Office of Employment and Training Unemployment Insurance U-File

[ Layout and positioning for Unemployment Insurance KEWES]

KEWES

Kentucky's Electronic Workplace for Employment Services

NOTICE: All Extended Unemployment Compensation (EUC) recipients. In February 2012, federal legislation was enacted extending the deadlines for federally funded unemployment benefits through December 2012. These changes to the structure of federal benefits will gradually reduce the number of benefit weeks available from a maximum of 99 to 73 weeks. This change did not create additional benefits for those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits.

This legislation also expanded the requirement of claimants to conduct documented work searches related to labor market information and their skills and capabilities. They are required to maintain a detailed record of employer contacts and provide work search records upon request. They must also register for employment services by completing full job registration in Focus Career at http://selfreg.ky.gov. Failure to register may delay or stop an unemployment claim.

Extended Benefits to end in Kentucky – updated March 14, 2012
In order to pay out federal benefits, states must continue to meet eligibility criteria, which are tied to the state’s unemployment rate. Because Kentucky’s unemployment rate recently dropped below the federal minimum qualification level, unemployed Kentuckians will no longer be able to receive Extended Benefits, or EB. This program previously lasted for 20 weeks, from weeks 80-99 of the possible 99 weeks of benefits.

The last week for which Kentucky EB claimants can be paid is the week ending April 7, 2012, regardless of any benefit balance remaining in the claim. The check for that final week can be requested April 9 through April 20 at 7 pm. Claimants who file a new EB April 1-7 will have until April 27 to request a check. Checks will be issued the next workday following the request.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Voice Response Unit (VRU) for requesting weeks of Unemployment Insurance has a new number. You can now request weeks by calling (877) 3MY-KYUI or (877) 369-5984.

Recent Changes to Unemployment Insurance Law - Effective Jan. 1, 2012

Employer Protest Period
For all claims filed on or after Jan. 1, 2012, the Employer Protest Period is now 15 days.
This means you may request your first benefit check on the 16th day after you filed your claim, unless the 16th day falls on a Saturday. In this case, you may request the next day (Sunday).

Waiting Week
You must now serve a one week waiting period per Benefit Year. Your waiting week will always be your first payable week. You will request benefits for a two week period. If you are otherwise eligible, the amount of your first check will only be for one week. Your maximum benefit amount will not change.

For more information on recent changes to Unemployment Insurance law, please click
http://workforce.ky.gov/news/UITFReport.pdf

Claimant

Note: The KEWES link is only available M-F from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST and Sunday from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST.

	Your social security number
	Your complete mailing address
	Name, address, and phone number for each of your employers over the last 18 months.
	The exact day you began work at each job.
	The last day you worked at each job.

The KEWES internet claims system is accessible for filing an unemployment claim or requesting your bi-weekly check on-line. The system is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM Eastern Time. You cannot file a claim or request a bi-weekly check on Saturdays.

Focus Career Job Search and Registration*
*Note: The work registration process is included as part of the Unemployment Claim Filing process, it is not necessary to do it separately if you have already filed an unemployment claim.

You can search for a job or register for work through this link. Registering for work is an easy way to get your application out for employers to consider when hiring.

Normal system availability â€“ 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Unemployment Benefits - Telephone Claim Filing
Unemployment Insurance claimants who do not have access to the Internet or who speak Spanish can call 502-875-0442 Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Eastern Time, to file their initial or reopen claims by telephone. This is not a toll-free number.

To request your bi-weekly benefit check by telephone call (877) 3MY-KYUI or (877) 369-5984 (toll free). You cannot request an Extended Benefits (EB) check over the telephone.

Gold Card Services for Post 9/11 Veterans

Employer
Employer Electronic Services Employers can establish or reopen an unemployment insurance account, submit quarterly tax reports, or pay unemployment taxes on-line through this link.	Employer Job Order Form To submit a job order online to the Office of Employment and Training, please complete the online job order form. When you are finished, select the OET county office nearest your place of business. Upon submission of your online job order form, you may be contacted by an employment specialist to confirm your request and obtain any additional information.