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NOTICE: All Extended Unemployment Compensation (EUC) recipients. In February 2012, federal legislation was enacted extending the deadlines for federally funded unemployment benefits through December 2012. These changes to the structure of federal benefits will gradually reduce the number of benefit weeks available from a maximum of 99 to 73 weeks. This change did not create additional benefits for those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits.

This legislation also expanded the requirement of claimants to conduct documented work searches related to labor market information and their skills and capabilities. They are required to maintain a detailed record of employer contacts and provide work search records upon request. They must also register for employment services by completing full job registration in Focus Career at http://selfreg.ky.gov . Failure to register may delay or stop an unemployment claim.


Extended Benefits to end in Kentucky – updated March 14, 2012

In order to pay out federal benefits, states must continue to meet eligibility criteria, which are tied to the state’s unemployment rate. Because Kentucky’s unemployment rate recently dropped below the federal minimum qualification level, unemployed Kentuckians will no longer be able to receive Extended Benefits, or EB. This program previously lasted for 20 weeks, from weeks 80-99 of the possible 99 weeks of benefits.

The last week for which Kentucky EB claimants can be paid is the week ending April 7, 2012, regardless of any benefit balance remaining in the claim. The check for that final week can be requested April 9 through April 20 at 7 pm. Claimants who file a new EB April 1-7 will have until April 27 to request a check. Checks will be issued the next workday following the request.


IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If you are unemployed as a result of the storms that hit Kentucky on February 29 - March 3, 2012 then you may be eligible for additional benefits through Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).

DUA provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster declared by the President of the United States. A major disaster has been declared in Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe counties.

Before an individual can be determined eligible for DUA benefits, it must be established that the individual is not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits (under any state or federal law). If you are unemployed as a result of the major disaster, please apply for unemployment benefits and also contact your local office to apply for DUA benefits. If you have any questions, or if you are unable to contact your local office, please contact 502-564-3240 and ask for the DUA representative.

NOTICE:
How to File a Claim if you are a Federal employee separated from work as a result of the government shut down.

File a claim by clicking the Unemployment Claim Filing link to the right. Call the Call Center (502) 875-0442 or go to your nearest Local Office of Employment and Training.

After filing a claim, within one week, take a copy of Standard Form 8 (SF-8, this tells who your federal employer is and where to send your wages and separation information) to your nearest Local Office of Employment and Training Office or Fax to (502) 564-5623 (ATTN: Tawnee or Brittney). Be sure your name and social security number appear on the form.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Voice Response Unit (VRU) for requesting weeks of Unemployment Insurance has a new number.  You can now request weeks by calling (877) 3MY-KYUI or (877) 369-5984 To request benefits on-line, go to http://www.kewes.ky.gov.

All claimants should now file claims or request benefit checks through the main online application.

Only those drawing regular Unemployment Insurance or Emergency Unemployment Compensation can request checks via the telephone.

Note: The Kentucky's Electronic Workplace for Employment Services (online application) link is only available M-F from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST and Sunday from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST.

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Claim Filing and Benefit Request

Information about Emergency Unemployment Compensation

  • If you are requesting Emergency Unemployment Compensation check, you must call 877-369-5984 or do so online.

Information about Extended Benefits

  • If you are requesting an Extended Benefits check, you must do so online. These benefits cannot be requested by phone.

There are many complex areas within the Unemployment Insurance Program.  We have provided links to information that we hope will help you better understand the program and possibly answer some of the questions you may have relating to your Unemployment Insurance claim.

 

Office of Employment and Training
275 East Main Street 2nd Floor
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Phone:
502-564-2900
Kentucky Relay Service
1-800-648-6057

For Unemployment Insurance Information, please contact your Local Office.
To find your local office, Click Here.

Last Updated May 01, 2012

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