States

How To Apply For Unemployment In Kansas

The Kansas Department of Labor is the entity responsible for handling all unemployment insurance benefits claims in the State of Kansas. The criteria for being eligible for benefits include having a valid social security number, work history in Kansas, and a “no-fault” reason for separation from your pervious employment. Use the links below to get started:

• Kansas Department of Labor Main Website
• File a Kansas Unemployment Insurance Claim Online
• Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll need to create a username, password, and pin number to process your claim application online. You can also file by phone by calling toll free (800) 292-6333.

Calculating Your Weekly Benefits Payment

The amount of your weekly unemployment insurance benefits payment is calculated based on the income from your previous five quarters of employment. There is a Benefits Calculator online at Kansas DOL where you can enter the amount of wages you received in the first four of those five quarters to get an estimate of what your weekly payment amount will be.

You will be required to verify any income that you report when filing your initial unemployment insurance claim, so make sure you have last year’s W2 or 1099 and recent paystubs on hand when you start the online or file-by-phone process. Enter all wage amounts and dates carefully and double-check before hitting the send button.

You can expect to receive your weekly unemployment insurance benefits payment three days after you file your weekly claim, so if you file on Sunday, you should get paid on Wednesday. Payments can be direct deposited to your personal checking or savings account or you can request that the DOL send you a Mastercard debit card in the mail.

Guidelines for Filing Weekly Claims

There will be a one week waiting period from the time your claim is approved to the week when you receive your first payment. Even though you will not get paid that first week, you are still required to file a weekly report. For best results, file your report Sunday afternoons or early Monday mornings. Weekly claims can be filed online or by phone.

Use the following numbers if you’re filing by phone:

• Kansas City Area: (913) 287-6913
• Topeka Area: (785) 296-4337
• Wichita Area: (316) 269-0633
• Toll Free for Outside local calling area: (800) 292-6333

Hours of operation for phone claims are Sunday at Noon through Monday night at 10:15 PM. You can also file by phone Tuesday through Friday 7:00 AM – 10:15 PM, or Saturday 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You’ll need the DOL pin number you set up when you filed your initial unemployment insurance benefits claim and your social security number for a weekly claim.

Termination and Re-Opening of Claims

Failure to file a weekly claim for fourteen days will result in the termination of your unemployment insurance benefits claim. If your claim is closed, you’ll have to start the process over again to re-open it. When filing your weekly claim, you will be asked whether you received any wages that week, attended school or job training, or searched for a new job.