Unemployment Insurance (Arkansas)
Last updated August 2026
If you lost your job through no fault of your own, file your Arkansas unemployment claim online through EZARC at ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov. The maximum weekly benefit is $451, and benefits are payable for only up to 12 weeks per claim, one of the shortest durations in the nation. Your monetary determination states your exact amount and duration.
Because the window is so short, plan from day one. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week: you must still meet all the requirements for it, but you receive no payment.
Your amount comes from your work history. Monetary eligibility is based on wages during your base period, the 12 to 18 months before you file, as reported by your employers. You must also be able and available to work and meet the work-history and job-separation rules.
The weekly routine keeps benefits flowing. You must complete and report weekly work-search activities as part of each weekly certification, filed in Launch or by phone on Arkline, and those records can be audited.
Report earnings honestly. Any gross earnings from work during a claimed week must be reported for that week, and weeks run Sunday through Saturday. You can certify weekly by phone on Arkline at 1-501-907-2590 during its posted hours.
With only 12 weeks and a $451 ceiling, stacking support is essential. SNAP catches many households, ARHOME and ARKids keep the family insured, and 2-1-1 knows which local funds bridge rent between jobs. Payment comes by direct deposit or a ReliaCard Visa.
Phone 1-844-908-2178
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Enough recent work and wages in Arkansas, and you lost the job through no fault of your own
- You must file weekly certifications and stay able, available, and actively looking for work while you claim
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
File your initial claim online through EZARC at ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov.
- 2
Expect an unpaid waiting week before any payment.
- 3
Complete and record weekly work-search activities.
- 4
Certify each week in Launch or by phone on Arkline (1-501-907-2590).
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much is Arkansas unemployment?
Up to $451 a week, based on your base-period wages. Your exact amount is on your monetary determination.
How long do benefits last?
Only up to 12 weeks per claim, one of the shortest durations in the nation. A figure of 16 weeks sometimes cited is out of date.
Is there a waiting week?
Yes. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week; you must meet all requirements but receive no payment for it.
How do I file and certify?
File your initial claim through EZARC online, then certify weekly in Launch or by phone on Arkline at 1-501-907-2590.
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