Arkansas Unemployment Insurance

The Unemployment Insurance program is presided by the Department of Workforce Services Benefits Provisions of Arkansas. It is an insurance program intended to protect workers from loss of income when they are separated from employment through no fault of their own. Any benefits claimed through the Unemployment Insurance program is considered taxable income, and recipients must claim benefit amounts on their federal income tax return.

When you submit an application to claim unemployment benefits, you may opt to have 10 percent of federal income tax withheld. You may change your withholding status one time during your Benefit Year. Claimants will receive an IRS form 1099-G from the Department of Workforce Services in late January detailing all benefit amounts collected over the previous year.

Unemployment Benefits are paid by employers with one or more employees in the form of a tax on the payroll. Employees do not pay unemployment insurance tax in the state of Arkansas.

Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance in Arkansas are filed either online using the EZARK system, in person at a local Department of Workforce Services Office, or by mail. To submit claims by mail, application forms are obtainable online in printable PDF format, or in any public building throughout the state.

For information on locations and contacting the Department of Workforce Services, please refer to the Unemployment Office section below.