Ky.gov

UI Changes

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​As of July 1st, 2023*, the number of eligible benefit weeks is determined by the State Average Unemployment Rate for the previous six months.  Beginning July 2023, the State Average Unemployment Rate was 6.5%, which means that a maximum of 16 benefit weeks are available to eligible claimants.

Duration of Benefits Chart​

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*See House Bill 146 (KRS Chapter 341.385)  

Eligible Weeks Flyer (pdf)​​

​As of July 1st, 2023*, the definition of “suitable work” is:

  • Employment offered to a claimant who has received at least six (6) weeks of benefits   during his or her present period of unemployment;

  • Claimant will be paid one hundred twenty percent (120%) of his or her weekly benefit amount;

  • Job is located within a distance of thirty (30) miles of the claimant’s residence, or is work that can be completed remotely on a permanent basis; and

  • Claimant is able and qualified to perform job duties, regardless of whether or not the claimant has related experience or training.​

*See House Bill 146 (KRS Chapter 341.385)  

Eligible Weeks Flyer (pdf)​​​

​As of January 1st, 2023*, claimants are required to report the following work search activities:

  • Claimant engages in at least five (5) verifiable work search activities each week he or she claims eligibility.

  • Three (3) of these five (5) activities shall consist of formally submitting an application for employment or  interviewing for employment.

Work search activities include any of the following:

  • Formally submitting an application for employment (either in-person or online)

  • Interviewing for employment (either in-person or online)

  • Job shadowing

  • Attending a job fair or networking event hosted by state, local government or a business organization • Participating in a job search skills workshop or seminar

  • Participating in a Kentucky Career Center or partner program training related to employment or the search for employment

It is up to the claimant to keep all documentation.  If you receive a Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance audit notice on your claim, YOU MUST provide the supporting work search documentation for all weeks being audited.  Failure to maintain those records could result in the denial of benefits or an overpayment. 

It is your responsibility to maintain all of your unemployment records. 

Examples of supporting documentation include:

  • Formal Job Application: Copy of application confirmation from website or submission email, copy of application email sent to employer; copy of fax application confirmation; copy of your completed paper application, legibly signed and dated by employer or Kentucky Career Center staff; screenshot of text message showing application submission

  • Job Interview: Documentation of interview scheduling, form letter signed by employer

  • Job Shadowing: Form letter completed by employer, including dates, hours, etc.

  • Job Fair or Networking Event: Business card from participating employer, form letter signed by participating employer or Kentucky Career Center staff

  • Job Search Skills Workshop or Seminar: Email and/or certificate from Kentucky Career Center staff, form letter signed by the presenter to certify participation, screenshots from online participation

  • Employment Search Program through Kentucky Career Center or partner: Confirmation of registration in KEE Suite, documentation of job referral email, form letter signed by program staff to certify participation, screenshots from online participation

The following three groups do not have​ to search for work while they are receiving unemployment insurance benefits:

  • You are a member of a trade union that finds work for you

  • You are a student in an approved training program (and have received a determination)

  • You have a definite recall date within 16 weeks of your initial claim filing date

  • You are on temporary leave of absence while still considered an employee

  • Your employer filed a mass electronic claim (E-Claim) or a workshare claim on your behalf

To verify that you meet these criteria, you will be instructed to provide documentation when you file the claim. If you do not provide documentation, you will be subject to work search requirements.

*The Kentucky General Assembly enacted changes to the state’s unemployment insurance program during the 2022 regular session through House Bill 4 after overriding Governor Beshear’s veto of the bill.​​​ (See House Bill 4, 2022, and House Bill 146​, 2023, KRS 341.350)​

​Overpayment Waivers – Senate Bill 7 and Senate Bill 140

  • Claimants with an office error overpayment created between January 27, 2020 and September 6, 2021 were potentially eligible for a waiver.

  • If you believe you should have been eligible for the waiver for unemployment payments and did not receive a notification letter, please contact 502-564-2900.

  • For additional information pertaining to Senate Bill 7 or Senate Bill 140, please visit Welcome - Legislative Research Commission.​​

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