Unemployment Insurance for Kentucky

Unemployment insurance can provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In Kentucky, the unemployment insurance program is administered by the Kentucky Career Center Office of Unemployment Insurance.

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for unemployment insurance benefits, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

  • You must have earned a certain amount of wages during a specific period of time, known as the base period.
  • You must be unemployed through no fault of your own.
  • You must be able and available to work, and actively seeking employment.
  • You must register for work with the Kentucky Career Center office.

There are certain circumstances that may make you ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits, such as quitting your job without good cause, being fired for misconduct, or refusing a suitable job offer.

How to Apply

To apply for unemployment insurance benefits in Kentucky, you must file a claim with the Kentucky Career Center Office of Unemployment Insurance. You can file your claim online, by phone, or in person. You will need to provide certain information, such as your Social Security number, employment history, and reason for unemployment.

After you file your initial claim, you will need to file weekly certifications to continue receiving benefits. These certifications will verify that you are still able and available to work, and actively seeking employment.

Benefit Amounts

The amount of unemployment insurance benefits you may be eligible to receive in Kentucky depends on your earnings during the base period. The base period is the first four of the last five quarters preceding the date you filed your claim. Your weekly benefit amount will be approximately 1/26th of your highest quarter earnings during the base period, up to a maximum amount set by law.

In addition to the weekly benefit amount, you may be eligible for certain additional benefits, such as dependent allowance or additional weeks of benefits, depending on your circumstances.

FAQs

Question
Answer
How do I file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits?
You can file your claim online, by phone, or in person at the Kentucky Career Center office.
How often do I need to file my weekly certifications?
You must file your weekly certifications every week while you are receiving benefits.
What if I am not able to work due to a disability?
If you are unable to work due to a disability, you may be eligible for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, rather than unemployment insurance benefits.
If I am receiving unemployment insurance benefits, do I still need to actively seek employment?
Yes, you must actively seek employment and be able and available to work in order to continue receiving benefits.
What if I am offered a job that pays less than my previous job?
If you are offered a job that pays less than your previous job, you may still be required to accept the job in order to continue receiving benefits. However, you may be able to request a review of the job offer to determine if it is suitable.

Unemployment insurance benefits can provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. If you are unemployed in Kentucky, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. To apply, file a claim with the Kentucky Career Center Office of Unemployment Insurance and meet the eligibility requirements. Remember to file your weekly certifications to continue receiving benefits.