While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Unemployment Insurance is a benefit program designed to replace part of the income of recently unemployed or underemployed workers. Unemployment Insurance is available to workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.
Learn more about Unemployment on Kentucky’s Unemployment Program Overview page here.
Unemployment Insurance benefits are weekly payments that are given to eligible workers who apply to and are accepted into the program. These payments can be provided via a direct deposit to their bank account or a state-provided debit card.
Learn more about how Unemployment Insurance payments work here.
To qualify for Unemployment Insurance in Kentucky, you must:
Learn more about Kentucky’s monetary requirements here.
Apply for benefits online here during the week you are seeking payment, when your hours have been reduced or when you are no longer employed. Do NOT wait until the week is over.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Kentucky, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Kentucky’s Unemployment claim portal. To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call (502) 875-0442. To apply for Unemployment Insurance in person, click here to find your nearest Kentucky Unemployment Office location.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, you can contact the Kentucky Career Center at (502) 564-2900 Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST, except for observed holidays.
The amount of Unemployment Benefits you receive is based on your past reported earnings by employers that you have worked for in Kentucky. To determine how much you will receive each week, the Kentucky Career Center considers the amount of wages you earned during your base period.
The minimum weekly benefit amount in Kentucky is $39. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $552.
Learn more about the base period and how benefits are calculated or to estimate your weekly benefit amounts here.
The week after you file your unemployment claim is called the Waiting Week. During the Waiting Week, you must file a Bi-Weekly Certification Application through the claimant portal or by calling (502) 875-0442, and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. You can find the Kentucky claimant portal here.
If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit.
Learn more about the Waiting Week here. Learn more about the Bi-Weekly Certification Application here.
Note: The seven-day waiting period is temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keep track of your work-search contacts. You are required to make at least two contacts per week to receive payments and waiting week credit.
If you were discharged or quit your last job, expect a call (or email if that is your preferred contact method) to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance.
You must file a Bi-Weekly Certification Application while you are receiving Unemployment Benefits and until you are employed again. This bi-weekly claim is like a follow-up application that certifies your continued eligibility for the program, and proves you are actively applying for new jobs.
Learn more about the Bi-Weekly Certification Application here. File your Weekly Certification Applications here.
It’s important to remember that your Unemployment Benefits may be delayed or denied if you fail to submit your bi-weekly claim.
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You can submit an appeal by writing a letter to the Appeals Branch or UI commission stating your intent to appeal. Your letter may be submitted by mail, email, or fax.
Appeals Branch
275 E. Main St. 2EB
Frankfort, KY 40621
Fax: (502) 5640-7850
Email: UIappeals@ky.gov
UI Commission
275 E. Main St. 2WF
Frankfort, KY 40621
Fax: (502) 564-3562
Email: UIcommission@ky.gov
If you have general questions about the Unemployment Benefits provided in Kentucky, you can call the Kentucky Career Center’s customer service center at (502) 564-2900.
Additionally, you can contact your local office before visiting the location for service. Find the location nearest you as well as its contact information here.
The Kentucky Career Center is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST, except for observed holidays.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
If you have general questions about the Unemployment Benefits provided in Kentucky, call the Kentucky Career Center at (502) 564-2900.
If you have questions about appeals, you can reach the appeals line at (502) 564-3925.
The Kentucky Career Center is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST, except for the observed holidays listed here.
Find your nearest local Unemployment Office’s location, hours of operation, and phone number here. Or, go to the Kentucky Career Center’s location page here.
| Location | Address | Phone Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green | 803 Chestnut St. Bowling Green, KY 42101 | (270) 746-7425 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Covington | 1324 Madison Ave. Covington, KY 41011 | (859) 292-6666 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Elizabethtown | 233 Ring RoadElizabethtown, KY 42701 | (270) 766-5115 | Mon: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Tue: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Wed: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Thur: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Fri: 7:30 AM to 5 PM |
| Hazard | 412 Roy Campbell DriveHazard, KY 41701 | (606) 436-3161 | Mon: 8 AM to 5 PM Tue: 8 AM to 5 PM Wed: 8 AM to 5 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 12 PM |
| Hopkinsville | 1110 Riverfront Drive Hopkinsville, KY 42241 |
(270) 889-6509 | Mon: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Tue: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Wed: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 7:30 AM to 12 PM |
| Lexington | 1050 Goodwin Ave, Lexington, KY 40505 | (859) 233-5940 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Louisville | 600 West Cedar St. Louisville, KY 40202 | (502) 595-4003 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 10 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Morehead | 1225 US 60W, Suite 106Morehead, KY 40351 | (606) 783-8525 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Owensboro | 3108 Fairview Drive Owensboro, KY 42303 | (270) 686-2502 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Paducah | 416 S. Sixth St. Paducah, KY 42003 |
(270) 575-7000 | Mon: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Tue: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Wed: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 7:30 AM to 12 PM |
| Prestonsburg | 686 N. Lake Drive Prestonsburg, KY 41653 | (606) 889-1772 | Mon: 8 AM to 5 PM Tue: 8 AM to 5 PM Wed: 8 AM to 5 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 12 PM |
| Somerset | 410 E. Mount Vernon Somerset, KY 42502 | (606) 677-4124 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Albany | 2353 North Highway 127Albany, KY 42602 | (606) 387-8082 | Mon: 8 AM to 4 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Fort Knox | 26 Pershing DriveFort Knox, KY 40121 | (502) 624-1478 | Tue: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Thur: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 7:30 AM to 12 PM |
| Manchester | 1535 Shamrock Road Manchester, KY 40962 | (606) 598-5127 | Mon: 8 AM to 5 PM Tue: 8 AM to 5 PM Wed: 8 AM to 5 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 12 PM |
| Monticello | 1500 N. Main St. Monticello, KY 42633 | (606) 348-6050 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri:8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Whitesburg | 417 Hwy. 2034 Whitesburg, KY 41858 | (606) 633-3154 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri:8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Georgetown | 100 Technology Drive Georgetown, KY 40324 | (502) 863-2402 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri:8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Central City | 50 Career WayCentral City, KY 42330 | (270) 338-3654 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 12 PM |
| Columbia | 969 Campbellsville RoadColumbia, KY 42728 | (270) 384-1741 | Mon: 8 AM to 4 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Pineville | 129 Pine St. Pineville, KY 40977 | (606) 337-3044 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Whitley City | 141 College Street Whitley City, KY 42653 |
(606) 376-7512 | Mon: 8 AM to 4 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Madisonville | 755 Industrial RoadMadisonville, KY 42431 | (270) 821-9966 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Glasgow | 445 N. Green St.Glasgow, KY 42141 | (270) 651-2121 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Leitchfield | 125 E. White Oak Leitchfield, KY 422754 |
(270) 735-5403 | Mon: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Tue: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Wed: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 7:30 AM to 12 PM |
| Lebanon | 516 Workshop Lane Lebanon, KY 40033 | (270) 692-6870 | Mon: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Tue: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Wed: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 7:30 AM to 12 PM |
| Russell Springs | 2384 Lakeway Drive Russell Springs, KY 42642 | (270) 866-8435 | Mon: 8 AM to 4 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Campbellsville | 1311 East Broadway Campbellsville, KY 42718 | (270) 465-2335 | Mon: 8 AM to 4 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Carrollton | 1720 Highland Ave., Suite A Carrollton, KY 41008 |
(502) 662-0319 | Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Florence | 8020 Veterans Memorial Drive Florence, KY 41042 |
(859) 372-8400 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Grayson | 1758 E. Midland Trail Grayson, KY 41171 | (606) 474-2412 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Olive Hill | 21039 W. US 60 Olive Hill, KY 41164 | (606) 286-4443 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Sandy Hook | 207 S. Hwy. 7Sandy Hook, KY 41171 | (606) 738-4731 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Allen | 60 Court St.Allen, KY 41601 | (606) 874-2990 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| McKee | 5748 Hwy. 290McKee, KY 40447 | (606) 364-4484 | Mon: 8 AM to 5 PM Tue: 8 AM to 5 PM Wed: 8 AM to 5 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 12 PM |
| Paintsville | 230 Court St. Paintsville, KY 41240 | (606) 789-3641 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Paintsville | 5659 Main St. Paintsville, KY 41260 | (606) 788-7080 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Hindman | 1622 Hwy 160 SHindman, KY 41822 | (606) 785-3322 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Ashland | 1844 Carter Ave. Ashland, KY 41101 | (606) 920-2024 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Maysville | 201 Government StreetMaysville, KY 41056 | (606) 564-3347 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Harlan | 319 Camden Street Harlan, KY 40831 | (606) 573-5335 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Barbourville | 464 Court Square Barbourville, KY 40906 | (606) 546-2639 | Mon: 8 AM to 5 PM Tue: 8 AM to 5 PM Wed: 8 AM to 5 PM Thur: 8 AM to 5 PM Fri: 8 AM to 5 PM |
| Louisa | 180 Bulldog LaneLouisa, KY 41230 | (606) 638-4949 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Beattyville | 205 Main Street Beatyville, KY 41311 | (606) 464-2254 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Hyden | 121 Maple StreetHyden, KY 41749 | (606) 672-2155 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Whitesburg | 417 Highway 2034 Whitesburg, KY 41858 | (606) 633-3154 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Salyersville | 131 Church StreetSalyersville, KY 41465 | (606) 349-2217 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Inez | 387 East Main StreetInez, KY 41224 | (606) 298-3217 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Frenchburg | 28B Bible Camp LaneFrenchburg, KY 40322 | (800) 927-1833 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| West Liberty | 151 University DriveWest Liberty, KY 41472 | (606) 743-3133 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Pikeville | 138 College StreetPikeville, KY 41501 | (606) 433-7721 | Mon: 8 AM to 5 PM Tue: 8 AM to 5 PM Wed: 8 AM to 5 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 12 PM |
| Pikeville | 478 Town Mountain RoadPikeville, KY 41501 | (606) 432-2775 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Jackson | 500 Brown StreetJackson, KY 41339 | (606) 666-2369 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Bardstown | 860 W. Stephen Foster Ave. Bardstown, KY 40004 |
(270) 735-6189 | Mon: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Tue: 7:30 AM to 5 PM Wed: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 7:30 AM to 12 PM |
| Lexington | 1128 Winchester RoadLexington, KY 40505 | (859) 267-2223 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Corbin | 103 Northside Plaza Corbin, KY 40701 |
(606) 528-3460 | Wed: 8;30 AM to 4 PM |
| Williamstown | 1212-D N. Main Street Williamstown, KY 41097 |
(859) 428-7519 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Richmond | 830 Eastern By-PassRichmond, KY 40475 | (859) 544-6004 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Danville | 121 East Broadway Danville, KY 40422 |
(859) 239-7004 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Mt. Sterling | 200 Oak Grove Drive, Suite 3 Mt. Sterling, KY 40353 |
(859) 554-2525 | Mon: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4:30 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Liberty | 1 Pettyjohn StreetLiberty, KY 42539 | (606) 787-1405 | Mon: 8 AM to 4 PM Tue: 8 AM to 4 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Burkesville | 213 Upper Street Burkesville, KY 42717 |
(270) 864-9316 | Wed: 8 AM to 3:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Greensburg | 113 North Main Street Greensburg, KY 42743 |
(270) 932-5936 | Wed: 8 AM to 3:30 PM Thur: 8 AM to 3:30 PM |
| London | 100 University Drive London, KY 40741 |
(606) 330-2115 | Tue: 8 AM to 4 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4 PM |
| Mt. Vernon | 150 Main Street Mount Vernon, KY 40456 |
(606) 256-2001 | Mon: 8 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Williamsburg | 1000 South HWY 25 WestWilliamsburg, KY 40769 | (606) 549-5009 | Tue: 8 AM to 4 PM Wed: 8 AM to 4 PM Thur: 8 AM to 4 PM Fri: 8 AM to 4 PM |
To find more information on Kentucky Unemployment Benefits and Services, visit:
To file an Unemployment Insurance claim online:
The Kentucky Career Center is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST, except for observed holidays noted here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance in Kentucky, complete the following three steps:
Learn what documents and information you need here.
To apply for Unemployment Insurance online, click here to access Kentucky’s Unemployment claim portal. To apply for Unemployment Insurance over the phone, call (502) 875-0442. To apply for Unemployment Insurance in person, click here to find your nearest Kentucky Unemployment Office location.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, you can contact the Kentucky Career Center at Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST, except for the observed holidays listed here.
If you have already applied for Unemployment Insurance online, you can check the status of your application by logging into your account through the Kentucky Claimant Portal here.
You can also check the status of your application by calling the Kentucky Career Center’s customer service line at (502) 564-2900.
You will not begin receiving Unemployment Benefits immediately after submitting the application. By law, you must wait one week before finding out whether you will begin receiving benefits. This is called the Waiting Week.
The week after you file your unemployment claim is called the Waiting Week. During the Waiting Week, you must file a Bi-Weekly Certification Application through the claimant portal or by calling (502) 875-0442, and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. You can find the Kentucky claimant portal here.
If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit.
Learn more about the Waiting Week here. Learn more about the Weekly Certification Application here.
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You can submit an appeal by writing a letter to the Appeals Branch or UI commission stating your intent to appeal. Your letter may be submitted by mail, email, or fax.
Appeals Branch
275 E. Main St. 2EB
Frankfort, KY 40621
Fax: (502) 5640-7850
Email: UIappeals@ky.gov
UI Commission
275 E. Main St. 2WF
Frankfort, KY 40621
Fax: (502) 564-3562
Email: UIcommission@ky.gov
For help with an Unemployment Insurance application or you have any further questions about your Unemployment Insurance claim, call the Kentucky Career Center at (502) 564-2900.
You can also visit or call a local Unemployment Office for further assistance. Find your nearest Unemployment Office location and its contact information here.
The Kentucky Career Center customer service line and local offices are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST, except for the observed holidays listed here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
