Extended Benefit Update
Notices and applications are being mailed about the second extension of unemployment benefits to those who may be eligible. Under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program (EUC08), individuals who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits now may be eligible to receive up to a total of 20 additional weeks of UI benefits. This is up to seven more weeks of benefits in addition to the maximum 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits under the first EUC08 announced this summer. For more information, see Extended Benefits - Frequently Asked Questions.
Kansans to get debit card for unemployment benefits
Starting the week of November 17, 2008, the Kansas Department of Labor will begin delivering unemployment insurance payments on easy-to-use debit cards. Claimants will still have the option of using direct deposit, but paper checks will no longer be mailed out. Funds will be delivered electronically, making payments faster, convenient, secure and economical. Learn more about the Unemployment Benefits Card in Frequently Asked Questions.
Call Center Wait Times
Due to an unusually high volume of inquires regarding both regular unemployment and the extended unemployment program, wait times in the Unemployment Call Center are averaging 30 minutes. We apologize for this inconvenience. If you need to speak with a Call Center representative, wait times are typically shorter on Wednesdays and Thursdays. A variety of information about your claim is available on our Web Site and additional tips are available here.
December 2008 Labor Report
According to December 2008 estimates, Kansas businesses gained 800 jobs in the last year, a 0.1 percent increase, indicating almost no change in non-farm employment. Six of the 11 major industries noted slight job gains over the year. Find the latest job numbers and unemployment rate for Kansas in the December 2008 Labor Report.
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