What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Arkansas?

$451 a week as of July 1, 2026; the minimum is $81.

How many weeks of unemployment can you get in Arkansas?

Up to 12 weeks (9-12 weeks depending on base-period wages).

Does Arkansas have a waiting week for unemployment?

Yes. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week.

How do I file for unemployment in Arkansas?

File an initial claim with the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services at https://dws.arkansas.gov/workforce-services/unemployment/.

Arkansas unemployment benefits

In Arkansas, unemployment benefits last up to 12 weeks and pay up to $451 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is an unpaid waiting week, and you file with the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services.

By Justin KullaLast updated October 6, 2026

Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.

File a claim with the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services →

Arkansas benefits at a glance

Arkansas unemployment insurance facts, with sources
Maximum weekly benefit	$451source, July 1, 2026
Minimum weekly benefit	$81source, July 1, 2026
Maximum weeks of benefits	12 weeks (9-12 weeks depending on base-period wages)source, July 1, 2026
Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate	Nosource, July 1, 2026
Unpaid waiting week	Yessource, October 6, 2026
Severance pay	All benefits are denied for the week the payment is received.source, January 1, 2023
Pay in lieu of notice	All benefits are denied for the week the payment is received.source, January 1, 2023
Work-search requirement	Claimants must complete at least 2 work search activities per week. The number depends on geography, labor market, union hall membership, or other factors.source, January 1, 2023
Extended benefits	Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026
How to file	the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services source, October 6, 2026

Weekly amounts exclude dependents’ allowances. Severance, pay in lieu of notice and work-search entries dated January 1, 2023 come from the Department of Labor’s latest Comparison of State UI Laws, which reflects state law on that date; confirm them with the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services.

Severance and unemployment in Arkansas

Severance pay: All benefits are denied for the week the payment is received.

Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): All benefits are denied for the week the payment is received.

File as soon as you are out of work even if you received severance. The agency decides how payments affect your claim, and most states pay only from the week you file.

Local workforce boards in Arkansas

Public workforce boards run American Job Centers, which offer free help with job search, training and benefits.

If you’re a laid-off professional

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws and Comparison of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, the DOL Extended Benefits trigger notice, and the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services. Where official sources disagree or a figure could not be confirmed, this page says to check with the agency rather than estimate. Rules change; the agency’s decision on your claim is what counts. See our editorial standards.