How Much Unemployment Pays in Arkansas
How Arkansas calculates weekly unemployment benefits, the current minimum and maximum, and how many weeks you can collect.
Short answer: Your weekly benefit amount is figured from your base period wages and shown on the Monetary Determination mailed to you after you file. The highest weekly benefit paid in Arkansas is $451. Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, Unemployment Insurance Handbook (2026), Amount of UI Benefits
| Weekly benefit amount | Your weekly benefit amount is figured from your base period wages and shown on the Monetary Determination mailed to you after you file. The highest weekly benefit paid in Arkansas is $451. The department's FAQ gives the minimum weekly benefit as $81 (stated for federal-employee claims). The U.S. Department of Labor's July 2026 summary lists $81 to $451, figured as 1/26 of the average of the four base-period quarters. |
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| How many weeks | Up to 12 weeks per claim. Act 196 of 2023 reduced the maximum from 16 to 12 weeks for initial claims filed on or after January 1, 2024. Your Monetary Determination shows how many weeks you can receive. |
| Waiting week | Yes. The first eligible week of your claim is an unpaid waiting week. You must still meet the eligibility requirements and certify for that week. |
Where to get help in Arkansas
More Arkansas unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Arkansas Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Arkansas
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Arkansas
- Unemployment After Quitting in Arkansas
- How to File for Unemployment in Arkansas
- All Arkansas unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
How much is unemployment in Arkansas?
Your weekly benefit amount is figured from your base period wages and shown on the Monetary Determination mailed to you after you file. The highest weekly benefit paid in Arkansas is $451.
How long can you get unemployment in Arkansas?
Up to 12 weeks per claim. Act 196 of 2023 reduced the maximum from 16 to 12 weeks for initial claims filed on or after January 1, 2024. Your Monetary Determination shows how many weeks you can receive.
Is there a waiting week for unemployment in Arkansas?
Yes. The first eligible week of your claim is an unpaid waiting week. You must still meet the eligibility requirements and certify for that week.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.