In the state of Kentucky, there are specific cases in which an unemployment compensation extension may be made available for individuals who need more than initial 26 weeks of benefits.
- Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Kentucky
- How to Get an Unemployment Extension in Kentucky
Extensions are set into effect when the state’s unemployment rate reaches peak levels, leaving many applicants wondering how to get an unemployment extension.
Much like the initial claim process, there are specific requirements an applicant must meet in order to be eligible to receive a federal unemployment extension. In order to better understand the unemployment extension process, we’re provided helpful information below.
Kentucky Unemployment Resources
Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension 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 benefits 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 understand what type of unemployment extensions are available.
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 the 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.
At times, the federal or state governments establish an unemployment benefits extension program. For instance, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program temporarily gave qualified workers additional weeks of unemployment payment in 2008, but it expired in 2013. And in 2020, the federal government initiated the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which ended in 2021.
How to Get an Unemployment Extension in Kentucky
It is important to keep in mind that an unemployment benefits 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 qualify 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 benefits 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.
Last Updated: February 28, 2023