DES delays launch of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance System

Officials with the Arizona Department of Economic Security announced that the launch of the state's Pandemic Unemployment Assistance System has been delayed.

According to a tweet made to the department's unverified Twitter page, the launch has been temporarily delayed, and asked people to check back for updates.

In a statement received by FOX 10, DES officials say their staff and contractor are working to stand the system up by midnight, but say the delay will not impact the timing of making benefits available by next week, and it will have no impact on checks that were mailed out this week.

According to a statement released by DES officials on Monday, Arizona's PUA program targets individuals who were previously ineligible for unemployment benefits (UI), including those who were self-employed, or worked as independent contractors or gig economy workers.

In April, FOX 10 reported on how some have been denied unemployment due to their status as self-employed or contract workers.