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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 reference our helpful videos to guide you through the process.

Attention: Important UI Messages

May 7, 2021: The Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance (OUI), in partnership with the Kentucky Office of the State Treasurer, is reinstating direct deposit as a payment option for UI claimants beginning June 7, 2021.

Beginning on that date, benefit payments from OUI can be deposited into your bank account. If you are interested in receiving your benefit payments on a prepaid debit card, more information about that payment option will be provided soon.

May 7, 2021: Important Notice about Disaster Unemployment Assistance for 9 counties in Kentucky.

Read the notice for more information.

April 22, 2021: Work search requirements will be reinstated on May 9, 2021. Please refer to the Rights and Responsibilities booklet for details. Read frequently asked questions.

April 16, 2021: Current Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Claimants:

If you have a current PUA claim on file after your benefit request week ending 4/10/2021 you will have a new PUA claim generated with a Benefit Year Ending (BYE) of 12/31/2022. You should see the new claim the day after your check request on the account summary. You do not need to file a new claim.

April 13, 2021: Please see this guide for PIN Assistance Instructions.

April 8, 2021: Important Security Notice About Unemployment Insurance PIN’s
Click here to read this message.

April 1, 2021: IRS to recalculate taxes on unemployment benefits; refunds to start in May.
Click here for more information

March 2, 2021 - Team Kentucky Health at Home Eviction Relief Fund

Tenants who qualify for rent and utility assistance to cover past-due and future bills can visit https://teamkyhherf.ky.gov/ to apply for the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund which has an additional $264 million to keep Kentuckians safe throughout the pandemic.

February 11, 2021: If you received a paper check for benefits and believe you should not have received a check please send that check back to:

Office of Unemployment Insurance
Attention BPC
500 Mero Street 4th Floor
Frankfort KY 40601

Include your name, contact information (such as phone number and email address), and a message that you never filed for Unemployment Insurance.

Due to the upcoming state holidays, the Office of Unemployment Insurance will be closed on the following days. Banks may also be closed which could delay UI benefit deposits.

  • Good Friday (1/2 day) - April 2, 2021
  • Memorial Day - May 31, 2021
  • Independence Day - July 5, 2021
  • Labor Day - September 6, 2021
  • Veterans Day - November 11, 2021
  • Thanksgiving - November 25-26, 2021
  • Christmas - December 23-24, 2021
  • New Year’s Day - December 30-31, 2021

Your Rights and
Responsibilities

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Unemployment Insurance Fraud

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Ask an Unemployment Insurance Question

Contact Us

The Unemployment Insurance Process. Day 1, You complete the initial application online at kkc.ky.gov or by phone at: 502-875-0442 Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm 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, Request your first benefit payment at kcc.ky.gov. Day 15, If there are no disqualifying factors, we will generate the payment by either direct deposit or a debit card within 2 to 5 days.

File My Unemployment Insurance Claim

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Please Be Advised

Refiling the same claim or requesting a payment before day 13 will delay the process and slow down your payments. Please do not resubmit previous claims or request payments without first checking your account summary.

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