Job Loss Support and Unemployment Help for Single Mothers in Arkansas
Job Loss Support & Unemployment Help for Single Mothers in Arkansas
Last updated: September 2025
This is a practical, step‑by‑step hub for Arkansas single moms who lost work or have been unemployed for a while. Every link below takes you straight to the official application, phone number, or policy page you need.
If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take
- File your Arkansas unemployment claim now: Start your initial claim through EZARC (online UI application); if you can’t get online, call the UI Service Center at 1-844-908-2178 during business hours. Filing immediately protects your “claim week” and your pay start date. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Submit your weekly claim every week: Use ArkNet (weekly certification) or call ArkLine (phone claims) at 1-501-907-2590 during posted hours; missing even one week can delay or forfeit benefits. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Stop a utility shutoff today: Call your utility and say you’re applying for LIHEAP energy help, ask for a medical-need hold if applicable under Arkansas Public Service Commission protections, and request a short payment arrangement while LIHEAP processes. (adeq.state.ar.us)
Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy
- UI Service Center (claims support): 1-844-908-2178 — Contact Unemployment Services page for hours and options; use Arkansas Claim Help if you get stuck. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Appeals (if denied): Appeal Tribunal 501-682-1063 — mail appeals to “Arkansas Appeal Tribunal, PO Box 8013, Little Rock, AR 72203”; see Appealing UI Determination for steps. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Find a local Workforce Center: Use the Workforce Centers & Boards map to locate in‑person help; check hours and contact on each office page. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Arkansas LAUNCH job portal: Create a profile on LAUNCH for Jobseekers to find in‑demand jobs and training; confirm features with the state announcement. (launch.arkansas.gov)
- Free legal help (appeals, overpayments, housing): Call Legal Aid of Arkansas at 1-800-952-9243 and the Center for Arkansas Legal Services at 1-800-950-5817 (TTY 1-800-285-1131). (arlegalaid.org)
How Arkansas Unemployment Works Right Now (2025)
Arkansas unemployment insurance (UI) changed in 2024. You need fewer weeks to draw, and you must do more weekly job contacts. Start here so you don’t lose time or money.
Arkansas UI — fast facts you should know
- Weeks of benefits: Arkansas cut the maximum from 16 weeks to 12 weeks starting January 1, 2024; this came through Act 196 of 2023 and shows in the state’s WIOA UI plan. (senate.arkansas.gov)
- Weekly job search: As of 2024, you must make at least five work‑search contacts each week you claim benefits; this is in Ark. Code §11‑10‑507 and explained in the state plan. (codes.findlaw.com)
- Waiting week: The first payable week is a “valid waiting period” that pays $0; see the state FAQ on waiting week for how it works. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Weekly benefit amount (WBA): Most claimants fall between 81and81 and 451 per week, based on prior wages; see Arkansas in Texas Workforce Commission’s state table and the Arkansas Benefit & Earnings Table link for official charts. Always call to confirm your determination. (twc.texas.gov)
- Shared Work (reduced hours): If your hours were cut, you might qualify through an employer’s Shared Work Program; employees can receive up to 25 weeks of proportional benefits. (dws.arkansas.gov)
UI at a glance (2025)
| What you need | Current detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Max weeks of UI | Up to 12 weeks for most claims | Arkansas Senate brief on Act 196; WIOA UI plan (senate.arkansas.gov) |
| Waiting week | First eligible week pays $0 | ADWS UI FAQ (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Weekly claim filing | ArkNet (online) or ArkLine (phone 1-501-907-2590) | ArkNet page; ArkLine page (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Job search | 5 contacts each benefit week | Ark. Code §11‑10‑507; WIOA UI plan (codes.findlaw.com) |
| Typical WBA range | 81–81–451 per week (verify your determination) | TWC state table; ADWS Benefit & Earnings Table link (twc.texas.gov) |
What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t file online, go in person to a local Workforce Center or call the UI Service Center at 1-844-908-2178; if the site is down, keep trying and document screenshots. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for Unemployment (Fast)
Start with your initial claim, then set a routine for weekly claims; missing steps is the most common reason moms lose weeks of pay.
File your initial claim
- Apply online: Use EZARC (initial claim application); you’ll need your SSN, your last employer info, and your last workday/reason (layoff, lack of work, etc.). (dws.arkansas.gov)
- If you can’t apply online: Visit your nearest Arkansas Workforce Center for a paper application or get help via the UI Service Center at 1-844-908-2178 during business hours. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Set up payments: After filing, enroll in direct deposit inside ArkNet; if you skip, you’ll get a Debit (ReliaCard). Keep your address current to avoid card delays. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Reality check: Expect a one‑week “waiting week” that pays $0; your first payment (for week two) only comes after you certify the week through ArkNet or ArkLine. Backlogs or missing documents can push this out, so file weekly even if you’re still “pending.” (dws.arkansas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If the system blocks you, take a screenshot and email the address on ADWS Arkansas Claim Help, then call again during non‑peak hours; you can also certify by phone with ArkLine at 1-501-907-2590. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Weekly Claims: The Habits That Keep Money Coming
Every week, do three things: look for work, certify your week, and track your contacts. Missing any one can pause payments.
- Certify your week: Use ArkNet or ArkLine (1‑501‑907‑2590); ArkLine has set filing hours and offers Spanish prompts. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Track your 5 job contacts: Arkansas now requires five contacts each benefit week; this is law under Ark. Code §11‑10‑507 and in the WIOA UI state plan. (codes.findlaw.com)
- Know what counts: Applications, interviews, job fairs, and approved training workshops count; the statute gives examples, and ADWS regulations describe documentation rules. (codes.findlaw.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If ArkNet is down, use ArkLine; if both fail, call your local Workforce Center the next morning and ask for a backdate due to a documented system outage. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) — 2025 Storms
If storms or flooding cut your hours or wiped out your job, check DUA. Arkansas received federal declarations in spring 2025 with strict deadlines.
- Counties and deadlines: FEMA‑4873‑DR covered multiple counties after April 2–22, 2025 storms; the claim deadline for those counties was July 21, 2025; see the ADWS DUA page and news post for the current list and end dates. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- How to file: First apply for regular UI at EZARC and select “Laid off – Weather”; if you’re not eligible or you exhaust UI, ADWS sends you the DUA link or paper forms. (dws.arkansas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Visit a Workforce Center in person—ask staff to confirm whether your county is eligible and whether a late filing can be accepted for “good cause.” (dws.arkansas.gov)
Appeal If You’re Denied (or Underpaid)
If your determination is wrong or delayed, appeal quickly. Appeals are free and you can do them by mail or form.
- Deadline: You have 20 days from the “Mailing Date” on your notice to appeal to the Appeal Tribunal; the Tribunal phone is 501‑682‑1063 for status checks. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Where to send: Mail your appeal to “Arkansas Appeal Tribunal, PO Box 8013, Little Rock, AR 72203,” or file the Tribunal’s form from the ADWS appeals page. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Next levels: If you lose, you can appeal to the Board of Review (501‑683‑4300) and even the Court of Appeals later. Keep filing weekly claims during appeals. (portal.arkansas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Legal Aid of Arkansas for help at 1‑800‑952‑9243 and look at their step‑by‑step unemployment guides; they can help with hearings and overpayment disputes. (arlegalaid.org)
Keep the Lights On: Energy Help and Shutoff Protections
How to stop a utility shutoff in Arkansas today
- Ask for a medical hold: If a licensed doctor certifies a medical emergency, regulated utilities must postpone shutoff (up to ~30 days) under the Public Service Commission (PSC) protections; seniors or disabled customers have extra protections during extreme heat (“Hot Weather Rule”). (apsc.arkansas.gov)
- Apply for LIHEAP now: Arkansas LIHEAP is run through community action agencies; dates and amounts change by season. Check the Arkansas Energy Office LIHEAP page to find your county contact, and review benefit levels and windows via the LIHEAP Clearinghouse 2025 profile (e.g., Winter Crisis up to 500;Coolingupto500; Cooling up to 287; benefit windows typically Jan–Mar and July–Aug/Sept). Call to confirm local availability. (adeq.state.ar.us)
- Call your utility’s assistance desk: If you’re a Black Hills Energy gas customer, ask about payment plans or their Medical Extension Program; Entergy Arkansas customers 60+ or disabled can ask about The Power to Care grants. (blackhillsenergy.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Arkansas 211 to ask about church funds and county programs, and contact your local community action agency for crisis intake days; bring cut‑off notices to request rush processing where allowed. (unitedwaynwa.org)
LIHEAP 2025 (typical windows and caps)
| Season/program | Typical dates (2025) | Typical benefit caps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating (Regular) | Jan 6–Mar 31 | 50–50–475 | Dates vary by funding; verify locally |
| Winter Crisis | Jan 6–Apr 30 | Up to $500 | Requires shutoff notice or emergency |
| Cooling (Regular) | Jul 7–Aug 29 | 50–50–287 | Applies to electric bills |
| Summer Crisis | Jul 7–Sep 30 | Up to $500 | Crisis proof often required |
Sources: LIHEAP Arkansas profile (updated Mar 18, 2025) and Arkansas Energy Office LIHEAP page; amounts can change by county and funding—call to confirm. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
Cash, Food, and Child Care When UI Isn’t Enough
When UI is small or ends, combine short‑term help with training that leads to work. These are the Arkansas‑specific programs that move fastest for single moms.
Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) & Work Pays
- TEA basics: TEA is Arkansas’s TANF cash aid with work and training supports; see eligibility and forms at Arkansas DHS TEA/Work Pays and program updates on time‑limit changes (state time limit cut to 12 months starting April 1, 2024). (humanservices.arkansas.gov)
- Work Pays incentive: If you get a job and leave TEA, you may get up to $204/month for up to 24 months under Arkansas Work Pays (note: some time‑limit changes apply; verify with DHS). (regulations.justia.com)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If TEA slots are closed or you’re over income, ask a DHS worker about SNAP E&T training or Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) if you’re a parent in college or training. (humanservices.arkansas.gov)
Food and nutrition while unemployed
- SNAP: Apply online via DHS’s Access Arkansas portal (via SNAP program page); if you already get SNAP, ask your worker about SNAP E&T to fund training or workfare hours. (humanservices.arkansas.gov)
- WIC for moms and kids under 5: Check Arkansas WIC for eligibility (185% FPL) and call the WIC State Office at 1‑800‑235‑0002 or 501‑661‑2508; vendors and language help are listed on the ADH WIC contact pages. (healthy.arkansas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Dial Arkansas 211 for local pantries; ask Legal Aid of Arkansas for help if your SNAP case is stuck or denied. (unitedwaynwa.org)
Child care so you can work or train
- Child care vouchers (School Readiness Assistance): Apply through the OEC SRA portal; find eligibility and contacts on Help Paying for Child Care (OEC) or call 1‑800‑322‑8176 (family support line). Funding can waitlist by county—apply early. (sra.ade.arkansas.gov)
- Find licensed providers: Search CHILDCARE AR for open slots and quality ratings; pair with CPI or SNAP E&T to cover schedules while you train. (daycare.arkansas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your Workforce Center about WIOA‑funded supportive services via local boards, or request a short‑term stipend through Career Pathways Initiative at your community college. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Get Back to Work Faster: Training and Job Placement
Single moms need training that fits school pickup and pays better. Use Arkansas’s no‑cost pathways first.
- Register in Arkansas LAUNCH: Build a skills profile at LAUNCH for Jobseekers to see real jobs and eligible training; note state details in the LAUNCH news release and independent coverage on Talk Business & Politics. (launch.arkansas.gov)
- WIOA training (tuition, books, supports): Meet a case manager at your local Workforce Center; the WIOA info page connects you to Adult, Dislocated Worker, and DWG funds. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Adult Education & GED: Raise basic skills for free at Adult Education or call 1‑877‑963‑4GED; check GED steps if you need the credential. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Career Pathways Initiative (for parents in college/training): CPI can cover tuition, books, gas, and sometimes child care for parents meeting income tests; read eligibility at ARPathways.com and a local page like UA‑Pulaski Tech CPI. (arpathways.com)
- Native/Tribal job training: The American Indian Center of Arkansas (WIOA §166) funds training and support for eligible Native families statewide; they can coordinate with local WIOA teams. (aicago.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If classes are full now, ask for short credentials that start monthly (e.g., CNA, CDL) at your Workforce Center, and search LAUNCH for on‑the‑job training openings that pay while you learn. (dws.arkansas.gov)
County‑by‑County Variations You Should Know
LIHEAP intake days, Workforce Center hours, and community nonprofits differ by county; always check your local office page before you drive.
- Pine Bluff (Jefferson & neighbors): See the ADWS Pine Bluff office page for hours and services; for LIHEAP in Jefferson/Lincoln/Grant/Arkansas/Cleveland, check Central Delta CAA LIHEAP for local intake schedules. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Jonesboro (Craighead & region): Use the ADWS Jonesboro office page for UI help; for Northeast utility help, CRDC LIHEAP posts county offices and crisis rules. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Searcy (White & Cleburne): Call the ADWS Searcy office for WIOA or UI paperwork; for LIHEAP in White/Cleburne/Faulkner, check CAPCA’s utility assistance. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Little Rock (Pulaski): The ADWS Little Rock office handles walk‑in help; search jobs through LAUNCH and ask legal questions at Center for Arkansas Legal Services. (dws.arkansas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If a county agency is closed or out of funds, call Arkansas 211 and ask for a nearby county’s intake, and check the Energy Office LIHEAP page for alternates. (unitedwaynwa.org)
Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups
- Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (tuition stipends + coaching): Apply on ASPSF’s site; see the current deadline calendar and note some counties run their own affiliates listed on ASPSF’s pages. (aspsf.org)
- Goodwill Industries of Arkansas (paid training / re‑entry): Consider the 16‑week paid TEO program and free Career Services statewide; ask for help with resume, CRC, and placement. (goodwillar.org)
- Community Action Agencies (LIHEAP + weatherization): For Central Arkansas counties, check CADC’s utility assistance page or their listings on Arkansas 211; in Northwest Arkansas, see EOA of NWA LIHEAP. (search.arkansas211.org)
- Utility company hardship funds: Black Hills Energy has Arkansas payment assistance; Entergy runs The Power to Care for seniors and disabled customers. (blackhillsenergy.com)
- Legal help & workers’ rights: Contact Legal Aid of Arkansas for UI appeals or overpayments and Arkansas Law Help guides for filing steps; you can also call the Board of Review to check appeal status. (arlegalaid.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If a local fund is tapped out, ask Arkansas 211 for church‑based help in your ZIP and check Workforce Center bulletin boards for pop‑up hiring events. (unitedwaynwa.org)
Diverse Communities: Tailored Help and Access Notes
LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your Workforce Center about inclusive employers and WIOA training that leads to credentials; for benefits questions, Legal Aid of Arkansas can help if your name or documents changed and UI files don’t match. Accessibility tip: ask for private interview space and request name/pronoun updates in your ArkNet profile or at a local office. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Get job accommodations and supports through Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (501‑296‑1600 listed on ADWS contacts) and Division of Services for the Blind if you have vision loss; both integrate with WIOA. Ask your utility for a medical extension to pause shutoff if power is medically essential. TTY services are available via Legal Aid (1‑800‑285‑1131). (dws.arkansas.gov)
Veteran single mothers: Your local Workforce Center can connect you to veteran priority of service and the state’s LAUNCH job portal; if you’re a disabled veteran, confirm potential WOTC employer incentives on ADWS WOTC to improve your job prospects. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Immigrant/refugee single moms: You can request interpreter services at WIC and find UI forms in Spanish, Marshallese, Vietnamese, and Lao on ADWS claimant forms; ArkLine offers Spanish prompts for weekly claims. Ask for large‑print or translated notices if you need them. (healthy.arkansas.gov)
Tribal‑specific resources: The American Indian Center of Arkansas funds career training and supportive services statewide regardless of reservation status; they can co‑enroll you with WIOA at your Workforce Center to maximize help. (aicago.org)
Rural single moms (limited internet/transport): Use ArkLine to certify by phone and find nearby offices on the Workforce map; call Adult Education to ask about GED or WorkKeys classes with gas cards and evening hours. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Single fathers: All programs here also serve single dads. Apply through the same EZARC UI portal, seek training through WIOA, and check CPI if you’re in school. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Language access: For ADA/LEP help at WIC, call 1‑800‑235‑0002 or email ADH WIC; for UI, request translations or interpreters at a Workforce Center and use ArkLine Spanish options. (healthy.arkansas.gov)
Common Mistakes to Avoid (That Delay or Reduce Benefits)
- Skipping weekly certification: Even if your initial claim is “pending,” file each week through ArkNet or ArkLine; unpaid weeks can’t be restored without a good cause showing. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Not logging 5 job contacts: Keep a written log that matches Ark. Code §11‑10‑507; audits are required weekly by law, and missing logs can zero a week. (codes.findlaw.com)
- Missing the appeal window: You get 20 calendar days to appeal per ADWS Appeals; mail certified or fax and keep the receipt. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Ignoring utility notices: A PSC shutoff notice requires at least five days’ notice (+3 if mailed); call right away to set a payment arrangement while you apply for LIHEAP. (apsc.arkansas.gov)
Reality Check: Delays and Shortages You May Face
- Shorter UI duration: Arkansas pays up to 12 weeks now, not 26; plan for a fast transition to work or training using LAUNCH and WIOA support. (senate.arkansas.gov)
- LIHEAP funding runs out: Windows can close early by county; check the Energy Office page and your local agency’s page (e.g., EOA of NWA posts intake dates). (adeq.state.ar.us)
- Call centers have peak times: Try UI Service Center right at open; if lines are jammed, message through Arkansas Claim Help and keep a call log. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | Do this first | Where/How |
|---|---|---|
| File UI | Apply online | EZARC (initial claim) (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Certify weekly | Use ArkNet or ArkLine | ArkNet or ArkLine 1‑501‑907‑2590 (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Job search | Log five contacts | §11‑10‑507 work search law (codes.findlaw.com) |
| Appeal | Mail/fax in 20 days | Appealing UI Determination (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Stop shutoff | Ask PSC protections + LIHEAP | PSC shutoff rules and LIHEAP info (apsc.arkansas.gov) |
Application Checklist (Print or Screenshot)
- Photo ID + Social Security card(s): Needed for EZARC and LIHEAP; bring minors’ SSNs for WIC/SNAP. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Recent pay stubs and employer info: For EZARC and ArkNet weekly earnings questions; report gross earnings in the week earned. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Job search log (5 contacts/week): Required by §11‑10‑507; keep employer names, dates, method, and outcomes. (codes.findlaw.com)
- Shutoff notice and account numbers: For PSC medical/third‑party protections and LIHEAP crisis processing. (apsc.arkansas.gov)
- Child care and school docs: Needed for OEC SRA portal and CPI supportive services while you train or work. (sra.ade.arkansas.gov)
Resources by Region (Examples and Contacts)
Use your closest Workforce Center to coordinate UI, training, and referrals; pair that with your community action agency for utilities.
- Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville/Springdale/Bentonville): Call the Fayetteville Workforce Center for WIOA; apply for summer cooling at EOA of NWA LIHEAP and job search on LAUNCH. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Central Arkansas (Little Rock/Pulaski/Saline): Visit the Little Rock Workforce Center; for utility help across many central counties see CADC’s utility page; legal help through Center for Arkansas Legal Services. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Northeast Arkansas (Jonesboro/Craighead): Use the Jonesboro Workforce Center for UI/RESEA; check CRDC LIHEAP for local intake; search training leads on LAUNCH. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Southeast Arkansas (Pine Bluff/Delta counties): Go to the Pine Bluff Workforce Center; for LIHEAP scheduling see Central Delta CAA; food/WIC at the ADH WIC page. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Southwest Arkansas (Texarkana/Hot Springs): Find your nearest center on the Workforce map; utility help through CADC; training at a local CPI campus through ARPathways. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Real‑World Examples (What Works)
- Short hours to full income: Tasha in White County certifies weekly on ArkLine, logs five contacts as required by §11‑10‑507, then enrolls in CPI for a phlebotomy course while her kids are at a CHILDCARE AR provider. Her UI lasts 9 weeks, and she moves into a hospital job at week 11. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Utility crisis averted: Renee in Pulaski gets a shutoff notice; she uses PSC protections to request a medical hold for her child’s breathing machine and applies the same day through CADC’s utility page for LIHEAP crisis. Her UI Service Center claim is pending, but she keeps filing weekly on ArkNet. (apsc.arkansas.gov)
- Denied then won on appeal: Monique is denied for “misconduct.” She files a written appeal within 20 days to the Appeal Tribunal and gets help from Legal Aid of Arkansas; she keeps certifying weekly while waiting. She wins and gets back pay for the held weeks. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Frequently Asked Questions (Arkansas‑Specific)
- How much will I get per week and for how long? Your weekly benefit is based on past wages, typically 81–81–451 per week in Arkansas, and most claimants can draw up to 12 weeks as of 2024; check your Notice of Monetary Determination and the Benefit & Earnings Table link; see changes described by the Arkansas Senate. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Do I have to job search if my hours were cut? If you’re on an employer’s Shared Work plan, you do not have the same job‑search requirements, but read the program rules and keep available for scheduled hours. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- What if I worked in another state too? You can file in Arkansas and wages can be combined; start at EZARC and ask the UI Service Center to request interstate wage transfers. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Can I go to school while on UI? Yes, but you must remain able and available for work; use Adult Education for GED/upskilling and ask WIOA at your Workforce Center about class schedules that fit UI rules. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- I lost my job in the tornadoes/flooding. Am I eligible for DUA? If your work was lost or interrupted by a declared disaster in your county and you don’t qualify for regular UI, check the ADWS DUA page and the related DUA deadline notice. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- How do taxes work on UI? Federal income tax applies; you can withhold 10% in ADWS account settings; Arkansas also requires reporting UI on state returns as noted in the FAQ. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- How do I keep my utilities on until LIHEAP arrives? Tell your utility you’re applying for LIHEAP and ask for PSC medical/third‑party protections; seniors/disabled customers of Entergy can ask about The Power to Care. (adeq.state.ar.us)
- Where can I get free help filling forms? Go to your nearest Workforce Center; for legal issues, call Legal Aid of Arkansas; for food/childcare, see WIC and the OEC SRA portal. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- How do I find real jobs fast? Build a profile and apply in LAUNCH; ask your Workforce Center about short credentials funded by WIOA. (launch.arkansas.gov)
- Are there scholarships for single parents? Yes—apply to the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund and check their deadline calendar; many CPI colleges also help with small emergency grants. (aspsf.org)
Key Timelines and What to Expect
| Item | Typical timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial UI filing | Same day online via EZARC | File ASAP to establish your benefit week. (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| First payable week | Week 2 (after a $0 waiting week) | Waiting week rules in ADWS FAQ. (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Weekly claim | Every week via ArkNet or ArkLine | Don’t miss weeks; audits of job search are required. (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Appeal deadline | 20 days from “Mailing Date” | File to the Appeal Tribunal. (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| LIHEAP windows | Winter: Jan–Mar/Apr; Summer: Jul–Aug/Sep | Check the Energy Office and LIHEAP Clearinghouse for your county dates. (adeq.state.ar.us) |
Troubleshooting: If Your UI Application Gets Denied
- Appeal in writing within 20 days: Use the form on ADWS Appeals or send a letter with your case number to the Tribunal; keep a copy and proof of mailing. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Keep filing weekly: Certify through ArkNet or ArkLine while you wait; if you win, you’ll get back pay for eligible weeks. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Get representation: Call Legal Aid of Arkansas (1‑800‑952‑9243) or the Center for Arkansas Legal Services (1‑800‑950‑5817, TTY 1‑800‑285‑1131). (arlegalaid.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Escalate to the Board of Review (501‑683‑4300) as your next appeal step and ask your representative about a court appeal if needed. (portal.arkansas.gov)
Contact Directory: Selected Workforce Centers
| Location | Phone | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock (Pulaski) | 501‑682‑8030 | ADWS Little Rock office (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Pine Bluff (Jefferson) | 870‑534‑1920 | ADWS Pine Bluff office (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Jonesboro (Craighead) | 870‑935‑5594 | ADWS Jonesboro office (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Searcy (White/Cleburne) | 501‑268‑8601 | ADWS Searcy office (dws.arkansas.gov) |
| Conway (Faulkner/Van Buren) | 501‑730‑9894 | Central LWDA offices map (dws.arkansas.gov) |
Notes on Work Rules That Can Affect Your Claim
- Missed interview or job offer: Arkansas added disqualifications for failing to attend two scheduled interviews with the same employer; this change is listed in the state’s WIOA UI plan summary (Act 106). Keep records if you reschedule for good cause. (wioaplans.ed.gov)
- Employer taxes vs. your paycheck: UI is paid by employers, not deducted from your pay; see the ADWS UI FAQ for how the trust fund works. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Spanish Summary (Resumen en Español)
Esta sección ofrece enlaces y números clave. La traducción fue producida con herramientas de IA.
- Solicitar desempleo: Presente su solicitud inicial en EZARC (aplicación en línea); llame al Centro de Servicios de UI 1‑844‑908‑2178 si necesita ayuda. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Reclamos semanales: Use ArkNet o llame a ArkLine 1‑501‑907‑2590 (opciones en español) cada semana. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Búsqueda de trabajo (5 contactos): La ley §11‑10‑507 exige cinco contactos por semana para cobrar beneficios. (codes.findlaw.com)
- Ayuda para servicios públicos (LUZ/GAS): Solicite LIHEAP y pida protecciones por salud según la Comisión de Servicios Públicos. (adeq.state.ar.us)
- Asesoría legal gratis: Llame a Legal Aid of Arkansas 1‑800‑952‑9243 o al Center for Arkansas Legal Services 1‑800‑950‑5817 (TTY 1‑800‑285‑1131). (arlegalaid.org)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
This guide uses official sources including:
- Arkansas Division of Workforce Services — UI program pages (UI steps, weekly claims, appeals). (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Arkansas Division of Workforce Services — ArkNet and ArkLine (online/phone filing and hours). (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Arkansas Code §11‑10‑507 (work search law) and ADWS regulations/work search. (codes.findlaw.com)
- Arkansas Senate brief on Act 196 (UI duration) and the WIOA UI plan summary. (senate.arkansas.gov)
- ADWS Disaster Unemployment Assistance (counties, deadlines) and news update. (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Arkansas Energy Office LIHEAP and LIHEAP Clearinghouse Arkansas profile (benefit windows/amounts). (adeq.state.ar.us)
- Arkansas Department of Education — OEC SRA portal and Help Paying for Child Care. (sra.ade.arkansas.gov)
- Adult Education (ADWS) and GED pages (free classes, testing info). (dws.arkansas.gov)
- Arkansas WIC (ADH) and FNS contact page for nutrition support. (healthy.arkansas.gov)
- Arkansas LAUNCH job portal and Governor’s announcement (career matching/training). (launch.arkansas.gov)
Last verified September 2025, next review January 2026.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This information is for general guidance in Arkansas and isn’t legal or tax advice. Programs change often and funding can run out. Always verify deadlines, amounts, and documents on the official sites linked above or by calling the listed phone numbers.
🏛️More Arkansas Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Arkansas
- 📋 Assistance Programs
- 💰 Benefits and Grants
- 👨👩👧 Child Support
- 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
- ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
- 🎓 Education Grants
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- 🔧 Job Training
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
- 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
