Ky.gov

Archived UI Alerts and Notices

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​ATTENTION: This page contains archived updates from prior years that may not reflect current details of Kentucky’s Unemployment Insurance Program. Please visit 2023 UI Changes to see the most recent program updates.

Important UI Messages Archive

2023 Archive

2022 Archive

Important UI Messages

Dec. 15, 2023

U.S. Bank Debit Card Holders: Please note holiday hours 

Unemployment insurance claimants relying on U.S. Bank debit cards should note that the bank will be closed on Christmas day.
Clients may seek assistance with debit card accounts between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST Dec. 18 through Dec. 29.

Dec. 13, 2023

UI claimants: No change in benefit weeks effective Jan. 1, 2024

Kentucky unemployment insurance claimants are currently eligible to receive up to 16 weeks of benefits pursuant to House Bill 146 and KRS 341.385. The number of weeks will not change effective Jan. 1.

For additional information about how benefit weeks are calculated, visit Kentucky Career Center's 2023 UI Changes page.

Nov. 20, 2023

New Call Center Hours

The Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance Call Center has new hours.  Starting Friday, December 1, 2023, the Call Center is available to assist from 9:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. EST.  Call 502-564-2900. 

Nov. 20, 2023

Kentucky Career Center Thanksgiving holiday schedule

All Kentucky Career Centers offices in the commonwealth will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, and Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in observance of Thanksgiving. Please note that unemployment insurance claimants may experience a delay in payments due to banks being closed.

Nov. 17, 2023

UI claimants: U.S. Bank upcoming system maintenance schedule; key dates to remember

Kentucky unemployment insurance claimants relying on U.S. Bank ReliaCards for benefit payments should be advised that the bank has scheduled system maintenance to occur at various times during the month of November for multiple systems. Customers could experience intermittent service availability or downtime on the company's website during these periods (all times EST):

  • Between 1 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, and 12:55 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023; expect downtime between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17.
  • Between 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, and 4 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25.

Nov. 14, 2023

Attention UI claimants and employers: Application and system updates scheduled for Nov. 18, 2023

Please be advised that the Office of Unemployment Insurance will upgrade numerous applications and information systems between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. EST on Saturday, Nov. 18. The following applications and systems will be unavailable during those hours:

  • KEWES Internal

  • KEWES External

  • Employer Website

  • Tax Applications

  • Print System

  • Collections

  • Images

Nov. 6, 2023

Attention UI claimants and individuals seeking career services:

All Kentucky Career Centers Offices in the commonwealth will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day. Unemployment insurance claimants could experience a delay in payments due to banks being closed.

Oct. 10, 2023

UI Strike Information: FAQ for the Claimant

I am currently unemployed or have a reduction in hours due to the circumstances of a Labor Strike. 

How do I file a claim?

To file online visit the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance Website: https://kcc.ky.gov
To file by phone call (502) 875-0442 (M-F 7:30 am to 5:30 pm ET).

What is a Strike/Lockout? 

*Strike: A situation in which employees agree to an organized stoppage of work until the employer and the union come to an agreement about working conditions, wages, and benefits. 

*Lockout: A situation in which the employer prevents employees from entering the workplace until the employees/union accept a new proposal regarding working conditions. 

*Labor Union: A labor union is a group of employees who join together to advance common interest such as wages, benefits, schedules and other employment terms and conditions.  Members often pay dues to the union and elect officers to represent the group during contract negotiations. 
*General knowledge terms

Reference: KRS 341.360 (1) statute.aspx (ky.gov)

Am I required to look for work?

To be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits, you must actively seek full-time work. Claimants must report at least five (5) work search activities each week. At least three (3) of these must be job applications or interviews. If you do not meet the work search requirements, you will lose benefits for the week(s) being claimed.

Only claimants with a Work Search Exception are exempt from seeking work. You are not required to conduct a job search if: 

  • 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 will be required to provide documentation from your employer with your return-to-work date. If you do not provide documentation, you will be subject to work search requirements. 

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

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

Reference: https://kcc.ky.gov/career/Documents/PAM400.pdf
Reference: KRS 341.350 statute.aspx (ky.gov)​

How do I request a payment?

It is recommended that you request benefits online instead of by phone.
You must report all earnings, wages and income to the Office of Unemployment Insurance.
Reference: Instructions on Requesting Benefits

For additional assistance:
Call (502) 564-2900
Or visit: https://kcc.ky.gov

Oct. 11, 2023

UI Strike Information: FAQs for the Employer

What are my responsibilities? 

  • Click here for Employer Guide: EMPLOYER GUIDE (ky.gov)

  • An employer must notify the Office of Unemployment Insurance in writing when a strike or labor dispute occurs within seven (7) days.  The notification should be submitted to the attention of the UI Executive Directors Office:

Mail: 500 Mero Street, 4SC, Frankfort, KY 40601
Fax: (502)564-5502
Reference: KRS 341.360(1)(a) https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=52451

Is the employer eligible to submit E-claims or Work Share Claims on behalf of its employees?

  • Requirement to participate in an E-claim:

  • Click here for E-claim information: https://kcc.ky.gov/Employer/Pages/Filing-Your-Mass-Electronic-Claim-(E-Claim).aspx

  • Workforce of at least 100 workers at the time of layoff.

  • Minimum of 25 workers on layoff.

  • Workers have a definite recall to work date within 4 calendar weeks. A worker who will be off for 5 weeks or more will need to file an individual claim for the entire period.

Requirement to participate in the Work Share Program:

The Kentucky Work Share (WS) program is an alternative to layoffs for employers experiencing a reduction in available work. 

  • Submit a signed, written Work Share plan to the Offices of Unemployment Insurance (OUI) for approval.  Click here for Work Share application: https://kcc.ky.gov/career/If-you-are-an-Employer/Pages/default.aspx

  • The plan applies to and identifies the specified affected group (2 or more employees)

  • The employer approved plan expires after twelve (12) full calendar months from its effective date.

  • Includes an estimate of the number of layoffs that might have occurred if the plan was not made available.

  • The normal weekly hours of work for employees are reduced by not less than 10% and not more than 40%.

  • The plan must consist of at least 10% of the workforce.

For additional assistance:

Call: (502)564-2900 and/or (502)564-3240

Or visit: https://kcc.ky.gov

Oct. 11, 2023

UI Claimants: U.S. Bank website system maintenance through Oct. 21; key dates

Kentucky unemployment insurance claimants relying on U.S. Bank ReliaCards for benefit payments may experience intermittent service availability on the company's website due to scheduled maintenance during the following hours (all times EDT):

  • 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, through midnight on Sunday, Oct. 16.

  • 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, through 4 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21.

Oct. 3, 2023

​UI Claimants: Note Upcoming Federal Holiday Oct. 9

Unemployment insurance claimants can expect a delay in benefit payments during the week of Oct. 9 due to banks closing in honor of Columbus Day.

Sept. 26, 2023

Attention UI claimants:

Due to a technical issue, unemployment insurance claimants may experience a one-day delay in payments. We apologize for any inconvenience. ​​

Aug. 31, 2023

Kentucky Career Center Offices Closed Monday, Sept. 4

All Kentucky Career Center Offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in observance of Labor Day. Unemployment insurance claimants may experience a delay in payments due to banks being closed.

July 20, 2023

UI claimants: U.S. Bank website system maintenance through July 28; key dates

Kentucky unemployment insurance claimants relying on U.S. Bank ReliaCards for benefit payments may experience intermittent service availability on the company's website during the following hours (all times EDT):

  • The company will perform system maintenance from 9 p.m. Friday, July 21, through midnight on Monday, July 24. Between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, there will be intermittent downtime scheduled when applications may be unavailable.

  • Between 8 p.m. on Friday, July 28, and 4 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, the cardholder website may experience intermittent interruption.

July 3, 2023

Kentucky Career Centers Closed Thursday, July 4

Tuesday, July 4, 2023, is a federal holiday. All Kentucky Career Centers Offices are closed. Unemployment insurance claimants may experience a delay in payments due to banks being​​ closed.​ 

June 16, 2023

UI claimants note: Juneteenth federal holiday June 19, 2023

Unemployment insurance claimants may experience a delay in benefit payments due to banks being closed on Monday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday.​ 

June 15, 2023

UI claimants: Please note UI Claimant Portal navigation changes

Claimants visiting the UI Claimant Portal will notice that Manage Account and View Payment History links no longer appear on the homepage: 

Access your account information and payment history by:

  • Clicking the File New Claim/Payment Request button on the portal homepage.

  • Clicking My Information menu in the upper-right corner of the following page.

June 8, 2023

UI claimants: U.S. Bank is planning website system maintenance during the month of June; key dates to note

Kentucky unemployment insurance claimants who rely on U.S. Bank ReliaCards for benefit payments should be advised that the company will perform scheduled website maintenance during the month of June. Cardholders may experience intermittent service availability or downtime on the company's website during the following hours (all times EDT):

  • Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, June 9 until 12 a.m. June 12; Cardholders will not be able to access accounts between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Saturday, June 10.

  • Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, June 23 until to 4 a.m. Saturday, June 24. 

June 2, 2023

Eligible benefit weeks increase for UI claimants applying ​for benefits and filing claims on or after July 1​

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.

Visit the 2023 UI Changes page​ for additional details.
Reminder: All claimants must continue to report up to five verifiable, unique work search activities each week to remain eligible for the program pursuant to HB 4 which took effect Jan. 1. See the FAQ page​ for more information about meeting work search requirements.

May 25, 2023

UI claimants: Beginning June 5, you can get in-person assistance with claims at regional career center offices ​without an appointment
Need assistance with an unemployment insurance claim?

Beginning June 5, UI claimants can simply walk into any regional Kentucky Career Center (KCC) office and ask for help without an appointment. Claimants will receive assistance on a first-come, first-served basis between 9 a.m. and noon and from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. local time Monday through Friday. 

Regional office ​​ locations:





If you are unable to travel to a regional office or if you prefer to consult with a UI professional by phone, please dial the OUI call center at (502) 564-2900 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday. You may also schedule a time to speak with a UI claims specialist using the online scheduling tool. Each regional KCC office will continue to host up to 10 phone appointments daily beginning at 9 a.m. local time Monday through Thursday.


Note: While the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance will make every effort to answer your questions during your consultation, claims specialists may not be able to provide a resolution during a single visit or phone call. Some UI claims may require additional paperwork or more time to complete and process.

Important: When visiting a regional office, bring two forms of acceptable identification documents. Click here to view the acceptable ID documents list.

Reminder: You don't need an appointment to get assistance with career services. You can receive job search or career assistance at any local career center office during normal business hours – walk-ins are always welcome. Each office will work with you on a first-come, first-served basis.

During your consultation, be sure to inquire about jobs in your area. With record low unemployment in the commonwealth, there may be a job available for you right now.

Career centers throughout the commonwealth provide a vast array of services to help you get back on the path to employment. Find job leads, job search assistance, adult education, vocational rehabilitation services and more in an office located near you. Click the Locations tab to find an office near you.


Sharpen your skills

Learn about training opportunities that can help you transition into ​a new, long-lasting, rewarding career that's in demand.

Resume not getting results?

We can help. Let our trained staff help you write a professional resume that will wow employers.

Need to use computers to search for jobs?

We've got you covered.
Career centers also offer services for veterans to help you transition into a meaningful civilian career.
If you're a Kentuckian living with a disability, we'd like to help you become an essential part of the workforce in your community.

May 22, 2023

​Kentucky Career Centers Closed Monday, May 29
Kentucky Career Center offices will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day. ​June 8, 2023

April 28, 2023

UI claimants: U.S. Bank is planning website system maintenance during the month of June; key dates to note

Kentucky unemployment insurance claimants who rely on U.S. Bank ReliaCards for benefit payments should be advised that the company will perform scheduled website maintenance during the month of May (all times EDT):

  • 8 p.m. Friday, May 5 to 4 a.m. Saturday, May 6.

  • 9 p.m. Friday May 12 to 12 a.m. Monday, May 15

  • 8 p.m. Friday, May 26 to 4 a.m. Saturday, May 27

 Cardholders may experience intermittent service availability on the company's website during those times.

April 14, 2023

OUI Performing Scheduled Computer System Update April 20-April 23

The Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance will take its computer system offline from 7 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 20 through 10 a.m. EDT on Sunday, April 23 to perform a scheduled system update. Individuals with an existing claim, and those who need to file an application for benefits will not be able to access the system during that time.

March 22

Good Friday Hours of Operation

The Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance Call Center will close at 12 pm EDT on Friday, April 7 in observance of Good Friday. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, April 10.

Some Kentucky Career Center offices may be closed on Good Friday or have limited hours of operation. Please contact your local career center office for holiday business hours.​​ 

Jan. 9, 2023​

Unemployment insurance claimants: 1099-G

Unemployment Insurance Claimants: 1099-G documents will soon be available in the claimant portal and mailed via the U.S. Postal Service by Jan. 31, 2023. Please watch this short video to learn more about your 1099-G form and how to access.

https://youtu.be/-yVEL_ApIWQ

Jan. 5, 2023

Important message for job seekers and employers regarding your Focus/Career or Focus/Talent account

Effective Jan. 31, 2023, the Kentucky Career Center (KCC) will stop using Focus/Career and Focus/Talent and transition to LinkedIn to assist job seekers and help employers find qualified employees.  

For those with Focus/Career accounts, you will lose access to your resume once the transition occurs. If you want a copy of your resume in Focus/Career, please download or email your resume from your account to your personal email address before Jan. 30.

Employers should download any information they would like to keep for their records before this date. If you are interested in using LinkedIn and do not already have an account, please set up your profile at https://www.linkedin.com/​.

Jan. 3, 2023

U.S. Bank will conduct routine system maintenance

Attention claimants,

US Bank will conduct routine system maintenance that might affect batch processing. While we do not foresee interruption to the use of your Reliacard, please note the following system maintenance scheduled for January 2023:​

  • 1/6, beginning at 9 P.M. ET until 1 A.M. ET on 1/7

  • 1/18, beginning at 12 P.M. ET until 5 P.M. ET

  • 1/20, beginning at 9 P.M. ET until 12 A.M. ET on 1/23

  • 1/27, beginning at 9:15 P.M. ET until 5:15 A.M. ET on 1/28


Jan. 3, 2023

Upcoming Holiday Office Closures

Due to the upcoming ​state holidays in 2023​, the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance will be closed on the following days. Banks may also be closed which could delay UI benefit deposits.

  • Monday, Jan. 16 - Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

  • One-half day, Friday, April 7 - Good Friday

  • Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day

  • Tuesday, July 4 - Independence Day

  • ​Monday, Sept. 4 - Labor Day

  • Friday, Nov. 10 - Veterans Day

  • Thursday & Friday, Nov. 23, 24 - Thanksgiving

  • Monday & Tuesday, Dec. 25, 26 - Christmas

  • Friday & Monday, Dec. 29, Jan.​ 1 - New Year's​