questions & answers

Question: I am a retired military, retired in 2004 and have been receiving my pension since that date, but I have continued to work and recently due to COVID-19, have been furloughed and have applied for unemployment insurance in Arizona, of which is where my current job is, I cannot find any information about my being able to receive unemployment insurance. My concern pertains to my military pension? I know in Illinois, I still received unemployment, so I am hoping that I will not have an issue here in Arizona as I do still work, but am currently furloughed until June. Thanks.

Answer: You may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Military (UCX) through Arizona’s Department of Economic Security. Eligibility for the UCX program is based on the reason for separation from active service in the armed forces. Arizona’s Guide to Unemployment Insurance Benefits states that “The state where you first file a claim after separation determines eligibility for benefits under the unemployment insurance laws of that state.” For more information, contact the Department of Economic Security’s Unemployment Insurance Call Center at (877) 600-2722. https://des.az.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/dl/UIB-1240A.pdf?time=1586886488876