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The state of Arkansas offers unemployment insurance to those who have lost their job in the state of Arkansas through the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services.  The state of Arkansas requires that you fill out your initial unemployment application form in person.  Once you file in person and your application is approved, you can receive weekly payments over the phone.  Here are the steps.

Visit your Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS) Local office and fill out your initial application for unemployment insurance benefits.  To expedite the process, you can print the form from the ADWS website and fill out the information before visiting the local office.

Fill out the unemployment application insurance application form with the following information: name, social security number, address, phone number, birthdate, last employer name, last employer address, last employer phone, start and end date of your work at your last employer, and reason for separation from your last employer.  You will also need to answer a series of Yes/No questions to determine you are eligible for benefits. 

If you are eligible for benefits and your application is approved, you can file for weekly payments over the phone by calling ArkLine, the Arkansas automated telephone system at 1-501-907-2590.  It is available on Sundays from 12 PM to 6 PM and on weekdays from 6 AM to 6 PM.  You will need to enter your social security number and your PIN to login and then answer questions using your touchtone phone. 

If you are approved for unemployment benefits and would rather file your weekly claim in person, you can do so at your ADWS local office.  However, it is recommended that you file for your payment using ArkLine since you will receive your payments faster.

To continue to receive weekly benefits in the state of Arkansas, you must actively be searching for a job and be in contact with your assigned work search contacts.

If you have further questions, please contact your local ADWS office.