NEW
June 2, 2023
Unemployment insurance program changes for those filing new claims for benefits on or after July 1, 2023
Kentucky unemployment insurance claimants who apply for benefits and file a new UI claim on or after July 1, 2023, will be eligible to receive up to four additional weeks of benefits.
Gov. Andy Beshear signed HB 146 into law on March 23, 2023, which increases from 12 to 16 the number of benefit weeks available for those filing a new claim on or after July 1, 2023. See the flyers below and
watch the video to learn more.
Work Search Activities and All Supporting Documentation
Work Search Requirements
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Reminder:
The following three groups do not have to search for work while they are receiving unemployment insurance benefits:
- People who are members of a union with a hiring hall,
- People who have a definite return to work date that is within 16 weeks of the date they filed for benefits, and
- People who are in a labor dispute/strike with their employer
Approved Training
According to Unemployment Insurance regulations, an individual may claim benefits while attending an approved training program. Approved training programs must meet certain standards under the law. Not all training programs are approved.
Extended Benefits for Approved Training
If you are in an approved training program, and you are making progress toward completing that program, you are potentially eligible for up to five (5) additional weeks of unemployment benefits. The additional weeks of benefits you may receive depends on your claim's benefit year end (BYE) and how long your training approval lasts.
Notify the Office of Unemployment Insurance (OUI) if You Are Enrolled in School or Training
If you are attending school or training, contact your local Kentucky Career Center (KCC) office and request a training approval form. Completed the form and return it to the KCC office or the Office of Unemployment Insurance (OUI). The OUI will determine if your training is approved under the law. If approved, the OUI will contact the school or training program to check your progress.
Explore Local Training Opportunities and Education Assistance at the Links Below:
Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board
Local Workforce Innovation Boards
FAFSA Information
Pell Grant Information
Postsecondary Education
Kentucky Commission on Proprietary Education
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEA)
Work Ready Scholarship Program
Contact your local Kentucky Career Center for more information.
Additional benefits cannot exceed 24 weeks in total.
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Jan. 1, 2023
New 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. Work search reporting requirements will change on Jan. 1, 2023. See the flyers below for details.
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 and or an overpayment.
It is your responsibility to maintain all of your unemployment records.
Claimant Guide: Your Rights & Responsibilities When Claiming Unemployment Insurance Benefits
(Currently being updated to reflect the new HB4 law)
Resources
Additional Resources
Need more information about 2023 unemployment insurance changes? Visit the Claimant Frequently Asked Questions