Unemployment benefits provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers in Kentucky who meet certain eligibility requirements. The Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance administers the unemployment insurance program in the state.
What are the basic eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits in Kentucky?
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Kentucky, you must:
- Have lost your job through no fault of your own. You must have been laid off, let go for lack of work, or discharged without misconduct connected to the work.
- Have sufficient past wages and employment to establish a claim. You must meet monetary eligibility requirements based on your earnings over the past 5 completed calendar quarters.
- Be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking suitable full-time work.
- Continue to report your job search as required.
You may still be eligible if you quit with good cause attributable to the work or employer, such as unsafe working conditions or non-payment of wages. You will not be eligible if you quit without good cause or were fired for misconduct.
What are the weekly benefit amounts in Kentucky?
If eligible, your weekly benefit amount will be 1.823% of your total wages in the highest quarter of your base period. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $552 in 2023.
Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. For example, if you filed in October 2023, your base period would be April 2022 to March 2023.
The minimum weekly benefit amount in Kentucky is $39. The average weekly benefit amount is around $330.
How long can I collect unemployment benefits in Kentucky?
Kentucky provides up to 26 weeks of regular state unemployment benefits. The number of weeks depends on your past earnings over the base period.
During periods of high unemployment, extended benefits may also be available after exhausting regular benefits. There are also federal emergency unemployment programs that may provide additional weeks of benefits.
What are the requirements for continuing eligibility each week?
To remain eligible for weekly benefits in Kentucky, you must:
- Make at least one job contact and submit your work search logs each week.
- Be able, available, and actively seeking full-time work.
- Report any earnings if you work part-time or temporary work.
- Participate in re-employment services if selected.
- Serve a waiting week before receiving the first benefit payment.
Notify the unemployment office immediately if you find a job, become unable to work, start school or training, or have any other change that could affect your eligibility.
What are some common reasons for denial of benefits in Kentucky?
Some common reasons why you may be denied unemployment benefits in Kentucky include:
- Quitting your job without good cause.
- Being fired for misconduct or violating company policies.
- Refusing suitable work without good cause.
- Being unable to work or unavailable for full-time work.
- Failing to search for work or submit your work search activities.
- Providing false or misleading information.
If you are denied benefits, you will receive a written determination explaining the reason. You have the right to appeal the denial within 15 days.
What happens if I collect benefits but am later denied?
If you collect unemployment benefits but are later denied eligibility and have to repay benefits, you will receive an overpayment notice stating the amount you owe. You must fully repay these funds.
If the overpayment was not due to fraud or misrepresentation on your part, you may request a waiver if repayment would cause financial hardship. The agency may set up a monthly repayment plan based on your ability to pay.
If you intentionally provided false information to obtain benefits, you may face additional penalties such as criminal prosecution.
Can I work part-time and still collect unemployment in Kentucky?
Yes, it is possible to work part-time or temporary work while collecting unemployment benefits in Kentucky.
You must accurately report any earnings from work when certifying for weekly benefits. Your weekly benefit amount may be reduced based on how much you earn.
However, your total earnings from work cannot exceed your weekly benefit amount. If your total earnings exceed your weekly benefit, you will not receive any benefits for that week.
What is the process for filing an initial claim in Kentucky?
To apply for unemployment benefits in Kentucky, you can file your initial claim application online or by phone.
Online: Visit the Kentucky Career Center website and click “File for Unemployment.” Create an account and complete the online application.
Phone: Call 502-875-0442 Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 5:30pm ET. You will speak to a claims taker to complete the application over the phone.
You will need your Social Security Number, driver’s license or state ID, and information about your past employers. The effective date of your claim will be the Sunday of the week you opened your claim.
How do I file my weekly claim for benefits in Kentucky?
After filing your initial claim, you must file weekly claims to certify your eligibility and request benefit payments.
There are two options:
- Online: Go to the unemployment website, log in to your account, and submit your weekly claim certification.
- Phone: Call the TeleClaim Center at 502-875-0442 and respond to the prompts to certify by phone.
Your weekly certification covers the prior Sunday through Saturday. You have until Friday at midnight to complete your certification for the previous week.
How will I receive my unemployment benefit payments?
Unemployment benefits in Kentucky are paid by direct deposit or by debit card.
When you apply, you can sign up for direct deposit to have benefits deposited into your bank account. Otherwise, you will receive a Kentucky UI Visa® Debit Card in the mail that you can use to access your funds.
Benefits will be deposited/available within 2-3 business days after you complete your weekly certification. Check your payment history online to confirm deposits.
What are the penalties for unemployment insurance fraud?
Unemployment insurance fraud is illegal. If you intentionally provide false information or withhold information to obtain benefits you are not eligible for, you may face serious consequences including:
- Repayment of benefits received illegally, plus interest and penalties
- A higher tax rate being imposed on your future UI taxable wages
- Disqualification from receiving benefits for up to 52 weeks
- Prosecution for felony theft which can result in fines or jail time
Examples of fraud include failing to report all earnings from work, continuing to claim after returning to work, or using someone else’s identity to file for benefits.
If you make an innocent mistake, contact the unemployment office right away to correct it and avoid potential charges of fraud. However, intentional misreporting to obtain benefits is against the law.
What can I do if my unemployment claim is denied in Kentucky?
If your unemployment claim is denied in Kentucky, you have the right to appeal the decision. There are several steps in the appeals process:
- Request Redetermination: File an appeal within 15 days, adding any additional details about your separation from employment. A referee will review the facts and issue a redetermination decision within 45 days.
- Appeal Referee Hearing: If you disagree with the redetermination, appeal within 15 days. An appeal referee will conduct a fact-finding hearing by phone and issue a written decision within 45 days.
- Unemployment Insurance Commission: Either party has 15 days to appeal a referee’s decision to the UI Commission, which will issue a ruling within 45 days.
- Judicial Review: The final step is to appeal the Commission’s ruling to the Kentucky courts within 20 days of the decision being mailed.
At each stage, present any documents, evidence, or witnesses that support your version of events. Be detailed and consistent in explaining why you should qualify for benefits. Consider having an attorney represent you at the hearing for best results.
Where can I find more information on unemployment insurance in Kentucky?
The Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance website provides resources to help you understand unemployment benefits in Kentucky, including:
- Handbook – Overview of qualifications, claims process, rights and responsibilities
- Resources – Forms, contact information, appeals guide
- FAQs – Answers to common questions about eligibility, claims, payments
- Videos – Tutorials on applying, certifying, unemployment debit card
You can also call 502-875-0442 to speak to UI staff with questions about your claim or benefits.
