How can I extend unemployment in Kentucky?
When it comes to receiving an unemployment compensation extension, the state of Kentucky often focuses more on the current job environment than on its unemployment applicants. In many situations, applicants who are eligible to receive an unemployment benefit extension will automatically roll over into that extension if one is available. However, in order to be sure that you are not left without your benefits, it is always best to to understand what type of unemployment extensions are available.
Federal unemployment extensions typically fall into two categories:
• Extended Benefits Program (EB)
• Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)
About the Extended Benefits Program (EB)
If an applicant is looking to receive Extended Benefits, it is important that he or she has already exhausted the time limit of their original benefits. It is also important to understand that this unemployment compensation extension is only available when Kentucky reaches peak unemployment rate and jobs are considered particularly hard to find. If you have found that the unemployment benefits extension is currently unavailable, then continue to follow up on the extension status, as the state of Kentucky may make it available at a later time. Once Kentucky has reached a preset number of unemployed residents, the state is required by law to offer a federal unemployment extension for a minimum of 16 weeks.
About Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)
Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation is typically made available at the same time same time as Extended Benefits. This unemployment benefit extension is designed to be used after an applicant has used up their original unemployment benefits and their Extended Benefits.
An applicant receiving this type of unemployment extension will usually fall under one of its four tiers:
- Tier 1 supplies unemployment extension benefits for 20 weeks
- Tier 2 supplies unemployment extension benefits for 14 weeks
- Tier 3 supplies unemployment extension benefits for 13 weeks
- Tier 4 supplies unemployment extension benefits for six weeks
The tier an applicant is assigned to is decided on a case-by-case basis, however some applicants may move from one tier to another as their extensions are used up.
What can I do to extend unemployment?
It is important to keep in mind that an unemployment benefit extension still holds the same rules and requirements as an applicant’s original benefits claim. In order to apply for an unemployment extension, applicants should first contact their unemployment counselor to ensure that an extension will not automatically be granted at the end of their original claim. If not, then the applicant may need to file a new claim, in which their eligibility to receive a federal benefits extension will be reviewed much like the original claim process.
In order to hold eligibility for an unemployment extension an applicant must:
- Be willing and able to seek out and accept any suitable employment. The state of Kentucky defines suitable employment as any job in which the applicant already has experience or training and is physically and mentally capable of performing.
- Submit the required number of weekly employment applications, as well as keep a record of the names, numbers, and contact information of all jobs applied to.
- Be registered and active with any Kentucky employment program assigned to them.
- Continue filing all weekly claims, including during the time between claims.
If an applicant fails to maintain his or her eligibility, then the applicant may be disqualified from receiving any unemployment compensation extensions. Job searches and claims are taken very seriously by the state of Kentucky, so any applicant hoping to receive an unemployment benefit extension should be sure to keep adequate records, as required information will be frequently checked. In the event that an applicant takes on full or part time work in the state of Kentucky, he or she must notify the unemployment department immediately. Failure to do so, could be considered fraud and may result in a loss of benefits.
