How Do Unemployment Benefits in Kansas Work?

If you’ve lost your job in Kansas, the Kansas Department of Labor has programs that give you and your family a financial safety net. One of these programs is the state’s unemployment benefits program administered by the department’s Unemployment Insurance Division.

Unemployment Kansas programs allow individuals who lost their jobs to receive unemployment benefits. These benefits can replace wages jobless individuals would have earned if they stayed employed.

Kansas unemployment insurance (UI) benefits offer much-needed financial assistance to jobless individuals. Read on to learn more about how you can benefit from Kansas UI benefits.

Can I Receive Unemployment Benefits in Kansas?

You can receive unemployment benefits if your work contract is terminated unjustly. You can also be eligible for unemployment benefits if you lost your job through no fault of your own.

For example, if a factory you work in closed down due to COVID, your termination isn’t your fault. For this reason, you can claim unemployment insurance payouts in the form of CARES Act benefits.

Who’s Eligible and How Can They Sign Up?

To be eligible, you must have lost your job for reasons that aren’t your fault. Some examples of no-fault termination include workplace closures or cessation of company operations. You should also have been employed for a certain time before you can claim UI benefits. Lastly, you should actively be seeking work at the time of your application.

You must follow certain steps when you apply for UI benefits. First, visit the Kansas Department of Labor site. There, you will find an online application form asking about your employment history and weekly wages.

Once you complete the form, all you need to do is wait for the department to check your eligibility.

As you can see, the claims process in Kansas differs little from the process of making a weekly unemployment claim in RI.

How Much Money in Benefits Can I Potentially Receive?

How much you can get on UI benefits will depend on several factors, like your weekly pay and why you lost your job. On average, the most anyone can get on unemployment benefits in Kansas is about $560. This is the maximum weekly claim amount if you’re eligible. The lowest you can receive is about $160 based on the 2023 Kansas Department of Labor UI rates.

Are Kansas Unemployment Benefits Taxable?

Unlike many social security benefits, Kansas UI benefits are taxable. If you have been receiving unemployment benefits for a year, you’ll receive a Form 1099-G. In it, you’ll see how much you’ve received and how much you must report on your federal tax return.

Can I Receive Unemployment Benefits in Kansas While Working or Receiving Other Social Security Benefits?

You can receive unemployment benefits even if you’re working. The only condition is that your job must be part-time and not a full-time position.

You can also qualify for a weekly unemployment claim even if you’re receiving other social security benefits. For example, you can receive Kansas unemployment benefits even if you’re receiving temporary disability benefits.

How Long Can I Receive Unemployment Benefits?

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, you can receive weekly benefits for about 16 to 26 weeks. Also, the maximum duration for your eligibility will depend on your earnings history and why you lost your job.

What Will Disqualify Me From Receiving My Unemployment Benefits in Kansas?

Several things will disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits. First, you will be ineligible if you’re out of work because you resigned. You will also likely face rejection on your unemployment insurance benefits claim if your employer terminated your employment due to just causes.

Lastly, committing fraud on your application and refusing a suitable job offer will also disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits in Kansas.

How Long Will It Take for My Unemployment Claim To Be Approved?

The time it takes for the Kansas Department of Labor to approve your unemployment claim can vary depending on your case’s complexity. It will also depend on the number of claims being processed at any given time in the state’s UI benefits pipeline.

On average, you can expect to receive a decision on your claim to be made within 21 days. To be clear, that’s 21 days from the date you filed your unemployment claim.

How Will I Know If My Kansas Unemployment Claim Has Been Approved?

After filing your unemployment insurance claim, the Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Division will notify you of its decision. Within 21 days, you will receive a letter from the department containing its decision. If you qualify, the letter will also contain your total benefits and steps for claiming them weekly.

If the department denies your claim, you can appeal the decision and reapply for UI benefits. However, if this is the case, it’s best to seek help to prevent a second denial of your claim.

How Benefits.com Helps You Apply

An unemployment benefit opportunity can provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

While the Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Division has the UI benefits program in place, know that getting approval on an unemployment claim isn’t automatic. Therefore, if you are considering applying for unemployment benefits in Kansas, you will need help.

At Benefits.com, we are here to help underserved populations receive the benefits they need. When you contact us, we will listen to your situation and work towards getting you the benefits you need.

You’re not alone. We are here to help. Check out our articles on unemployment benefits in New Jersey and Kentucky, and contact us today and let’s talk about getting you the benefits you deserve, no matter where you live.