Kansas is one of the states worst affected by the measures taken to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Kansas unemployment rate in May was 10.0%. To help the unemployed, the state offers Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Generally, the unemployment benefits last between 16 to 26 weeks. But due to the ongoing crisis, the authorities at the Department Of Labor have extended unemployment benefits in Kansas. The extension took effect on June 7, 2020.
Extended Unemployment Benefits In Kansas
Under the extended unemployment benefits program, the state provides benefits to qualified people for an additional 13 weeks. The new extended unemployment benefits would follow the end of the regular benefits as well as Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) benefits.
That is to collect the payment under the extended unemployment benefits program, one should exhaust benefits received under both regular and PEUC programs.
The self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, etc. who qualify Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUA) can also collect payment under extended unemployment benefits.
Who Qualifies For Extended Benefits?
To be eligible for extended benefits in Kansas, you must meet several requirements. Some of them are listed below.
- You are still unemployed
- You have exhausted both regular UI and PEUC benefits
- You are able, available, and actively seeking for a job
- You have earned at least 2 of 4 quarters in your base period
- You must submit a log of work searches
How To Apply For Extended Benefits?
If you are already collecting his/her unemployment benefits, you need nor reapply for the extended benefits in Kansas. The authorities at the Department Of Labor will use the same details that were used to give traditional UI benefits and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. However, if you are recently unemployed or are not receiving benefits, then you must first apply for regular unemployment benefits.
You can apply for unemployment benefits in Kansas online or by phone. When filing a claim online, you will be required to enter several details such as:
- Name
- Address
- Contact details
- Address of the employer
- Social Security Number
- Driving license
Filing Unemployment Benefits By Phone
If you cannot file online, you can apply by dialing the Kansas Unemployment Contact Center. But you must be prepared to hold for a longer duration if he/she applies on Monday and Tuesday. This is because the Contact Center receives a maximum number of calls on Monday and Tuesday.
There are certain circumstances where you must file a claim by phone. They include:
- You have filed an unemployment benefits claim with another state in the last 12 months
- You have worked in another state in the past 18 months
- You were a federal employee or has served in military service in the past 18 months
After the application is submitted, the DOL will send an Unemployment Insurance Monetary Determination notice. The notice includes your incomes during your base period and provides the weekly benefit amount.
What If Claim Gets Rejected?
Sometimes despite meeting the requirements, the claim may be denied for unknown reasons. In such situations, you will have 16 days to apply for an unemployment appeal. You can appeal to the Office of Appeals of the Kansas DOL.
The authorities will review your appeal and schedule a hearing before an Unemployment Insurance Judge. The hearing can take place either over a call or face-to-face. You can present witness testimony and evidence, if any, at the hearing. The judge will then give his decision.
Kansas has multiple levels of hearing. If you are not happy with the decision of the judge, you can re-appeal it to the Employment Security Board of Review. If you disagree with its decision, you can apply for an appeal in the state court.
The extended unemployment benefits in Kansas will be made available by the month-end. If you have any further queries, contact the Department Of Labor.
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