Arizona pays out nearly $27-million in unemployment benefits
Weekly claims continue to break records
PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) says this week it paid out $2.69 million in unemployment benefits to those who lost their jobs due to coronavirus.
In total, DES says it paid out $55-million in claims on Monday. Those benefits included the weekly $600 supplement provide through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
DES is dealing with an unprecedented number of new claims. Take a look at the change in traffic the agency has seen in less than a month:
| March 14, 2020 | April 11, 2020 |
| 3,844 Initial claims | 95,382 Initial claims |
| 17,595 Continued claims | 164,483 Continued claims |
| 3,400 Calls answered | 22,000 Calls Answered (highest on record) |
“We know from these numbers that this is an extremely challenging time for Arizonans, and the Department of Economic Security is working hard to process unemployment claims as quickly as possible,” said Tom Betlach, from the DES.
“We are paying out higher numbers each week and this will only continue as we enhance our systems and scale our staff.” Betlach adds.
[Helpful Link: Unemployment Resources]
DES call centers will begin accepting calls on Sundays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning April 26 to further increase capacity and assist more Arizonans. That number is (877) 600-2722. In spite of the extended hours, the agency warns, callers should expect extended wait times.
It urges claimants to file on line whenever possible. You can do so by visiting the DES website.
