Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Frequently Asked Questions

I received a Determination of Overpayment. What does this mean?

When a claim is filed for benefits the Department of Economic Security Unemployment Insurance Administration has questions about the claim, it will conduct a fact-finding interview through an assigned Deputy to obtain information from the claimant and/or employer to determine eligibility. Based on the facts of the case and application of the state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, if benefits have been paid and you are later found not eligible, the department issues a Determination of Deputy on the facts surrounding the existence of an overpayment and the cause such as fraud, non-fraud, or administrative. This decision will result in a subsequent Determination of Overpayment.

How do I request an Appeal?

An appeal may be filed:

Go to uiappeals.azdes.gov. You should leave the initial Social Security number and PIN fields blank. You will give your Social Security number and an explanation of why you believe this determination is wrong later in the process

Call (877) 600-2722 (toll free), (602) 364-2722 (Phoenix), or (520) 791-2722 (Tucson). Be prepared to speak with a DES representative about why you believe this determination is wrong.

Fill out the Request for Reconsideration/Appeal (form UIB-0126A-FF) which can be downloaded from www.azui.com (click How to File an Appeal, then Filing an Appeal). Attach a copy of this determination. You or your authorized representative must sign the form. Your appeal must include your name and Social Security number on every page. Submit the signed form and this determination as follows:

Fax: (888) 417-3639 (toll free) or (602) 362-5391 (Phoenix)

Mailing address:
Department of Economic Security
Unemployment Insurance Administration
ATTN: PUA Processing / MD 5895
P.O. Box 29225
Phoenix, AZ 85038-9225

How do I repay my overpayment?

Repayment of your Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Benefit Overpayment can be made through the DES Office of Accounts Receivable and Collections (OARC).

Please note that it is important that you wait 21-days from the date on the determination before contacting OARC.

The following payment options are available:

You can use the DES Online Payment System to make a payment.
Items you will need to pay online:
A valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express)
Your DES Account Number (the ten-digit number shown on your billing statement)

1 (844) 722-6247 or (602) 252-0024 - press Option #1

Make the check or money order payable to the Department of Economic Security and mail to the address shown at the top of the Determination of Overpayment. To ensure proper credit, you must include your Social Security Number and current mailing address with your payment.

Can I set up a payment plan?

Yes, If you wish to make payment arrangements, please contact the DES Office of Accounts Receivable and Collections (OARC) at (602) 252-0024 or toll free for those outside the Phoenix area at 1 (800) 236-1475. Please wait 21-days from the date of your determination before contacting OARC.

How do I request a waiver?

Even though you are liable to repay the overpayment, you may request a waiver of repayment or reduction of all or part of an administrative overpayment. If your request is approved, DES will waive all or a portion of your overpayment, and you will not be required to repay that amount.
A waiver request may be filed:

By Mail
Benefit Payment Control Unit
PO Box 6123 Mail Drop 58N1
Phoenix, AZ 85005 - 6123

By Fax
Phoenix: (602) 612-8705 or (888) 305-1348
Tucson: (520) 770-3357 or (520) 770-3358

A request for a waiver must contain your Social Security Number, the reason you feel you should not or cannot repay the overpayment, and your signature. Please provide your correct mailing address and telephone number so that we may contact you promptly if we need additional information to make a decision about the waiver of recoupment.

Upon receipt of a waiver request, the department will send a Confidential Financial Statement (UB092A) form, which can also be found online at azui.gov, under "Forms and Pamphlets". When you submit the completed financial statement; the department will make a determination on whether repayment of benefits would be against equity and good conscience. If the request for waiver is granted, you will be notified in writing. If the waiver request is denied, a written determination of denial will be issued. You may appeal this denial (See “Appeal Rights” section, above). If there is a change in your circumstance, you may submit a new request for a repayment or reduction waiver and the waiver process begins again.