Ducey Signs Legislation To Expand Access To Unemployment Benefits

PHOENIX⁠ — On Friday, Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation, S.B. 1694, which expands access to unemployment benefits for Arizonans affected by COVID-19 by waiving certain Arizona Department of Economic Security eligibility requirements.

The legislation will make more Arizonans eligible for unemployment benefits during the outbreak. It also aligns Arizona eligibility requirements with federal guidance for individuals and employers directly affected by COVID-19.

While Unemployment Insurance is typically only available to individuals who have lost their job, this bill expands eligibility to individuals in the following situations:

Individuals who are not receiving wages due to their workplace closing due to COVID-19 — even if the individual intends to go back to work when the business reopens;

Individuals who are following directives to self-quarantine and intend to return to work;

Individuals who leave employment to care for a family member.

This legislation applies retroactively to March 10, 2020.

The legislation passed the Arizona Legislature on March 23 with unanimous support.

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