PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Economic Security has paid out nearly $6 billion since the coronavirus pandemic began.
According to a statement from Arizona DES, over $5.7 billion has been distributed in state unemployment insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) since the week ending March 7, 2020.
Nearly 323,00 Arizonans received UI benefits and 557,000 Arizonans received PUA benefits, during that period.
More than $722 million was issued to claimants last week alone, according to DES.
Director Michael Wisehart said, "This staggering figure represents hundreds of thousands of Arizonans receiving critical assistance during this time of need. However, there is more work to be done. Our teams continue to work around the clock to improve our processes and systems so that we can continue to meet the needs of unemployed Arizonans."
