1. The Division of Workforce Services began the process of modifying existing claims filing procedures to address a sudden surge in the number of workers who will need to file unemployment insurance claims and to simply the claims filing process.
2. These changes include offering additional ways for affected workers to file their unemployment claims. Any affected worker may file their unemployment insurance claim:
Online at www.ezarc.dws.arkansas.gov
By telephone by calling their nearest Arkansas Workforce Center directly or by calling
1- 855-225-4440.
In person by visiting their nearest Workforce Center. (sites are on the ADWS and AEDC website.
3. We are asking for your patience and understanding as we are experiencing delays in the EZARC online application system. Currently the hub is being saturated from all States, DC and Territories due to the COVID-19. This is unprecedented times but everything possible is being done to respond to all transactions. States are being asked to only enter a Social once and not several times.
4. By Monday, March 23, 2020, a Temporary Claims Processing Hotline will be available for affected workers who require assistance in filing their unemployment claims. The Temporary Claims Processing Hotline can be reached at 1-844-908-2178 or 501-534-6304. This hotline will ensure that ADWS can continue to provide timely and responsive services to our customers while minimizing the risk of potential exposure to COVID-19 by our customers and ADWS staff. These changes will result in enable Arkansans to file unemployment insurance claims, register for work, and seek job placement assistance in a timely manner while dispensing with the need for those customers to physically report to an Arkansas Workforce Center to file or manage their unemployment insurance claims.
5. To reduce service delays, individuals who have general questions regarding the unemployment insurance program are encouraged to visit www.dws.arkansas.gov first, in lieu of calling ADWS.
6. ADWS will continue to monitor federal legislation and the COVID-19 Pandemic and continue to reassess and refine program operations to best achieve the Unemployment Insurance program’s mission to provide rapid and accurate service to affected Arkansans.