How To Apply For Unemployment Online Or Over The Phone
If you choose to file an online application for unemployment in the state of Kentucky, you may do so 24 hours a day seven days a week through the online Unemployment Insurance claim system. While you may access the portal at any time, claims will only be submitted Monday through Friday, 7:00 am 7:00 pm. The internet claims system may be down periodically for maintenance, at which time, notice will be given. If you are choosing to place your claim over the phone, you may do so by contacting your local Kentucky Career center or by dialing the Voice Response Unit.
Kentucky Unemployment Benefits And Eligibility
COVID-19 UPDATE:Because the coronavirus pandemic has left so many Americans jobless, the federal government has given states more flexibility in granting unemployment benefits. If you have questions about whether youre eligible for unemployment benefits read our COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits and Insurance FAQ and check out your states claimant handbook.
Federal Help On The Way
Congress passed a previous coronavirus aid package on March 18 that provides some help for state unemployment insurance programs.
The legislation provides technical assistance for states that want to set up a work share program during the pandemic. It also provides $1 billion in administrative funds to the state agencies doling out insurance funds. Right now, administrative funding is tied to the previous years unemployment rates, which have been at historical lows. As a result, most state unemployment insurance programs are struggling to keep up with administrative costs.
The legislation also provides interest-free loans to states that exhaust their unemployment insurance trust funds, and pick up the costs of extended unemployment benefits past 26 weeks.
This story has been updated to clarify that employers, not employees, pay into unemployment insurance.
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Learn Where To Sign Up For Unemployment Benefits
After collecting all items necessary for the unemployment registration process, you must learn where to apply for unemployment in your state. Generally, you can submit an online application for unemployment through the website of your state UI agency. However, some applicants may be unable to file for an unemployment claim online. Therefore, depending on your states policies and procedures, you may also be able to:
U.S. states generally implement a one-week waiting period after you submit your UI petition. Therefore, if your application is accepted, you will receive your benefits within two to three weeks.
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How Do I Manage My Unemployment Benefits
For each week you request an unemployment compensation payment, you will need to certify with the state of Kentucky that you remain within state eligibility requirements. You can do so online, using the same account you created when you submitted your initial claim.
The process is simple you just need to answer questions about your work-related activities for the previous week. For example, you can provide information about any wages youve earned, along with all your work search activities and whether you received or declined any offers for work.
To request your bi-weekly benefit payment by phone, call 877-3MY-KYUI or 877-369-5984.
Who Qualifies For Unemployment
Unemployed residents of Kentucky must fall under the qualifications for unemployment in order to be considered for benefits. Most qualification factors depend on the reason why the applicant is currently unemployed as well as their current capability to seek out new employment. Kentucky applicants who qualify for unemployment must:
- Have earned at least a minimum amount in wages before becoming unemployed.
- Be terminated through no fault of their own, as defined by Kentucky law
- Be able and available to work and actively seeking employment
- Have earned at least $750 in one quarter of the base period.
- Have earned at least $750 outside of their highest paid of the base period.
- Have earned at least 1.5 times their wages in the highest paid quarter of the base period
- Have wages in the last two quarters of the base period that are at least eight times the weekly benefit amount.
Kentucky does allow some exceptions to these qualification requirements. If an applicant is temporarily unable to take on full time work due to an illness or injury, being forced to move or relocate due to domestic violence or is currently supplying full-time care to a sick or disabled family member, he or she may still hold eligibility for EDD.
The state of Kentucky does not grant exceptions to those who are unable to seek full time or part time employment due to incarceration or legal restrictions.
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Claim Denials Or Discrepancies
When your claim for unemployment insurance benefits is denied, you can appeal your claim and sort through any claim discrepancies by filing with the Appeals Branch.
This group gauges the appropriateness of unemployment insurance determinations and helps decide if your claim was wrongfully denied, or if you were overpaid .
The appeals process is something like a trial, and requires filing a request in writing and sending it to the proper office. It also requires evidence and dressing and behaving appropriately during the hearing.
What If I Dont Get A Letter In The Mail
The state is dedicating up to 150 workers to staff a call center focused solely on helping people re-register for an online unemployment account.
People can call 502-564-2900 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. EST starting April 13. Beshear said the call center will operate for 10 days.
These workers will not be able to help callers with any other unemployment-related questions or issues.
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How Is The Account Hacking Happening
Cybercriminals are using automated programs to guess claimants four-digit PINs, Kentucky officials said. Simple and easy-to-guess PINs, such as 1234, make it easier for scammers to gain access to accounts.
Scammers also use compromised Social Security numbers and other personal information to gain access to accounts.
Kentucky officials say such personal information wasnt stolen in a data breach of the states unemployment system but rather was compromised in other breaches, such as those by private businesses.
This stolen personal information is then sold and bought online and can be misused by criminals.
Chamber Webinar Offered To Employers Thursday
HENDERSON, Ky. â After a surge in new unemployment insurance claims crashed Kentuckys unemployment website and phone service earlier this week, the state rushed more personnel and new procedures into place effective Wednesday.
The state implemented a new schedule that requires claimants to file based on the first letter of their last name.
The schedule is:
- Friday: If you missed your day
Gov. Andy Beshear also announced two changes to Kentuckys unemployment rules.
The seven-day waiting period to obtain unemployment insurance benefits has been waived for the time being.
And work search requirements have been waived until further notice.
Kentuckians who have been laid off because of the new coronavirus or whose hours have been cut are able to apply for benefits.
Those who are quarantined are also eligible.
Individuals may file for unemployment benefits through a link at the Kentucky Electronic Workplace for Employment Services website at www.kewes.ky.gov.
The system is available only from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. It is not available on Saturdays.
To file a claim, an individual will need to provide:
- Their Social Security number
- Their complete mailing address
- The name, address and phone number for each of their employers over the past 18 months
- The exact date they began each job
- The last date they worked at each job
Kentuckys unemployment insurance benefits ranges from a minimum of $39 per week to a maximum of $552.
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Learn About Receiving An Unemployment Extension In Kentucky
Kentucky Unemployment Extensions Information
In the state of Kentucky, there are specific cases in which an unemployment compensation extension may be made available for individuals who need more than initial 26 weeks of benefits. Extensions are set into effect when the states unemployment rate reaches peak levels, leaving many applicants wondering how to get an unemployment extension. Much like the initial claim process, there are specific requirements an applicant must meet in order to be eligible to receive a federal unemployment extension.
In order to better understand the unemployment extension process, please take the time to review the following sections:
Kentucky Unemployment Resources
Find Out How to Appeal Denied Benefits
Applying For Unemployment Benefits
According to the Kentucky Office of Unemployment, all claims must be filed online. They dont promise that every claim will be approved, as benefits are subject to rules and regulations. However, any employee can file an unemployment claim regardless of part-time, full-time or separation status.
If a UK supervisor informs an employee that there isnt any work available, that person should file for unemployment benefits.
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Contact The Unemployment Office
According to the Kentucky Career Centre, you need to contact their office so as to begin the application process. This does not necessarily require you to visit their physical offices. The Kentucky Office of Unemployment and Training also administers the process electronically or by phone.
To apply you can find all the information required at the Kentucky Career Center Website. Applications are open to groups including small business owners, barbers, restaurant workers, self-employed, and hotel housekeeping staff just to mention a few. Once the office receives your application, youll receive the number of weekly benefits you are likely to be granted and how to claim it.
To be eligible for unemployment benefits the state of Kentucky requires you to adhere to the following
- In accordance with Kentucky law, your unemployment status should not be your fault. For example, if you voluntarily quit or were fired due to misconduct you do not qualify.
- You had been working somewhat recently but no longer have a job. Therefore, if you have been out of work for a long time you are not eligible for unemployment benefits.
- You are actively seeking employment. In this case, you may be required to provide information about potential employers you have contacted.
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What If I Was Supposed To Request Payment While The Website Was Down
While the state has not issued specific advice for those who werent able to request payment when the unemployment system was taken offline, Cubbage said April 8 that âno one will lose out on their chance to request those weeks of benefits.â
For those who had to wait to file a new claim, unemployment workers will be able to backdate any new initial claims.
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How To Get Cobra
Group health plans must give covered employees and their families a notice explaining their COBRA rights. Plans must have rules for how COBRA coverage is offered, how beneficiaries may choose to get it and when they can stop coverage. For more COBRA information, see COBRA Premium Subsidy. The page links to information about COBRA including:
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How Unemployment Works In Kentucky
The Kentucky Department of Workforce Investments Office of Employment and Training oversees unemployment insurance benefits for the state. In addition to upholding Kentucky unemployment laws, the mission of the office is to provide quality jobs for people and quality people for jobs.
Services the Kentucky unemployment office offers to meet this goal include temporary financial assistance for unemployed individuals, labor market information , and the upkeep of Kentuckys Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which supports the cost of unemployment insurance in the state. Overall, these activities are designed to promote economic wellbeing for Kentucky.
Workforce services are administered by the Kentucky Career Center, which operates a network of career center locations throughout the state where you can meet one on one with career coaches and counselors.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Unemployment In Ky
If there are no disqualifying conditions, we will create the payment by either direct deposit or debit card within 2 to 5 business days, depending on the circumstances. To seek your second unemployment compensation payment online at kcc.ky.gov or by phone at 877-369-5984, you must be jobless for at least 90 days.
Am I Eligible To Apply
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Those who have lost work through no fault of their own due to the pandemic. This includes those who have been laid off, had their hours cut or are being forced to take unpaid leave.
Q: Iâm an independent contractor. Am I eligible to receive benefits?
A: Yes, groups that are typically not covered are now eligible to apply, including: self-employed workers, independent contractors, freelance workers, gig-economy workers, substitute teachers, child care workers who are employed by religiously affiliated organizations and non-profits, restaurant workers, landscapers, small business owners, contract laborers and hairdressers.
Q: I needed to stop work because I was reasonably exposed to the disease and needed to self-quarantine. Can I apply for benefits?
A: Yes
Q: I have to care for a family member thatâs ill with COVID-19. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Yes.
Q: What do I do if Iâve already run out of unemployment and Iâm not eligible to apply due to COVID-19?
A: The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act has extended the number of weeks that benefits can be paid out from 26 to 39. Those whose eligibility expired after July 1, 2019, are eligible for the 13-week extension. State officials said on April 7 that those individuals will be contacted the week of April 5 with information about how to reopen their claim.
Q: For those who have only been with their employer for a few weeks or months, do they qualify for benefits?
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How Can I Find A Good Unemployment Lawyer In Kentucky
There are several ways to find a good lawyer to help with your unemployment claim in Kentucky. The best way to find a lawyer is always through a referral from someone you know. Ask family members, friends, and other professionals you work with whether they can recommend a good employment lawyer.
Lawyers specialize, so your friends divorce lawyer wont be the right person to handle your unemployment appeal. However, lawyers also know other lawyers, so dont hesitate to ask a well-recommended lawyer in a different field for an employment lawyer referral.
If you cant find a lawyer through personal referrals, here are a couple of other options:
- Check with the Kentucky Bar Association for information about lawyer referral services in Kentucky.
How Do I Apply For Unemployment Benefits In The Us
To apply for unemployment benefits in the U.S. you must file for an unemployment claim with your respective state UI agency. The standard process requires you to undergo the unemployment registration procedure in the state where you were employed. Therefore, if your former posting was located in a state other than your current state or you have had several jobs throughout the country, you can obtain information on how to proceed from the UI office of your present location.
In general, to file for unemployment, you must first meet your states UI requirements:
- Only former workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own, such as reduction in working hours or layoffs, can apply for unemployment benefits.
- You must have earned a certain amount of wages in the months leading to your unemployment, and you must have been actively seeking a job.
- Your full name and Social Security Number
- Your contact information, such as your phone number and your resident and mailing addresses
Information about the jobs you have held in the last 18 months before your unemployment, such as:
- The dates of your employment and the reason you are no longer employed
- The employers names, addresses and phone numbers
- The amount of gross wages earned
- Contact the UI agency to provide the necessary data by phone.
- Submit it in person through your states UI office.
- Mail it to the address of the UI agency.
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What If I Am Denied Benefits How Can I Appeal A Denial Of My Claim
If you disagree with the determination made by the Kentucky unemployment office in regards to your benefits, you have the right to appeal. You must submit your letter of appeal in writing within 15 business days of the postmarked date of your denial.
After filing your appeal, a hearing will be scheduled. Most hearings take place over the phone. Youll have an opportunity to present evidence that helps your case. If youre dissatisfied with the result of the appeal, you may make an additional appeal to the court within 20 business days.
How Do I Appeal A Decision
Either you or your employer may appeal any decision regarding your claim. Once your claim is reviewed, you will receive a formal notice of the states decision. If youd like to request an appeal, you should follow the instructions for appeals that you will find listed on your official decision notice.
Generally, you need to request an appeal within 15 days of the mailing date on your official notice. All requests for appeal need to be submitted in writing, and they can be submitted to either of the following offices in Kentucky:
Mail: Appeals Branch
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