KENTUCKY UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

This page is here to help you file for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, non-traditional unemployment clients are now eligible to file for benefits.

Please read all the information below before filing your claim. This will ensure a complete and correct application while avoiding a delay in benefits.

If after you submit your application, you receive a letter that states you are not covered for traditional UI your claim will be processed for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. You will receive another letter about your eligibility and your benefits with PUA.

You can find helpful videos to guide you through the process below.

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Who is Covered?

In these unprecedented times, Governor Beshear has expanded access for groups not normally eligible for Unemployment Insurance. These groups include, but are not limited to:

  • barbers
  • chefs
  • childcare workers employed by non-profits
  • contract laborers
  • freelance workers
  • hairdressers
  • hotel housekeeping staff
  • hotel workers
  • independent contractors
  • landscapers
  • massage therapists
  • nail technicians
  • restaurant workers
  • self-employed
  • small business owners
  • substitute teachers

If after you complete your application, you get a message that states you are not covered or your claim has been denied, please disregard. Your claim is being processed and we will be in touch.

Any payment you receive from federal legislation regarding COVID-19 will come directly from the Department of Treasury and not the Commonwealth of Kentucky.


Claim On These Days

In order to serve you better, UI claims will be filed on a specific day of the week based on the first letter of your last name.

Sunday A-D
Monday E-H
Tuesday I-L
Wednesday M-P
Thursday Q-U
Friday V-Z
Friday If You Missed Your Day

Filing a Claim

To file an Unemployment Insurance Claim, you will need the following:
Please file your claim by Friday no later than 7 p.m. for your claim to be effective as of that week.

Personal Information

  • Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Complete Mailing Address
  • Phone Number

Employer Information

For the last 18 months:

  • Business/Company Name
  • Business/Company Mailing Address
  • Business/Company Phone Number
  • Dates of Employment
  • Reason you are no longer working for EACH employer

Other Information You May Need

  • If you worked in other states: List of states in which you worked.
  • If you worked for a Temporary Agency: Name/Address of Temporary Agency.
  • If you worked for the Federal Government: Agency name; Component name; Copy of your Standard Form (SF8, SF50).
  • If you were in the US Military: Copy of you DD214 Member 4.
  • If you worked through a skilled trade union: Name of contractor.

Check My Claim

To check your claim please follow these steps:

The Claims Process

Day 1

You complete the initial application online at uiclaims.des.ky.gov

7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., ET

Day 2

The Office of Unemployment Insurance will determine if you have a valid claim.

Day 3-12

You will receive a letter that states the amount of your payment.

Day 13

If there are no disqualifying factors, we will generate the payment by either direct deposit or a debit card within 2 to 5 days.

Day 28

If you continue to be unemployed you can request your second benefit payment online at uiclaims.des.ky.gov or calling 877-369-5984.





File My Unemployment Insurance Claim

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Please Be Advised

Refiling the same claim or requesting a payment before day 28 will delay the process and slow down your payments. Please do not resubmit previous claims or request payments without first checking your account summary.

File My Claim


If You Are Having Issues

Kentuckians can call for Kentucky Career Center services including Unemployment Insurance questions.

Please use the phone for the locations nearest you so that no location is overwhelmed by customers.

View Phone Numbers

Upcoming Career Fairs

  • Drive Thru Job Fair
    May 5, 2020
    10 A.M. - 2 P.M.
    516 Workshop Lane
    Lebanon, KY 40033
    Get Directions

View all Career Fairs