Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday afternoon the state is waiving the waiting period for unemployment benefits for those who are losing their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beshear said they will also waive any work search requirements until the state of emergency is lifted.
Earlier Monday, the governor gave orders to close all restaurants and bars to in-person traffic by 5 p.m. and to close child care centers by the end of Friday.
Beshear said he wants every Kentuckian to be able to qualify for unemployment and does not want any impediments that keep anyone from being able to get through the difficulties.
“My obligation is to keep people safe during this time,” Beshear said. “I realize many of the steps I am taking to protect Kentuckians during this COVID-19 emergency are affecting employers and workers financially. Temporarily waiving some of the (unemployment insurance) benefit rules during this time is one step I can do to help protect Kentuckians financially.”
People can apply for unemployment benefits online or by phone, by calling 502-875-0442 or visiting the Kentucky Career’s Center unemployment benefits page at https://kcc.ky.gov/career.
With a spike in the number of those filing for unemployment, there were technical difficulties both on the website and phone line Monday. Beshear said his administration is working to increase staff so all claims can be reviewed and processed quickly.
“We are working as fast as we can. I know that’s not a lot of consolation to those that had to wait,” Beshear said. “We will be there for you. We will help you. We will do everything we can to make sure that you qualify, if you qualify.”
Typically, those who file for unemployment have to wait two weeks for a check and are only paid for one of those weeks. Under Beshear’s order, they will receive payment for both weeks.
Josh Benton, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, said benefits will be given to those who have to self-quarantine or are laid off as a result of the coronavirus.
“We are hopeful that Congress passes two-week medical leave as a result of quarantine,” Benton said. “But until that happens we want to make sure that individuals experiencing quarantine and job loss are able to have cash flow during that time.”
Applicants must send the following documents and information to complete their application: their social security number, address and phone number, as well as company names, addresses and phone numbers for all recent employers.
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
