Kentucky Unemployment

Kentucky Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Kentucky’s unemployment insurance benefits program provides temporary financial support to eligible workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. UI benefits help bridge the gap in lost wages while a worker is between jobs.

This unemployment assistance is not based on need, and benefits are administered in weekly payments as long as a claimant continues to meet eligibility requirements.

If you were terminated from employment, are experiencing dramatically reduced hours, or have lost employment because of company closure, you may be eligible for UI benefits in Kentucky.

Kentucky Unemployment Services

How To Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Kentucky

In general, a claimant may be eligible for UI benefits if he or she meets the following requirements:

• The claimant is unemployed through no fault of his or her own
• The claimant has worked in Kentucky during the previous 12 months
• The claimant has earned a minimum amount of wages, as specified by Kentucky guidelines
• The claimant is actively seeking work

Individual determinations cannot be made until you submit an initial claim, so if you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for Kentucky unemployment assistance, you should apply and find out for certain.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How To Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Kentucky

The best way to apply for unemployment compensation is to do so online through the Claims Portal. You may file your initial claim online Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

If you do not have Internet access, you also can apply by calling 502-875-0442 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You also may call toll-free at 800-648-6057 for telecommunications relay service.

How Do I Manage My Unemployment Benefits?

For each week you request an unemployment compensation payment, you will need to certify with the state of Kentucky that you remain within state eligibility requirements. You can do so online through the Claims Portal, using the same account you created when you submitted your initial claim.

The process is simple – you just need to answer questions about your work-related activities for the previous week. For example, you can provide information about any wages you’ve earned, along with all your work search activities and whether you received or declined any offers for work.

To request your bi-weekly benefit payment by phone, call 877-3MY-KYUI or 877-369-5984.

How Do I Appeal a Decision?

Either you or your employer may appeal any decision regarding your claim. Once your claim is reviewed, you will receive a formal notice of the state’s decision. If you’d like to request an appeal, you should follow the instructions for appeals that you will find listed on your official decision notice.

Generally, you need to request an appeal within 15 days of the mailing date on your official notice. All requests for appeal need to be submitted in writing, and they can be submitted to either of the following offices in Kentucky:

Mail: Appeals Branch
500 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 502-564-7850

Mail: UI Commission
500 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 502-564-3562

How Do I Report Fraud?

Unemployment insurance fraud can include everything from misrepresentation of facts to identity theft. It is a significant crime that diverts unemployment compensation away from those who need it the most. 

If you suspect someone of committing unemployment fraud, you can report your concerns to the state of Kentucky. Simply visit the Kentucky Career Center website and complete the fraud reporting form.

Kentucky Unemployment Office Locations