Where to log in and what you need

Arizona's unemployment system is called AZDES (Arizona Department of Economic Security). You log in through the AZDES website at azdes.gov, not through a separate unemployment portal. The login page is labeled "AZDES Online Services" and sits on the main site.

To log in, you need your Social Security number and a password you created when you first registered. If you have never logged in before, you will create an account through the same site. The system uses two-factor authentication, meaning after you enter your password, Arizona will send a code to your phone or email — you enter that code to finish logging in.

Once you are logged in, you can view your claim status, check payment history, report your weekly work search activities if required, and upload documents like separation letters or wage statements.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at azdes.gov under "AZDES Online Services," not a separate unemployment website.
  • You need your Social Security number and the password you created when you registered your account.
  • Arizona requires a second code sent to your phone or email before you can access your account.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.
  • The system is usually available 24 hours a day, but Arizona performs maintenance on some nights and weekends.

Creating a new AZDES account

If you have never filed for unemployment in Arizona before, you will need to create an account before you can log in. Go to azdes.gov and select "Create New Account" or "Register" on the AZDES Online Services page. You will provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.

Arizona will send you a verification email. Click the link in that email within 24 hours to confirm your address. After you confirm, you can create your password. Arizona requires passwords to be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @).

Once your account is active, you can file a new claim or check an existing one. If you filed a claim by phone or in person before creating an online account, your claim information will already be in the system — you just need to log in to see it.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you enter your password and the system says it is wrong, click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Arizona will send a reset link to the email address on file. Click that link and create a new password following the requirements above (12 characters, mixed case, numbers, and a special character).

If you do not receive the reset email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, your email address on file may be incorrect. You can call the AZDES Unemployment Insurance office at 602-771-2684 (Phoenix area) or 1-888-589-6222 (toll-free) to verify your email and request a new reset link.

If you have trouble with the two-factor code — for example, you do not receive the text or call — tell the system you did not receive it. Arizona will offer you the option to receive the code by a different method (text instead of call, or email instead of text). If none of those work, call the phone number above and speak to a representative who can help you regain access.

Reporting work search activities online

Some people filing for unemployment in Arizona are required to report their work search activities each week. If this applies to you, you will see a section in your account labeled "Work Search" or "Weekly Certification." You log in and report the employers you contacted, the dates you contacted them, and how you made contact (phone, email, in person, online process).

You must report this information by the important date shown in your account — usually by Sunday or Monday of the week after you worked. If you miss the important date, your payment may be delayed or held while Arizona investigates. The online system lets you save your entries as you go, so you do not have to fill it all in at once.

Keep records of your job search outside the system too — names, dates, and how you applied. If Arizona asks you to prove your work search later, you will have documentation ready.

Uploading documents to your account

You may need to upload documents like a separation letter from your employer, pay stubs, or proof of income. Log in to your AZDES account and look for an "Upload Documents" or "Correspondence" section. Click the option to upload a file, select the document type from the menu, and choose the file from your computer.

Arizona accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. Make sure the document is clear and readable — if the text is blurry or cut off, Arizona may ask you to resubmit it. Upload documents as soon as you have them; do not wait until Arizona requests them, because delays can hold up your claim.

After you upload a document, you will see a confirmation message. Keep a record of what you uploaded and when. If Arizona needs more information, they will send you a message in your account or call the phone number on file.

Account security and password tips

Your AZDES account holds sensitive information — your Social Security number, work history, and payment details. Never share your password with anyone, including AZDES staff. Arizona employees will never ask for your password by phone, email, or text.

If you use a shared computer (at a library, a friend's house, or a public terminal), always log out when you are done. Do not check the "Remember me" box on a shared device. Change your password every few months, and if you think someone else has accessed your account, call AZDES when ready at 602-771-2684 or 1-888-589-6222.

If you receive an email or text claiming to be from AZDES and asking you to log in or verify information, do not click the link. Go directly to azdes.gov in your browser instead. Scammers sometimes send fake messages that look like they come from the state.

When the system is down or slow

AZDES performs maintenance on the system regularly, usually during nights and weekends. During maintenance windows, you will not be able to log in. Arizona posts maintenance schedules on the AZDES homepage, usually a few days in advance.

If the system is slow or you get an error message, try again in a few minutes. If the problem continues, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try logging in again. If you still cannot access your account and it is not a scheduled maintenance window, call the AZDES office.

During high-volume periods (like right after a large layoff or at the start of a new benefit year), the system may be slower than usual. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forgot my Social Security number or cannot remember it?

You will need your Social Security number to create an account or log in. If you do not have it memorized, check your Social Security card, a past tax return, or a W-2 form. If you have lost all those documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Can I log in on my phone or tablet?

Yes, the AZDES website works on phones and tablets. You can log in the same way you would on a computer — go to azdes.gov, enter your Social Security number and password, and complete the two-factor authentication. The layout adjusts to fit your screen size.

What if I filed a claim but cannot find it in my account?

If you filed by phone or in person, your claim may take a few days to appear in the online system. Log in and check back after 24 to 48 hours. If it still does not show up, call AZDES at 602-771-2684 or 1-888-589-6222 with your Social Security number and the date you filed.

Can I change my password whenever I want?

Yes. Log in to your account, look for "Account Settings" or "Change Password," and follow the prompts. Your new password must meet the same requirements as your original one: at least 12 characters, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character.

What should I do if I see activity in my account that I did not do?

Call AZDES when ready at 602-771-2684 or 1-888-589-6222 and report the unauthorized activity. Change your password right away. Arizona can freeze your account while they investigate and help you protect your identity if needed.