Arizona unemployment benefits will expand in May to cover workers who are not now eligible, to last longer than before and to pay more in weekly benefits to some jobless workers.
But economists and advocates say that while the change is welcome — it’s probably too little, and too late.
The changes, which take effect May 12, are part of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that all states are rolling out under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the $2 trillion federal relief package approved last month.
Under the new rules, benefits will be available to the self-employed, to people seeking part-time work and people who lack sufficient work history.
