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Dear Friend,

The CARES Act, which I supported, included over $250 billion for expanded unemployment insurance (UI) for the many workers negatively impacted by COVID-19.

In Arkansas, UI is administered by the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS). They can be reached at https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/ and 1-855-225-4440. (Please note, they are experiencing a high call volume.)

ADWS has had a significant influx of new UI claims, and in response they have increased the number of employees in their call center and updated their IT capacity. In this unprecedented situation, Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston is moving as quickly as he can to distribute the much-needed relief provided by Congress.

To qualify for UI, individuals must be out of work through no fault of their own, including lay-offs and furlough. Eligibility will be denied to individuals who quit their jobs in order to receive assistance.

Benefits are available for self-employed workers, workers who are partially employed, workers with limited work history, and workers who are not able to telework and are not receiving any form of paid leave. However, this will take an additional few weeks due to delayed guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor. Sen. Boozman, Rep. Womack, Rep. Crawford, Rep. Westerman, and I asked the Labor Department to expedite these guidelines. Payments will be backdated.

As I learn more, I will update you. Please contact me at (501) 324-5941 or at Hill.House.Gov if I can help.

Please know that these resources will become available and help is on the way.

Sincerely,