Kansas unemployment benefits are available for workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Before you can receive your weekly unemployment compensation, you must file a weekly claim with the Kansas Department of Labor.
The weekly claim process is a way for you to confirm that you’re still out of work and looking for a job. The department needs this information to make sure benefits go to people who are genuinely in need of financial assistance.
How to file weekly claims in Kansas
In Kansas, you can file your weekly claims for unemployment either online or by phone. The Kansas Department of Labor provides these two options to make the process accessible for everyone.
Filing Online
The most convenient way to file your weekly claim is through the online portal at GetKansasBenefits.gov. Once on the site, click on “FILE A WEEKLY CLAIM” and log in using the username, password, and PIN you established when you first applied for unemployment benefits. It is recommended that you file online to avoid long wait times that can occur when using the phone method.
Filing by Phone
If you prefer to file a weekly claim by phone, the Kansas Department of Labor has different numbers for various locations:
- Topeka Area: 785-296-4337
- Kansas City Area: 913-287-6913
- Wichita Area: 316-269-0633
Failure to file means you won’t receive benefits for that week, even if you’re later approved. So whether you choose to file online or by phone, make sure you do it each week to maintain your eligibility for Kansas unemployment insurance.
When to file your weekly claim
After you’ve filed your initial unemployment claim, it’s time to submit your first weekly claim. You should file on the Sunday or Monday following the week you made your initial claim, ideally before 7 p.m. on Monday.
For example, if you submitted your initial unemployment application on a Tuesday, file your first weekly claim either on the next Sunday or Monday. Weekly claims can be filed either online at GetKansasBenefits.gov or via phone.
The unemployment week runs from midnight on Sunday to midnight the following Saturday. Although you can file any day from Sunday to Saturday, filing early in the week can speed up your payment.
To continue receiving your weekly benefit amount, you have to file a claim for each week. Miss a claim, and you won’t get paid for that week. If you fail to file within 14 days, your unemployment claim will become inactive, and you’ll need to reapply for UI benefits.
Payment delays on holidays
Be aware that if there’s a state or bank holiday, this will delay your benefit payment. Always file each week to ensure you’re eligible for your weekly payment and avoid any interruptions.
Information Needed for Filing Weekly Unemployment Claims
When you’re ready to file your weekly claim for unemployment benefits, make sure you have all the necessary details at hand. Whether you’re filing online or by phone, the Kansas Department of Labor needs specific information to process your claim.
Filing Online
For online filing, you’ll need your username, password, and PIN. You are encouraged to file your weekly claims online to save time.
Filing by Phone
If you opt for phone filing, you’ll need your Social Security number and PIN. Keep in mind that you might face long-distance charges, as there’s no toll-free number for the weekly claim line.
Additional Information Required
For either method, you’ll also need:
- Your gross wages earned during the week you’re claiming. This is the money you made before any deductions, based on when you did the work, not when you got paid.
- The number of hours you worked during the claimed week.
- Any paid time off you received, broken down into categories like vacation or personal time.
- Any severance pay for the claimed week.
- Documentation of your work search activities
It’s also a good idea to have paper and pencil ready to jot down any important instructions or information you might receive during the filing process.
Questions asked during the weekly claim process
During the weekly claim process, you will be asked a series of questions to verify your eligibility for unemployment benefits. If you earned any income during the week, the information you provide could be used to re-calculate your weekly benefit amount.
- Did you perform the required work search activities and look for work during the claimed week?
- Were you ready and willing to work in the claimed week?
- Did you turn down any job offers during the claimed week?
- Did you get or modify any pension benefits, aside from Social Security, in the claimed week?
- Could you physically work in the claimed week?
- Did you either leave a job or get fired during the claimed week?
- Report your earnings before any deductions for the claimed week, but exclude holiday, vacation, or severance pay.
- Did you go to school or start any training programs during the claimed week?
- Did you have any work, even just for a day, between Sunday and Saturday of the claimed week?
- Input the total number of work hours for the claimed week.
- Did you get paid for a holiday during the claimed week?
- Did you get vacation pay during the claimed week?
- Did you apply for or get Workers’ Compensation for an on-the-job injury or disability during the claimed week?
- Did you earn any bonus pay during the claimed week?
- Did you receive severance pay during the claimed week?
It’s very important to be completely honest, and answer each question accurately and completely to avoid possible issues with Kansas unemployment fraud. If there is a problem with your claim, you have the right to file an appeal.
How to check the status of your claim
You can check the status of your claim and payments anytime. Online, log in to your account and select the “CHECK YOUR CLAIM STATUS” option.
Alternatively, you can call the weekly claim phone line for your area and select option “1.” This will provide you with information about:
- The last three weeks you claimed benefits
- Dates and amounts of your benefit payments and remaining UI benefits
- Reasons if a payment hasn’t been issued
- Deductions affecting your payment amount, such as earnings or child support, and the reasons for those deductions
By regularly checking your claim status and filing your weekly claims, you can ensure a smoother process for receiving your unemployment benefits. If you need help, contact the Kansas Unemployment Contact Center.
Collecting Payments
To get paid, you need to file a weekly claim for each week you request unemployment benefits. Once you meet all the eligibility criteria, you’ll receive a Visa debit card by mail where your benefit payments will be deposited.
Payments generally arrive 2-3 business days after you’ve filed your weekly claim. If you file on a Sunday, expect your payment by Wednesday. Keep in mind that payments can be delayed due to holidays or while the Kansas Department of Labor investigates any issues with your claim. During this time, you should continue to file your weekly claims to maintain eligibility.
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