FAQS

Do I have to file a weekly certification (claim) every week?

Yes, if you skip a week, it will create a break in your claim and you will need to file another application to continue filing your weekly certifications (claims). File a weekly certification every week you are unemployed or underemployed. If you return to work or stop filing your weekly certifications, file another application.
Why can't I file my weekly certifications (claims)?
- It has been more than 14 calendar days from the last date you filed an application for benefits without any activity such as filing a weekly claim.
- It has been more than 14 calendar days from the last date you filed a weekly claim for payment.
- You earned more during the week than your weekly benefit amount.
If you have worked since filing your last application, file a new application online. If you have not worked since filing your last application, call the Contact Center for assistance.
Should I file online or by phone?
We strongly suggest filing online. At times, the Contact Center phone wait can be lengthy. If you must call to speak with a customer service representative, be prepared to hold.

You must create your online account and then file your unemployment application by phone if:
- You worked in any other state than Kansas in the past 18 months
- You filed an unemployment claim with another state in the past 12 months
- You were in the military service or were a federal employee in the past 18 months
All other claims can be filed online. Remember, filing online is simple, fast and secure; whereas there will be a wait if you contact the contact center.
When should I file for unemployment?

File for unemployment benefits as soon as you become unemployed, but not before your final workday is completed. Your claim is effective the week you file, not the week you become unemployed.

If you wait, you will not receive waiting period credit or payment for those weeks.
How can I add to or correct my answer on the application?

If you have already completed and submitted your application, you will be unable to change your answers or add additional information. You may fax in additional information to (785) 296-3249, fill out any requested forms stating you made an error, call the contact center, or simply provide this information if selected for a phone interview.
How do I file another application if I have filed one in the past?

Go to GetKansasBenefits.gov to file another application for unemployment benefits.

If you cannot file online you can apply for unemployment benefits by calling the Contact Center.
What happens after I file an application for unemployment?

After you file your application, you will receive a Monetary Determination letter based on your wages.

The information in the letter will show if you have earned enough wages to establish an unemployment claim. If your wages on your Monetary Determination are incorrect or missing, contact the Contact Center for assistance. You will be asked to provide check stubs, W–2 statements, or other documents.

A monetary determination does not mean you will receive benefits. Additional information may be needed from you and/or your employer to make sure you are eligible.
What if someone has worked out of state in the past 18 months?

The individual may file a claim for unemployment benefits in any state in which they have earned money. States can combine your wages for a claim. In Kansas, an individual with wages in another state must create an online account and then apply by calling our contact center. Individuals can only file/claim benefits in one state at a time, so if they begin filing in one state, their claim will remain with that state.
What if I live in another state and need to file a claim in Kansas?

If all your wages in the last 18 months were earned in Kansas, you can file online at GetKansasBenefits.gov. If you have wages from other states, create your online account and then call the Contact Center to file your application.
What is claim maintenance?

Claim maintenance is a process that requires a detailed manual review of an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim to ensure all data is accurate.
Why did I receive an Identity Verification form from KDOL?

We need additional information to verify your identity. We will need a copy of your Social Security card and your driver’s license or other state-issued photo ID. Legible copies of the documents should be sent by the due date on the form.

You will be ineligible to receive benefits until we receive the necessary documentation.
When I click on the “additional questions” link nothing happens.

Make sure the pop-up blocker on your Web browser is turned off.
How do you check my identity?

Your name and Social Security number are sent through a secure transaction to the Social Security Administration for verification.
The last page indicated that my claim was not complete. How can I check on my claim?

Call the Contact Center to complete the processing of your claim.

Unemployment Insurance Division

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Click the Log In or Register button to apply for unemployment benefits or to file a weekly claim.

Overview

Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a state-operated insurance program designed to provide temporary and partial financial assistance to replace lost wages to Kansas workers when they are unemployed through no fault of their own and meet the requirements of State law.

Qualifications

The program ensures that, if you meet the eligibility requirements of the law, you are entitled to some income while you are looking for a job. The current maximum amount of weeks is 16 weeks in one calendar year. The weekly benefit amount is a minimum of $147 and a maximum of $589 per week for claims filed between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. If you meet all eligibility requirements and are approved for benefits, you will receive a monetary determination letter with your total benefit amount (TBA) and weekly benefit amount. Weekly benefit payments are deducted from your TBA. Once the TBA reaches zero, you will no longer receive payments for that benefit year. You can reapply for a new benefit year the day after your current benefit year ends. If you want an estimate of your weekly benefit amount, we recommend using our benefits calculator

Filing an Initial Claim

When filing a new application, you will need the following information:

Your Social Security number
Full mailing address, including apartment or lot number, Zip Code and PO Box if you use one
A phone number where you can be reached during the day
The name and mailing address of the last employer you physically worked for, no matter how long you worked there.
Note: Your paycheck stub or W-2 form usually contains this information
The date you began and stopped working for each employer and the reason you left each job for the last 18 months
The county in which you live
Your driver's license number
If you are not a citizen or national of the United States, your employment authorization number and expiration date
If you were active duty military within the past 18 months, your DD-214, Member #4 form
If you were a federal employee, your Standard Form SF-50 or pay stub
Any separation, vacation, or holiday pay you have received or will receive in the future.

Learn More

Wages earned in another state, the military or the federal government

An individual may file a claim for unemployment benefits in any state in which they have earned money. States will combine your wages for a claim. Individuals can only file/claim benefits in one state at a time, so if they begin filing in one state, their claim will remain with that state. If you have wages during the base period of your claim earned in another state, from the military or federal government, we will ask for your wage information from the other state(s), and/or your branch of service or the federal government to help process your claim. When we receive the wage information, another "Unemployment Insurance Monetary Determination" letter listing these wages will be mailed to you. You must continue to file your weekly claim for payment while your wages are being investigated.

Combined wage claims, military and federal government claims must be taken over the phone.

If you have not earned enough wages in Kansas to be eligible for benefits without adding in the additional wages from another state, the military or federal government, your unemployment payments will be delayed until we receive the requested wage information.

Weekly Certifications (claims)

File your first weekly certification on Sunday after filing your unemployment application in the previous week. The calendar week for unemployment runs from midnight Sunday to midnight the following Saturday. For example: If you filed your application on Tuesday, file for your first weekly certification on the following Sunday. You may file weekly certifications any day of the week. Filing early in the week assures the most prompt payment.

You will not receive a benefit payment until the weekly certification has been filed. If you do not file a weekly certification within 14 days, you will not be able to file the weekly certification. Your claim will become inactive, and you will have to file another application to re-open your unemployment.

How to file your weekly certification

You may file weekly certification on the Internet at GetKansasBenefits.gov, click File a weekly claim. You can also file a weekly certification over the phone at 785-296-4337, 316-269-0633, 913-287-6913 or 800-929-6333. We recommend that you file your weekly certification online. You will need the following information to file a weekly certification for payment:

The amount of your gross wages earned for any work performed (money earned before deductions, not received) during the week being claimed. This includes any pay received as a Reservist for weekend drill and annual training participation.
The number of hours you worked during the week being claimed.
Gross amount of any paid time off (such as vacation, personal time off or holiday pay) for the week being claimed.
Gross amount of severance pay received for the week being claimed.

You will be asked the following questions:

Did you work any day, Sunday through Saturday, during the week being claimed? Enter your gross earnings before deductions for this week. Do not include holiday, vacation or severance pay in this amount. Please enter the number of hours worked during the week being claimed.
Did you receive any bonus pay during the week being claimed?
Did you receive holiday pay for the week being claimed?
Did you receive vacation pay for the week being claimed?
Did you receive any severance pay for the week being claimed?
Did you refuse work during the week being claimed?
Did you quit a job or were you fired from a job during the week being claimed? Did you report the loss of employment to the Contact Center?
Did you attend school or enter training during the week being claimed?
Did you receive or change any type of pension, other than Social Security benefits, during the week being claimed?
Did you apply for or receive any Workers Compensation payments for the week being claimed that were for a work-connected injury or disability?
Were you physically able to work four or more days during the week being claimed?
Were you available for work with no undue restrictions for four or more days during the week being claimed?
Did you look for work as directed by the Kansas Unemployment Contact Center or Internet claims system during the week being claimed?

Funding

The UI program is funded by federal and state taxes on employers that provides cash benefits to eligible workers.

Employers are taxed by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) and the State Unemployment Tax Act (SUTA). The UI Trust Fund is made by Kansas employers and are governed by KSA 2019 Supp. 44-710a. The State assesses employers a tax on the first $14,000 of wages paid to each employee, based on the employer’s experience with the unemployment system.

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