Arizonans Re
Arizonans Report Unemployment Portal Glitches, Impeding Benefit Access
In September 2025, the Arizona Department of Economic Security introduced a new self-service portal called CACTUS for managing unemployment benefits. The system promised to streamline processes such as applying for benefits, filing appeals, and reporting job search efforts. However, since its launch, numerous users have encountered significant glitches, leading to delays in receiving payments and other frustrating errors.
Residents like Sommers Bennett from Tolleson have faced weeks without payment due to these technical issues. Despite her claims being approved, the system’s errors have prevented funds from reaching those who rely on them. Similarly, Chester, an Ahwatukee resident, has submitted five consecutive benefit applications over a month—all approved but unpaid. He described his experience as “paid” in the system but without any corresponding financial support.
Yuma’s Matt Gerhards found himself trapped in a bureaucratic loop where the portal kept toggling between requiring him to file new claims and acknowledging existing ones. After exhausting phone calls and receiving no assistance, he resorted to submitting documentation via fax—a solution that has since proven unreliable as his faxes reportedly went unprocessed.
The frustrations extend beyond individual stories, with social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit flooded with complaints about similar issues. A DES Facebook post announcing the CACTUS launch garnered over 150 comments detailing problems users faced. Despite these widespread reports, Gov. Katie Hobbs indicated she was not informed of such glitches. The department has yet to address specific inquiries from affected Arizonans.
In a statement, DES highlighted that over 60,000 claims were filed and more than $13.3 million in benefits paid within the first two weeks post-launch. However, these figures do little to assuage those still waiting for their rightful payments. Chester described this as “typical government failure,” emphasizing the irony of needing support from a system he has consistently contributed to through taxes.
For many, the delays in receiving unemployment benefits have financial repercussions, such as difficulty paying mortgages and maintaining savings. While some, like Gerhards, managed to build up savings before facing job loss, the absence of expected income is detrimental regardless of previous financial planning.
This situation underscores a critical need for transparency and responsiveness from government agencies when deploying new digital systems intended to serve public needs. As Arizonans navigate these challenges, the hope remains that solutions will be swiftly implemented to restore trust in state-managed unemployment support mechanisms.