How to Apply for Unemployment in Kentucky and Indiana
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on April 3, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge economic impact all around the world. In places with significant social distancing measures in place, many businesses have had to shut their doors temporarily and lay off workers. In the Kentuckiana area, both food-service businesses like restaurants and bars and other public-facing businesses have seen a rise in unemployment.
Fortunately, unemployment insurance may be able to help you through this tough time if you have lost your job or if your hours have been decreased. Unemployment insurance is a joint federal-state program that gives money to eligible workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. You can apply for unemployment through the state where you worked. Unemployment insurance won’t completely replace your previous earnings. However, it can help you make it through a period of time without pay.
Each state has its own system for reviewing and administering unemployment benefits. Here’s what you need to know about applying for unemployment in Kentucky as well as Indiana.
Filing for Unemployment
In Kentucky
In Kentucky, you can apply for unemployment insurance through the Kentucky Career Center website or by calling 502-875-0442. Information needed to apply includes name, date of birth, social security number, postal address, email, and employment details. The program can provide between $39 and $552 each week to eligible people. The amount of benefits depends on your previous earnings. Check out this calculator to learn more about what amount of benefits you may be eligible for.
Governor Beshear has waived the normal one week waiting period for unemployment during the coronavirus crisis. Additionally, he has waived the normal work search requirement while Kentucky is in the current State of Emergency. People are encouraged to apply on specific days of the week based on the first letter of their last names. This approach helps to accommodate an increased number of applications. To learn more about temporary changes to unemployment insurance, see Governor Beshear’s news release.
The Kentucky Career Center also has resources to help job-seekers. The KCC can help people apply to jobs, work on their resumes, connect employers to job candidates, explore career paths, and more. Visit https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx to learn more.
In Indiana
In Indiana, you can apply for unemployment insurance through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s website or by calling 1-800-891-6449. Information needed when applying includes a mailing address, phone number, social security number, employment information, a valid ID, a valid email address, and your most recent pay stub. Benefits range from $50 to $390 per week depending on your previous earnings.
Governor Holcomb has also announced that people who might not normally be eligible for unemployment benefits may be able to receive them. For instance, people who have just started a job or people taking work leave due to coronavirus.
The Department of Workforce Development also provides resources and support to help job-seekers find employment. The DOWD can help employers find job applicants, and help people prepare for and take High School Equivalency tests. Visit https://www.in.gov/dwd/ to learn more.
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