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Have you lost your job and are now looking for unemployment benefits in Kansas? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to file for unemployment in Kansas.
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Introduction
If you have lost your job or have had your hours reduced, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Filing for unemployment is a simple process, but there are a few things you should know before you get started.
In Kansas, unemployment benefits are available to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. You must be able and willing to work, and you must be actively looking for a new job. To file for unemployment, you will need to provide information about your employment history and your current financial situation.
Before you begin the process of filing for unemployment, make sure that you have all of the necessary information and documents on hand. This will make the process go more smoothly and help to ensure that your claim is processed quickly.
Eligibility
If you have lost your job or have had your hours reduced, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. To find out, you can check the online tool on the Kansas Department of Labor website. You will need to provide your Social Security number, driver’s license number, and the reason for your unemployment.
You must have lost your job through no fault of your own
To be eligible for unemployment benefits in Kansas, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own. This means that you must not have been fired for Cause, such as stealing, being lazy, or not following instructions. If you were fired for Cause, you will not be eligible to collect unemployment benefits.
You must be able and available to work
In order to receive unemployment benefits, you must be able and available to work. This means that you must:
-Be physically and mentally able to work.
-Be available to work full time.
-Be actively looking for work.*
If you are not able to work or not available for work, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits, even if you meet all other eligibility requirements.
*There are some exceptions to the “actively looking for work” requirement. See the “Exceptions” section below for more information.
You must be actively looking for work
In order to qualify for unemployment benefits in Kansas, you must be:
-Actively looking for work. This means that you must be able and available to take a job, and you must be actively pursuing employment. You will need to provide documentation of your job search activities when you file your initial claim, and you will need to continue to document your job search activities throughout the duration of your claim.
-Able to work. This means that you must be physically and mentally able to take a job. If you are not able to work, you may still be eligible for benefits if you are attending an approved training program or if you have a medical condition that prevents you from working but is expected to improve within a certain time frame.
-Unemployed through no fault of your own. This means that you lost your job through no action or inaction on your part. You will not be eligible for benefits if you quit your job or if you were fired for misconduct.
Applying for Unemployment Benefits
The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) offers many services to individuals who have lost their jobs. Applying for unemployment benefits is one of the services offered. The first step in applying for unemployment benefits is to file a claim.
Online
If you are out of work or working fewer hours because of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has set up an online application process to make it easier to apply for benefits.
To apply online, you will need:
-Your Social Security number
-Your contact information, including a phone number and email address
-The name, address, and phone number of your last employer
-Alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
-Driver’s license or state ID number (if you have one)
-Employer registration number (if you know it)
Once you have gathered all of the required information, you can begin the online application process by visiting the KDOL website.
By phone
The fastest and most efficient way to file for unemployment is by phone. You can call the Kansas Tele-Center at (800) 292-6333, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. When you call, please have the following information ready:
-Your Social Security number
-YourDriver’s license or state ID number
-The name, address and telephone number of your most recent employer
-The beginning and ending dates of your last three jobs
-A list of the skills you have that could be used in a new job
-The names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references who can verify your past employment
In person
You may file your initial claim for unemployment benefits in person at any Kansas works service center. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we strongly encourage you to file your initial claim over the phone or online if at all possible. However, if you need to file in person, please call theKansas Department of Labor’s (KDOL) unemployment office in Wichita at 316-383-9947to schedule an appointment. You will need to have the following information available:
-Your social security number
-Your driver’s license or state ID number
-The names, addresses and phone numbers of your most recent employers
-The beginning and ending dates of your employment with each employer
-A copy of your most recent pay stub
What to Expect After Applying
In order to qualify for unemployment benefits in Kansas, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. To be eligible, you must:
-Be unemployed through no fault of your own
-Have worked for a qualifying employer in the past 18 months
-Have earned enough income during that time period
-Be able and available to work
-Be actively looking for work
If you meet all of the above requirements, you will need to complete an initial claim form in order to begin receiving benefits. Once your claim is filed, you will need to participate in weekly job searches and report any income you earn during your unemployment. You will also be required to attend an unemployment orientation session. Additional information about these requirements will be provided once your claim is filed.
Additional Resources
The following resources may be helpful as you file for unemployment in Kansas:
-The Kansas Department of Labor has an online unemployment filing system.
-The United States Department of Labor provides information about unemployment insurance programs in all states.
-Your local Chamber of Commerce or business association may offer advice and resources for unemployed workers.
