Community Updates:

RENT RELIEF & UI REFUSAL TO WORK FOR EMPLOYERS

>>> Rent Relief
On May 17, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is launching the new Arkansas Rent Relief Program to offer rent and utility help to eligible Arkansans who:

• are unable to pay upcoming rent and utilities or

• who have overdue rent and utility bills

We are asking community partners to help make sure Arkansans who need help find out about this program. We are also asking our community partners to help us spread the word and help eligible renters apply if they need help. You can find additional information at: ar.gov/rentrelief

>>> Refusal of Work Reporting
Many employers are having trouble finding workers due to the generous UI benefits. I've heard of many cases where employers hired an individual and they did not show. The applicant was simply "gaming" the system to get their weekly contacts in so they can stay on Unemployment. This increases cost to employers, which is eventually passed on to everyone else.

To combat this DWS has setup the following website where employers can report applicants they've hired. If the applicant doesn't show up for work, they'll be deemed to have voluntarily quit, and lose partial / all eligibility to Unemployment benefits.

https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/employers/employer-forms/refusal-of-work/