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Reviewed October 1, 2026

Unemployment Insurance (Arkansas)

Arkansas unemployment claims begin through EZARC, followed by identity verification and weekly claims. The Division of Workforce Services reviews eligibility rather than treating an initial submission as payment approval.

Who can apply

['Applicants must satisfy wage and job-separation rules and the weekly conditions. These include being able and available for suitable work and making the required effort to find work.', 'Disqualifying circumstances can affect a claim. Tell the agency accurately why employment ended and disclose work, earnings or other relevant changes.']

What help is available

Approved benefits are paid for eligible claimed weeks. The state identifies a waiting week before payable benefits. Review the determination rather than relying on an older online amount estimate.

Documents to prepare

Prepare identification, contact details, employment history and separation information. Keep wage records and the weekly work-search log. Follow the filing system’s exact verification prompts and retain the confirmation.

How to get started

  1. Open the state unemployment claims page and follow its EZARC initial-claim link.
  2. Complete the claim, then use the Verify Identity link on the confirmation page for the available verification choices.
  3. Register for work as instructed and use the state’s File a Weekly Claim option for continued filings.

After applying

Read all notices and complete any required reemployment assessment. Report earnings and keep weekly records. For assistance, the state service center is 1-844-908-2178. Use the appeal instructions if a determination appears incorrect.

Website screenshots

These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.

The Arkansas EZARC unemployment claim portal.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services unemployment page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.

Common questions

Is identity verification separate from filing?

Yes. The claims page describes a Verify Identity link after the initial claim.

Do I need to file every week?

Yes. Use the state’s weekly-claim instructions after opening the claim.

Is there a waiting week?

The state identifies one waiting week before benefits become payable, subject to the claim’s eligibility.

Who can help with a claim?

Contact the Division of Workforce Services service center at 1-844-908-2178.

Sources and review

Historical screenshots: source reference.