State Unemployment Benefits in Arizona
The Arizona Department of Economic Security administers unemployment insurance through the CACTUS self-service portal. A week of benefits is payable only if the claimant was able to work and available for work that week, so nothing accrues for weeks after a death; anyone who receives benefits they are not entitled to is liable to repay DES. DES publishes no separate survivor procedure — the death is reported to the UI Call Center.
Administering agency
Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) — Unemployment Insurance
Authority
A.R.S. §§ 23-771, 23-787
State Unemployment Benefits in Arizona: key facts
- Administering agency
- Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Unemployment Insurance Administration.
- Claimant portal
- CACTUS at uibenefits.az.gov — the portal DES launched on September 7, 2025 for new claims, weekly certifications, appeals, and document uploads. It replaced AZUI.com.
- UI Call Center
- 1-877-600-2722 statewide; Phoenix (602) 364-2722; Tucson (520) 791-2722.
- Eligibility ends at death
- Benefits are payable for a week only if the claimant was able to work and available for work in that week (A.R.S. § 23-771(A)), so no benefits accrue for weeks after the date of death.
- Payments not owed
- Anyone who receives benefits they are not entitled to is liable to repay the overpaid amount to DES (A.R.S. § 23-787(A)).
Governing law: A.R.S. §§ 23-771, 23-787
When someone dies
Steps after a death in Arizona
3-step process for Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) — Unemployment Insurance.
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Sources
Data sourced from State Unemployment Benefits in Arizona primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) — Unemployment Insurance
Authority
A.R.S. §§ 23-771, 23-787