Kentucky Unemployment

Losing a job is a tough experience for any person, especially if you have kids or other dependents to support. In Kentucky, unemployment benefits can help you stay afloat while you look for new employment. But you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements before you can start getting those benefits. The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training provides financial assistance to people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own or have experienced a significant reduction in their hours. The office is also responsible for administering the Kentucky unemployment insurance program, upholding Kentucky unemployment laws, and providing labor market information.

Eligibility for unemployment in Kentucky is based on your earnings during a specific period of time, known as the base period. In order to receive benefits, you must have earned at least $1500 in this period. In addition, you must be able to work and actively seeking employment. You must also keep detailed records of your job search activities to qualify for UI benefits.

What Disqualifies You From Unemployment in KY?

Unemployment benefits are designed to help people get back on their feet after losing their job through no fault of their own. However, there are a number of requirements that must be met in order to receive unemployment payments.

One of the most important is actively searching for work. Claimants must keep track of their search efforts and provide proof. Otherwise, they could be disqualified from receiving benefits.

It also takes at least 13 days for a person to get their first Kentucky unemployment check. The exact amount they receive is determined by the wages they earned during their base period. Generally, this means that they must have made at least $1,500 in their highest-earning quarter.

It can be frustrating to wait for a decision on a claim, especially if it’s been disputed by an employer. However, Kentucky officials are trying to speed up the process so that more Kentuckians can get their benefits sooner.

House Bill 4

Kentucky’s unemployment law changed for the first time in 84 years earlier this year. House Bill 4 tied the length of unemployment benefits to the statewide unemployment rate. That means if the state’s unemployment rate is below 4.5%, claimants can collect up to 12 weeks of benefits.

But if the rate is above that threshold, claimants can only receive up to six weeks of unemployment benefits. After that, the state requires them to accept the first job that is offered to them as long as it pays 120% of their benefit amount and is within 30 miles of their home.