Unemployment For Furloughed Workers
If you have been furloughed from your job due to the corona virus , you may be able to file an unemployment claim and collected unemployment benefits until you return to work.
Furloughed workers are not required to actively seek work each week, but they must remain available and able and ready to work, or return to work, during their unemployment for each week that benefits are claimed and must meet all other eligibility criteria. Furloughed workers who meet eligibility requirements can receive benefits that range from $40-$450 per week.
The Governors Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect UI benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.
Why Did The Ui System Shut Down For Four Days
The public-facing online unemployment system was taken offline from April 9 to the morning of April 13 to give the state time “to enhance the security of the system.”
Following news reports the week of April 4 about claimants having personal information changed without their knowledge, the state said April 2 the instances were “isolated” and that it would temporarily prevent people from changing their bank account information.
While benefit recipients were not able to access their accounts, employees in the states unemployment office were able to continue working.
A much smaller number of people, closer to 25,000, are currently drawing benefits, Cubbage said.
Tips For A Better Kentucky Unemployment Benefits Experience
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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.
Unemployment Insurance: How It Works And How To Apply
Note: This story has been updated to reflect changes since it was originally published on March 18.
The coronavirus pandemic has left many in Kentucky jobless, and many more will lose their jobs in the coming weeks. Researchers at the Federal Reserves St. Louis district estimate the unemployment rate could hit 32 percent due to the coronavirus.
But access to unemployment insurance has been greatly expanded for those who have lost their jobs to help ease the burden.
Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order on March 25, expanding unemployment eligibility to workers not typically covered by the program, including the self-employed, independent contractors, freelance workers, substitute teachers and childcare workers employed by religious groups and nonprofits. People who left their job to avoid a reasonable risk of exposure or to care for a family member affected by the virus are now also eligible.
Kentuckys unemployment website says some applicants who fall under these categories may be told they are not covered, or their application has been denied. The website says to disregard this message and that the claim will be processed.
Beshear and the state are now encouraging employers with at least 50 employees who decide to lay off at least 15 people due to the coronavirus to file a claim on behalf of their employees. Beshear has waived the one-week waiting period for receiving benefits and the requirement that recipients prove they are actively looking for work .
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Things To Know After Filing An Application
You are obligated to be informed about various rules and regulations applied to the UI benefits program. Claimants will have to face the consequences of non-adherence with any rules brought to the notice of KCC.
You should also know about all the opportunities provided by the KCC to help claimants so that they become more competent in the job market.
How Much Will I Receive
Q: How much can I receive from unemployment insurance?
A: Kentucky’s benefit range is between $39 and $552 per week. Applicants can log into their account 24 hours after filing a claim and view their benefit amount on the “account summary” page.
Q: Is there any way to get an idea of what my weekly benefit amount will be?
A: The state has a calculator on its website. This is only an estimate.
Q: How does the state determine how much I receive in benefits?
A: The amount unemployed workers receive is based on their past wages.
Q: Ive heard something about an extra $600. How is that working?
A: $600 will be added to each persons total weekly payment amount, through July 31, thanks to the federal CARES Act. For example, if your normal weekly benefit amount is $250, youll receive a total of $850. However, state officials say youll receive these amounts in separate payments. This increase went into effect the week of March 29. Kentucky is expected to start sending out these payments the evening of April 9. These payments will be retroactive.
Q: For how many weeks can I receive unemployment?
A: 39 weeks, which is an increase from the usual 26 weeks.
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What To Do After Submitting Your Ui Benefits Claim
After you apply for unemployment benefits in your state, you will be required to complete several additional tasks before you start receiving your weekly or bi-weekly UI paychecks. These mandatory tasks vary from state to state. Generally, the standard procedure requires you to register for work through a local workforce center, as you must be actively seeking employment to qualify for unemployment benefits. In addition, certain states, such as Colorado, will also ask you to verify your identity by completing a Verification of Personal Information form.
What If My Direct Deposit Banking Information Is Incorrect
Due to fraud, the state has temporarily prevented people from changing their bank account information in their unemployment accounts.
When going through the re-registration process, if you notice your banking details are incorrect, request your payment to be sent via paper check and make sure your mailing address on file with the state is correct.
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Unemployment Due To School Closures
If your childs school is closed because of the coronavirus, and you have to miss work to take care of them, you may be able to collect for unemployment benefits. Eligibility must be determined and you will only be considered eligible if you have no options for the care of your child or children and if you are unable to continue working your normal work hours from home or remotely.
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.
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Learn The Best Time To Apply For Unemployment Benefits In Kentucky
Many unemployed residents of Kentucky choose to wait to file for unemployment until they have all of their documents collected. This choice however can delay them for weeks in which they could have been receiving benefits. Pink slips and severance package are not necessary when you begin to apply for unemployment benefits. In fact, the state of Kentucky does not provide benefits to cover any time prior to the initial claim, so it is important to file an unemployment claim as soon as you are terminated from your current employment. The necessary documents can always be submitted at a later date and will not affect the amount of time in which you receive benefits. In order to file for unemployment as quickly as possible, it is recommended that you file an online application for unemployment. Online applications can be filed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it the fastest option for submitting a claim. However, if you are unable to file an online application for unemployment you may always choose to file one over the phone.
Unemployment For Reduced Work Hours
If your employer has reduced the number of hours you can work or shut down completely due to COVID-19, you may be able to file an unemployment claim. Kentucky unemployment insurance provides benefit payments for partial wage replacement to workers that have lost their job or have had their hours of work reduced, through no fault of their own.
Workers who are unemployed temporarily because of COVID-19 and are expected to return to work with their employer within a few weeks, or some other defined short period of time, are not required to actively seek work each week. However, they must remain available and able and ready to work, or return to work, during their unemployment for each week that benefits are claimed and must meet all other eligibility criteria. Individuals who meet eligibility requirements can receive benefits that range from $40-$450 per week.
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Start At Kcckygov To File Your Claim
- Scroll down and click the orange File My Claim button.
- Scroll down to the bottom, read the information, and click I Agree if you agree. Log in or set up a new user. Follow the prompts.
- To check on your claim in the future, follow the instructions in the Check on My Claim section.
- If you have online difficulties, call 502-875-0442 for assistance.
I Received A Letter But Never Filed For Unemployment What Do I Do
Those who receive a letter with a new PIN but have never sought unemployment benefits may have had a claim opened fraudulently in their name.
Since the start of the pandemic, fraudsters have filed real claims on behalf of real people in multiple states using stolen personal information in an attempt to obtain the unemployment pay.
More on fraud:Kentucky unemployment system gets just what it didn’t need more fraud
The state encourages people who suspect fraud to report it to the unemployment office using a form on its website, kcc.ky.gov. Click on the yellow button by “Unemployment Insurance Fraud.” The site also gives advice and tips for identity theft victims.
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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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Do I Qualify For Unemployment Benefits
Kentucky residents must meet the following requirements to claim unemployment benefits:
Kentucky has waived the work-search requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also taken the unprecedented step of opening unemployment benefits to independent contractors and self-employed workers, who are normally not eligible.
The state evaluates your earnings during a base period — the first four of the last five completed quarters before you applied for unemployment. The base period for those who apply in March is October 2018 to September 2019. For those who apply in April, it’s January to December 2019.
Your wages during the base period must check all these boxes to qualify:
What If I Can’t Get Through To The Call Center
Beshear warned of long hold times and noted that the call center will only have 50 people answering calls during the first and last hour of the day.
The governor asked those who aren’t due to request benefits this week to hold off on using the call center and instead wait for their letter to arrive in the mail.
Once your letter arrives with your new PIN, you can complete the process.
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Calculate Your Unemployment Benefits
The Kentucky unemployment calculator is available to calculate benefits and see the maximum benefit amount. If approved for Kentucky unemployment, then the person will receive the Kentucky unemployment weekly benefit up to six months and the federal $600/week payment until July 31, 2020. The Kentucky and federal payments are sent in separate payments.
Processes are subject to change by the state and federal governments.
How Long Does It Take To Get Unemployment In Kentucky
Once it is determined that you meet all of the Kentucky unemployment qualifications and are eligible for benefits, youll begin receiving weekly payments. You will not receive a payment for the first week in which your claim was made. This period is called a waiting week and no benefits are provided.
Kentucky unemployment benefits are paid for a maximum of 26 weeks, though a Kentucky unemployment extension may be put in place to increase this limit during times of high unemployment.
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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.
Unemployment Benefits For Quarantined Or Sick Workers
If you cannot work because you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, you may be able to file an unemployment claim. If your claim is for exposure and you are not yet sick you may need to have your exposure validated by a healthcare professional. Unemployment benefits provide short-term benefit payments to workers that are eligible, who have a complete or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages and range from $50-$1,300 a week, depending on your income.
The Kentucky Governors executive order waives the usual one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect unemployment benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are found to be eligible, the unemployment office processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving your claim.
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