File for Unemployment in Kansas

There are several different options for filing for Kansas Unemployment Insurance. If you are submitting a new application, it is recommended to utilize the Kansas Department of Labor website,GetKansasBenefits.gov, and file for unemployment benefits online. Using this site is the fastest and easiest method for filing.

If you do not have the ability to access the internet, have worked out of state, filed an unemployment claim in another state, were in the military, or were a federal employee in the past 18 months, then you would be required to submit your application over the phone. The contact information for the Service Center can be found in subsequent sections.

Unemployment Application and Initial Claim

File Your Unemployment Application and Initial Claim Process

There are several options for filing an unemployment application in Kansas.

• Apply online at GetKansasBenefits.gov if you are completing a new application or you need to reopen your claim after working for a period. When filing online, you be asked to create a username and password, which will allow you to apply for benefits, file a weekly claim, and check the status of your request.
• Apply by phone through the Kansas Unemployment Contact Center at (800) 292-6333 if you do not have access to the internet, are working in another state or were in the military in the past 18 months or if you received benefits from another state in the past year. This automated system is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

When filing for unemployment, no matter if it is done online or via telephone, you will be asked for personal contact information. Then, you will be prompted to enter all employers from the previous 18 months. It is important to be thorough and accurate because all wages will be tabulated to determine benefit eligibility and amount. Once your employers have been entered, specifics about your employment history and earnings will be requested. Finally, you will be directed to the initial claim questions, which ultimately determines eligibility.

When completed, you may be asked to provide more information or to speak to a claim specialist. Once information is provided, your request can then be processed. A letter will be sent to you (Unemployment Insurance Monetary Determination) that will give you your eligibility status, benefit amount, and the wages used in the determination.

Documents and Information Needed During Filing

In order to file an unemployment claim, you will need the following information:

• Social security number and driver’s license number (or employment authorization number and expiration date if you are not a citizen of the United States)
• Full mailing address and physical address including county
• Previous employer information including name of company, mailing address, date of employment and reason for leaving
• Information on pay that will be received in the future (i.e. severance package, vacation, holiday pay)

Claim Weekly Benefits

To receive Kansas Unemployment Benefits, you are required to file a weekly claim to verify your employment status has not changed since first applying. You will also need to confirm that you are actively looking for work and completing any requirements that the Kansas Department of Labor has asked for you to complete. If you fail to do so, you could be declared no longer eligible to receive benefits.

How to Claim Weekly Benefits

Once you have completed your unemployment application, you will want to file your first unemployment claim the following week, even if you have not received notification of approval. For the sake of compensation, the week is defined as Sunday through Saturday. You can file your claim at any point during the week, but filing earlier in the week increases the chances of being paid faster. If 14 days go by without submitting a claim, your benefits will go inactive. You should fine unemployment claims every week you wish to collect benefits.

You can file your claim online or over the phone. Once you access your account, you will be asked to report any work you performed during that week and any wages earned, including severance packages or time off.

Claim Denials or Discrepancies

There are several reasons why you might be denied benefits:

• You are not able to work because of a medical condition or because you are attending school
• You are receiving worker’s compensation, unemployment benefits from another state, or received a settlement
• You do not have legal authorization to work in the United States
• Not actively looking for suitable employment
• You are self-employed
• You have seasonal employment such as a teacher and have a contract to begin the next school term, a substitute teacher, a school bus driver, or a professional athlete.

If the Department of Labor discovers that you have filed a false claim or did not provide accurate information with the intention to collect unemployment benefits, then you will be asked to pay back any funds that have been provided. Also, you will be ineligible to collect unemployment benefits for five years. False information could include inaccuracies on the length of time you worked with your previous employer, total wages, how you became unemployed, and if you received any severance pay.

Most appeals are conducted by phone and heard by an appeal Referee. In-person hearings are held on a very limited basis if a phone hearing is not possible. The party requesting the in-person hearing will be granted the right to appear in person. The other party will have the option of appearing via telephone or in person unless the Referee determines that it would be best for all parties to appear in person.

Appeals Process for Denied Claims

If you receive a denial of your application and you do not agree with the decision provided on the Notice of Determination, you have the right to appeal. From the date that the notice was mailed, there is a 16-day window where an appeal is allowed by sending a letter to the address or fax number listed below. You will need to include your social security number, address, and phone number.

Once the letter is received, an Appeal Referee will be assigned and a hearing will be scheduled for completion over the phone. It will be requested that you call the Office of Appeals before the hearing to confirm that you will be present. During the actual trial, you are given the opportunity to submit documents and information relevant to your case. Any documents you plan to present must be given to the Appeal Referee at least 24 hours in advance.

You will still want to continue to file for unemployment benefits throughout the appeal process to ensure that you get paid for every week if you win your appeal. Once a decision is made, it will be mailed to all the impacted parties. If you still do not agree with the decision, you can file an appeal to the Employment Security Board of Review who will review the evidence and testimony presented to the Appeal Referee and provide a decision.

Continuing levels of appeal are available up to the Court of Appeals, and the state Supreme Court can be used if you feel that it is necessary. But, you will be responsible for the expenses associated with the additional appeals.

Office of Appeals Contact Information

Appeals must be faxed or mailed to the following location:

Office of Appeals

401 SW Topeka Blvd.

Topeka, KS 66603-3182

Fax: 785-296-4065