Operations and Resources
- Effective Wednesday, 3/18/20 – While virtual services will still be available to customers (see below for more info), All Kentucky Career Centers will close their doors to the public.
- 3/16/20 – Governor Andy Beshear issues directive of all in-person government services to close, effective by 5:00PM on Tuesday 3/17/20.
- 3/16/20 – UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE filing process revised by the Commonwealth of Kentucky as well as the U.S. Department of Labor. Visit the link below to get started or for more information.
UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that the Unemployment Insurance Waiting Week is waived?
Under normal circumstances, the first week of an unemployment insurance claim does not receive payment. The Governor has opted to waive this if you were laid off due to COVID-19. This does not mean that you will receive benefits immediately. Kentucky pays unemployment benefits every two weeks.
Q: When will I get my benefits?
Benefits can only be paid after the week has passed (example: you cannot claim the week ending March 5th until March 6th or after). Benefits are paid every other week or also known as bi-weekly.
Q: What does it mean that the Job Search requirement is waived?
Under the COVID-19 state of emergency job search requirements are temporarily waived for all recipients of UI.
Q: When do I need to request my first payment?
You will request your first payment 13 days after you file your claim. If that date is a Saturday, you will wait until the following day. Payments can be requested until Friday of the given week. You will need to request either by calling 1-877-369-5984 or visiting www.kewes.ky.gov. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants must request payment by visiting www.kewes.ky.gov.
Q: When filing my claim, is COVID-19 considered a natural disaster?
No. COVID-19, while being declared a state of emergency, is not a natural disaster.
Q: What happens if I can’t return to work because of COVID-19?
You will continue to draw benefits until your employer begins operations. However, if you filed your claim and reported a date that you were returning to work, you will need to contact the UI Help Line to adjust/correct that information at 502-564-2900.
Q: How much can I expect as my weekly benefit amount?
You may estimate your weekly benefit amount by going to the calculator below:
- Enter your earnings into the appropriate quarters.
- You can log into your account 24 hours after submitting your claim, go to the Account Summary page and it will display your benefit amount.
NOTE: If you have wages from out of state or from employment with the Federal government, those wages may not be reflected immediately.
Q: I tried to create an account but it says my information already exists?
The system you are accessing may contain information back to 2003. If your attempt to register as a New User shows an error stating that social already exists in our system, you will need to click ‘Cancel’. From the Log In screen, click ‘Forgot’ PIN. When prompted, enter your social security number and any name variation you may have used since 2003 (maiden, former married, shortened name i.e. John instead of Johnathan, etc.). Also note that if you have a suffix (Jr, Sr, etc), those fields are spacing and punctuation sensitive. Attempt with and without punctuation. If you are still unable to access the system, contact the UI Assistance line at (502) 564-2900, option 5, then option 6.
Q: Is there an extension for those who have exhausted a claim and aren’t eligible to file a new one?
Yes. The recently approved federal CARES Act has extended the number of weeks from 26 to 39. Individuals whose UI benefits were exhausted after July 2019 are eligible to apply for the 13-week extension.
Q: My name has changed/is incorrect. Can I change it myself?
You are not able to change your name yourself, as this requires legal documentation. To expedite this process, log into your account, go to Document Upload, and upload a PDF or photo format of 2 forms of verification of your current name (State issued ID, Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Marriage/Divorce Decree, Passport or Military ID). Once the documentation has been uploaded, your file will be updated as soon as possible.
Q: I have lost my unemployment benefits debit card. How can I get another one?
You can request another unemployment insurance (UI) debit card from the Bank of America website at https://prepaid.bankofamerica.com/kyuidebitcard. You also can get information such as your card balance, and move funds from the card to another account by going to the website. For answers to frequently asked questions about your UI debit card, visit https://prepaid.bankofamerica.com/kyuidebitcard/Program/FAQ#q12.
Q: What is available for the self-employed/contractors?
Unemployment Insurance benefits have been expanded due to COVID-19 to include groups that are typically not covered by UI:
- Self-employed
- Independent contractors
- Freelance workers
- Substitute teachers
- Childcare workers employed by religious-affiliated organizations and non-profits
It also includes people leaving employment because of COVID-19 due to:
- Reasonable risk of exposure (self-quarantine)
- Caring for a family member affected by COVID-19
Q: Will UI payments be increased by $600 per week and when?
Yes. All weekly payments will increase by $600. This will begin the week of March 29, 2020.
Example, if my benefit payment was $320 per week it will now be $920 per week starting on March 29, 2020. You will receive two payments one for $320 and one for $600. Under the CARE Act, the $600 payment is paid 100% by the federal government and will not be charged to employer accounts.
Q: I have worked part time over the past year and typically would not qualify, can I apply?
Yes. Under the CARES Act those who have worked part-time over the past year will now qualify for UI. You will get the weekly benefit amount you qualify plus the $600. You will receive two payments. One for the weekly benefit amount and one for the weekly $600.
Q: Will there be money on my debit card when I receive it in the mail?
No, you will receive your debit card before the money is deposited into your account. The money will go on the debit card when the claim is processed (Day 14 or 15). Please see the infographic on the process of a claim on kcc.ky.gov.
Q: What if employees want to stay home because they can make more money with UI plus $600 from the federal government?
- During these unprecedented times, unemployment insurance (UI) benefits have been made available to groups that are not normally eligible for benefits.
- This includes individuals who have left their jobs because they have a reasonable fear that exposure to COVID-19 at their workplace will cause a negative impact on their health and they want to stay home.
- Despite these flexibilities, a central requirement of UI eligibility has always been and still is, that an individual is eligible for UI if they are separated from their job due to no fault of their own.
- If an employer provides reasonable accommodations for employees at their workplace or offers an option to telecommute, the employee must work if it is offered by the employer.
- The employer maintains the opportunity to protest any claim that is filed by an employee. If the employer and employee disagree about what is considered reasonable accommodations, those UI claims will have to be decided by a UI staff member on a case-by-case basis. Either side has the right to appeal that decision. For information about the appeals process, go to the Kentucky Career Center’s website to the Benefit Appeals page.
Q: Who gets the $600 CARES Act weekly payment?
Everyone who is otherwise eligible for Unemployment Insurance (regular UI, Trade, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance)
Q: When will I get the $600 payment?
It will be a separate deposit that will be made likely a few days after your UI benefit payment is deposited.
Q: How often will I get the $600?
In general, you will receive $1,200 every two weeks. However, E-Claimants will receive $600 each week.
Q: Will everyone get the $600 payment at the same time?
No. It will arrive after your benefit payment.
Q: How long will I receive the $600 payment?
Current legislation has it funded until July 31, 2020.
- 3/16/20- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended all gatherings of 10+ people should be cancelled or held virtually.
Services are still available to job seekers and employers through online, phone, and email formats. To contact a specialist for career services or guidance, visit tencocareercenter.com/contact.
Or call a local career center:
CONTACT
INFORMATION
You can contact your nearest career center with questions concerning employment services, veterans services, vocational rehabilitation, and unemployment insurance.
Additional COVID-19 Updates and Resources
Visit kycovid19.ky.gov for up-to-date information on HOW TO PREPARE, COVID-19 IN THE WORKPLACE, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS, WHEN TO SEEK CARE, and WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK
Kentucky Career Center and partners
The Kentucky Career Center and network of partners will continue to provide high-quality workforce development services to job seekers and employers, while also being mindful that the health and well-being of customers and staff is of critical importance.
CDC Coronavirus Resource and Information:
Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Resource for Employers:
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