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Applying for Unemployment Benefits

According to the Kentucky Office of Unemployment, all claims must be filed online. They don’t promise that every claim will be approved, as benefits are subject to rules and regulations. However, any employee can file an unemployment claim regardless of part-time, full-time or separation status.

If a UK supervisor informs an employee that there isn’t any work available, that person should file for unemployment benefits.

The website for filing unemployment claims is www.kcc.ky.gov

Start at kcc.ky.gov 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.

Changes in Kentucky Unemployment Procedures in Response to COVID-19

On Monday, March 16, 2020, Governor Andy Beshear announced changes in the Office of Unemployment’s requirements. The normal one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits has been waived. In addition, the normal employment search requirement has also been waived. These changes are intended to be temporary changes in response to COVID-19. For the latest information, visit the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance website here.

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.

What you need to know about unemployment during COVID-19

Kentucky Office of Unemployment UK HR Unemployment Department
The role of the Kentucky Office of Unemployment is to determine eligibility and generate payments, if applicable The role of UK Human Resources is to process claims as the employer
Applications must be completed online If you need extra help with entering the information for the claim or don’t have a computer, call (859) 257-9555 and press 0 to set up an appointment to use the Scovell Hall computer lab
Start at kcc.ky.gov to file your claim

Use this address when filing a claim:

University of Kentucky Unemployment
109 Scovell Hall
Lexington, KY 40506

Only the Kentucky Office of Unemployment can help with issues like setting up/changing PINs, correcting the reason for applying for unemployment, checking on payments, etc.

HR is available to help answer general unemployment questions. HR does not decide if benefits are paid.

To contact the Kentucky Office of Unemployment for help, start here: https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/contact.aspx

Employees in crisis can seek additional assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan (SNAP)
Kentucky Bridge Program for homeowners
Basic Needs Lexington (food, housing, financial assistance, etc.)
UK HR mental health therapist

The Kentucky Office of Unemployment calculator is available to calculate benefits and see the maximum benefit amount: https://apps.kcc.ky.gov/career/WuiCalculator.aspx

Direct general questions to:
Jeaune Hadl-Butler
jlhadl2@uky.edu
Office: 859-257-9189
Fax: 859-323-1075

Watch helpful KY UE videos here: https://apps.kcc.ky.gov/Videos.aspx

Unemployment benefits are for people who are out of work and not getting paid. If you decline available work, then you are not eligible for Kentucky Office of Unemployment benefits.

The Kentucky Office of Unemployment FAQs are here: https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/COVID19-UI-Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx

The U.S. Department of the Treasury issues a separate, federal payment of $600/week for eligible people up to the end of July 2020.