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Arkansas Unemployment Benefits

Arkansas provides up to $451/week in unemployment benefits for 12 weeks. Benefits are calculated using 1/26 of average quarterly wages in base period (total base period wages / 104).

Why It Matters

Understanding Arkansas's unemployment benefits helps you plan financially during job transitions, know what income replacement to expect, and ensure you file correctly to receive your full entitled benefit.

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How It Works

Arkansas calculates your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) using 1/26 of average quarterly wages in base period (total base period wages / 104). Benefits range from $81 to $451 per week for up to 12 weeks. There is a 1-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin. Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS) administers the program.

Example

$50,000/year worker • Equal quarterly wages • 2026

Weekly

$451

benefit amount

Duration

12 wks

fixed

Total

$5,412

max benefits

Resources

Arkansas Unemployment Benefits - Official Filing Portal

Official Arkansas unemployment insurance filing portal administered by Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS).

Source: Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS)

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for unemployment in Arkansas?

To qualify in Arkansas, you must have earned sufficient wages during your base period, been separated from work through no fault of your own, and be able and available for work. You must also meet ongoing work search requirements.

How long do unemployment benefits last in Arkansas?

Arkansas provides up to 12 weeks of unemployment benefits for eligible workers.

How much unemployment will I get in Arkansas?

Arkansas calculates your weekly benefit using the formula: 1/26 of average quarterly wages in base period (total base period wages / 104). The maximum weekly benefit is $451 and the minimum is $81.

Key Terms

Base Period
The time period used to calculate your unemployment benefits, typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
Benefit Duration
The maximum number of weeks you can collect unemployment benefits in a benefit year.
Earnings Disregard
The amount of part-time earnings you can keep without reducing your unemployment benefit.
Federal Unemployment Tax Act
The federal law imposing a payroll tax on employers to fund the unemployment insurance system.
Partial Unemployment
Working reduced hours while collecting a portion of your unemployment benefits.
State Unemployment Tax Act
State-level payroll taxes on employers that fund the state unemployment insurance trust fund.
Unemployment Insurance
A joint federal-state safety net program providing temporary income to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Waiting Period
The unpaid first week after filing an unemployment claim before benefits begin.
Weekly Benefit Amount
The dollar amount you receive each week in unemployment benefits.
Work Search Requirements
Activities you must complete each week to maintain unemployment benefit eligibility.

Last reviewed: 2027-07-01 • Applies to tax year: 2026