed to work in the United States. o Have no barriers that would prevent you from being able to begin work. 

You may receive benefits if you:

• Were laid off or your hours were reduced by your employer.
• Left your last job and can show it was for good cause related to the job (such as unsafe working conditions).
• Are unemployed because you or your child were victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.  

You may not be eligible if you:

• Left your job for personal reasons not related to work.
• Were fired for misconduct.
• Are not legally allowed to work in the United States.
• Are currently receiving workers’ compensation.
• Refusing to apply for or accept suitable work.
• Did not complete and report your required work search activities.
• Refusing a recall after being laid off.
• Are on leave through the Family Medical Leave Act (you are not considered unemployed). 

What You’ll Need to Apply

You will need:

• Your Social Security Number OR Alien Identification Number or registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
• Your mailing and physical address
• Your telephone number
• Your last employer’s name and address
• The name and number of your labor union if you find work through a union
• Your bank routing number and account number to set up direct deposit. If you do not choose direct deposit, your benefits will be paid on a US Bank Reliacard issued by ADWS.

Situations that May Change Your Eligibility

Other types of income can affect your benefits. Also, there may be deductions from your benefits which may keep you from getting your full weekly benefit amount.

Receiving Other Income

Receipt of earnings or other income can affect the amount of benefits received.

Full-Time Work

Cannot collect benefits if working full time. Full time work is defined as 40 hours each week.

Part-Time Work

You may earn up to 40% of your weekly benefit amount without any effect on your benefits. If your gross earnings equal or exceed 140% of your weekly benefit amount, they are considered excessive.

Self-employed Work

If you are self-employed, you may still receive benefits. You must report all hours worked, even if you were not paid for that work during the week. You must also report your gross pay, minus any legitimate business expenses.

Other Types of Income

Income from other sources like vacation time, sick leave, bonuses and pension may impact your benefit amount. Report this income when you apply.

• Report vacation, PTO, and sick leave for the week you took the time off, even if you are paid for it later.
• Report bonus pay for the week you receive it.
• Report commission for the week you earn it. If the amount is unknown, report it as bonus pay for the week you receive it.
• We will review severance or separation pay to decide which weeks it affects.
• We will review pension income to decide how it affects your benefits.

Refusing suitable work

If you refuse suitable work, a determination will be made to see if there was good cause for the refusal. Both you and the employer will receive questionnaires about the refusal.

Refusing to return to work

A determination will have to be made on the reason you refused to return to work. Questionnaires will be sent to you and the employer regarding the refusal to return to work.

On leave covered by Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

You are not considered unemployed while taking leave covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act. Arkansas law designates any individual on FMLA is not considered unemployed regardless if they are receiving pay or not.

Full-Time Students

If you are attending school, you will be required to register for work for and actively search for work. If you receive a job offer, you must accept immediately (even if it means you have to drop classes).

Deductions from Benefits

Money owed: some or all unemployment benefits may be reduced if you:

• Owe child support
• Previously received UI benefits to which you are not entitled
• Request to have taxes withheld

Weekly Requirements to Get Benefits

After you apply for unemployment and file your claim, our agency will review your claim to determine if you get unemployment and let you know how much you may be eligible to get.

You must complete certain Weekly Requirements to get a payment for each week. These requirements include that you’re actively looking for work, remain unemployed, and that you certify and submit your gross earnings and work search activities each week.

Learn more about how to file your weekly certification.