Arizona Extends Unemployment Benefits by 13 Weeks

Some Arizonans who have used up their regular unemployment benefits can get more relief through a 13-week extension, the state Department of Economic Security said. 

The agency announced the move in a press release Friday.

Most individuals won’t be eligible for the extended benefits yet, DES said. But once they have exhausted the regular benefits and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, they will be notified when they can apply for the extension.


The state triggered the extra benefits by meeting three requirements, although it only needs to reach one.

An extra $600 in national pandemic-related unemployment benefits comes off the table at the end of this week, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was prepared to roll out a $1 trillion package in a matter of days.

The package from McConnell had been quietly crafted behind closed doors for weeks. It was expected to include $75 billion to help schools reopen, reduced unemployment benefits alongside a fresh round of direct $1,200 cash payments to Americans, and a sweeping five-year liability shield against coronavirus lawsuits.

Click here to read the full press release from DES.