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.
Out-of-state work registration requirements:
If you live outside Kentucky, you must register for employment services with the state workforce agency in the state where you live. Proof of your registration must be submitted to the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance within 10 days of filing your claim. Register for work at
www.careeronestop.org.
Submit proof of registration by email to
UIinterstate@ky.gov, by fax at 502-564-5412, or through the “Document Upload” feature at KCC.KY.GOV
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 the event host or organization, 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)