As more people are getting vaccinated, more businesses return to normal and the economy improves, the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance is reinstating work search requirements for residents seeking unemployment benefits. When the Commonwealth shut down and implemented healthy at home restrictions amid the pandemic, the state waived work requirements for out-of-work Kentuckians to claim unemployment benefits. That will change on May 9th.
Amy Cubbage, general counsel with the Kentucky unemployment office said claimants will have to show that they are looking for work. “You will be required to seek suitable full-time employment and report at least one attempt each week. It’s recommended you keep a record of all your job contacts including the name of the business, the title of the position, the name and title of the person that you contacted, the date and the method of contact. You will be required to provide those details during your bi-weekly benefit request.”
Cubbage added that if you are out of work, you will be given a "reasonable" amount of time to find work at a comparable pay and skill level as your last job. Those who can't find such work will need to adjust their search.
Kentuckians who will not have to submit work search details are certain union members, students in training programs, those who have been laid off with a definite return date within 12 weeks of an initial claim, and those on a temporary leave of absence. For more information on the work search requirement log on to http://kcc.ky.gov