The latest official word from the First State was back in August in this press release. TOPEKA — Supporters of a House bill that would revamp the unemployment insurance system in Kansas say if changes are not made now, issues faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic will resurface.. purchase food for themselves and their families. Laura Kelly announced plans to more than double the number of staff who help the jobless and make them available on weekends. We reached out to KDOL on Thursday to see when residents can expect to see their unemployment insurance payments this week. That’s the highest rate on record in Kansas and up significantly from the March rate of 2.8%. Applications for $600 per week start May 12; payments to begin May 25 Secretary … SNAP food assistance is a monthly benefit which allows individuals and families to purchase food for themselves and their families. Get Started Here. It allows for partial work week and partial unemployment benefits to employees. Employees of religious organizations whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19; Those who lack sufficient work history to file a claim or have been disqualified for state benefits but who are impacted directly by COVID-19. TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas Department of Labor released the unemployment rate for August. It was a decrease from 7.2% in July and an … At this time, individuals can receive up to a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits. Wage and Hour Questions Davids’ called for “immediate action” tapping federal COVID-19 relief funds in her letter to Kelly, The Kansas City Star reported. Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna, Kansas Gov. March 14 will be the last day for bonus unemployment … A group of Kansas organized to file a class action proceeding against the Ministry of Labor on Thursday. The proceedings organizer, Jo-Anna Wright, sent a large number of emails today to state and parliamentarians with the following message: … Kansas Unemployment Update. The USDOL Wage and Hour Division provides information on common issues employers and employees may face when responding in responding to COVID-19 as they relate to the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act at, TEFAP provides free USDA commodities to households with income below 130% of the, SNAP food assistance is a monthly benefit which allows individuals and families to. Kansas City (913) 596-3500 Topeka (785) 575-1460 Wichita (316) 383-9947 Toll-Free (800) 292-6333 TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – The state labor department has launched a new call-back option for Kansans trying to get unemployment benefits. Starting Friday, claimants will not receive benefits but will receive back pay after the update next week. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Since March 15, 2020, Kansas has paid out over 4 million weekly unemployment claims totaling over $2.7 billion, between regular unemployment and the federal pandemic programs. Labor department: Fraudsters took $290M in Kansas unemployment payments. The bill is also set to kickstart a project to update the computer system for the state’s unemployment office. The December stimulus package added 11 weeks of unemployment with an expiration date of March 14. Under 20 CFR 603.11, you are also advised that confidential claimant unemployment compensation information and employer wage information may be requested and utilized for other governmental purposes, including, but not limited to, verification of eligibility under other government programs. Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP) The Democratic governor is facing increasingly vocal criticism from the Republican-controlled Legislature over problems at the state Department of Labor, that include a flood of fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits. The Shared Work Program is an excellent tool to use in lieu of a temporary, total layoff of employees. The state has acknowledged a flood of fraudulent claims and attempts by scammers and internet bots to access the unemployment system. The … To file for unemployment insurance benefits, visit www.getkansasbenefits.gov, and click on the button at the top of the page titled EASY.FAST.SECURE. fortscott.biz | 16d. TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – A security upgrade on the Kansas Department of Labor’s website has blocked hundreds of thousands of fraudulent logins and hack attempts in its first day, according… For more information, visit www.dol.ks.gov/employers/shared-work-program or email KDOL.SharedWork@ks.gov. Kelly’s announcement Wednesday that the Department of Labor would bring on 500 additional “surge” workers to staff its unemployment call center came after the only Democrat in the state’s congressional delegation, Rep. Sharice Davids, sent Kelly a letter calling on her to act. The Kansas Department of Labor will shut down its unemployment servers over the weekend to update security in an effort to prevent fraudulent claims. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) This year, I had to add my 1099-g for being on unemployment, like most of you guys will too. This includes those who traditionally are not able to get unemployment such as: To file for PUA, please visit www.pua.getkansasbenefits.gov, and click on the button at the top of the page titled EASY.FAST.SECURE. Kansas Senate Commerce Committee Chair Rob Olson, R-Olathe, makes a point during a hearing on a bill that would make changes in the state's unemployment system, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program At this time, individuals can receive up to a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits. KDOL.UIEmployerQuestions@ks.gov Self-employed workers get update on unemployment system in Kansas. Kansas GOP lawmakers plan to fast-track unemployment bill, after House advances bill. The amount of the benefit will vary based upon the amount of money that the individual has previously earned, but will be between $122 and $488 per week. Nearly 359,000 Kansans have filed new or continuing unemployment claims since August started and the state’s unemployment rate sits at 7.2%. Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm Posted: Jan 29, 2021 / 06:18 PM CST / Updated: Jan 29, 2021 / 06:18 PM CST. TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – Unemployment in Kansas fell to 7.5% in June 2020 from 10% in May 2020. Kansas Unemployment. Get Started Here. The UI program was established as a means to protect those who are involuntarily unemployed from the financial burdens and dangers that come with being unemployed. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that the Kansas Department of Labor is making more improvements to its troubled unemployment system. The unemployment rate in Kansas peaked in April 2020 at 11.9% and is now 8.1 percentage points lower. The USDOL Wage and Hour Division provides information on common issues employers and employees may face when responding in responding to COVID-19 as they relate to the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic. Additionally, instead of receiving an Employer Notice for each employee that files for unemployment insurance benefits, the employer will receive one listing of all claims filed off the spreadsheet. UPDATE: The Kansas Department of Labor says it is aware of some issues unemployment claimants are having as they try to register and access the new KDOL login system. Kelly and the department said the call center also would be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, starting this weekend, and that the state would upgrade its computer servers later this month so it could handle more calls. Laura Kelly answers questions during a news conference, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Employers who utilize this option will have the ability to communicate directly with the Employer Relations Administrator instead of waiting to speak with a representative at the Unemployment Contact Center. A representative with the Kansas Department of Labor said that there are currently more than 14 thousand pandemic unemployment assistance program claims attached to the 2020 CARES Act that are in the determination process. UNEMPLOYMENT WEBSITE UPDATE: Kansas' new unemployment website has halted over 240,000 attempts at bot attacks and fraudulent logins in its first day. Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of COVID-19. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers moved forward Thursday with legislation to overhaul Kansas’ troubled unemployment system after Democratic Gov. That was a massive increase from … This includes those who traditionally are not able to get unemployment such as: Self-employed; Independent Contractors "Gig" … The goal is to get the project completed by 2022. A group of Kansas organized to file a class action proceeding against the Ministry of Labor on Thursday. Amount: $300. Some businesses may be forced to temporarily lay off employees due to COVID-19. KANSAS CITY, Kan. — There are new promises to fix the deeply flawed Kansas unemployment system, but with it … UNEMPLOYMENT CONTACT CENTER. House Republicans say the measure would more quickly modernize an outdated unemployment system. “We’re going to be scaling up.”. Payments Begin: Week of 9/14/2020. Businesses may be exploring reducing production as a result of supply chain challenges related to COVID-19. Spreadsheet Filing for Unemployment Insurance The Kansas Division of Unemployment Compensation is administered by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), Division of Employment Security. http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm, Workplace Safety Labor union leaders contend the bill does nothing for workers. TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of COVID-19. OSHA also has a COVID-19 webpage with numerous valuable resources, which can be accessed at www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/. According to the Kansas Department of Labor, if you file your claim on or after January 1, you are eligible for 26 weeks of unemployment benefits (a 10-week extension). To participate, normal weekly work hours for employees must be reduced by 20% (no more than 40%) and apply to at least 10% of employees. The amount of the benefit will vary based upon the amount of money that the individual has previously earned, but will be between $122 and $488 per week. TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – The Kansas Department of Labor announced Monday that the extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA, program is now available. For the latest information on the According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Kansas fell 1.3 percentage points in December 2020 to 3.8%.The state unemployment rate was 2.9 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html You can view video tutorials on the application process, what to do after filing an initial claim, and more at www.dol.ks.gov/tutorials. TANF cash assistance provides a monthly benefit to low-income families with children to help them pay for basic needs, including shelter, utilities, diapers and transportation. You can view video tutorials on the application process, what to do after filing an initial claim, and more at, To file for unemployment insurance benefits, visit. This process allows the employer to submit the application for unemployment insurance benefits for employees who are impacted by a layoff due to COVID-19. First and foremost, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of Kansas employers and workers. Patience will be necessary, as people have … Centers for Disease Control (CDC), The Shared Work Program is an excellent tool to use in lieu of a temporary, total layoff of employees. The Department of Labor began the pandemic last spring with 20 staffers to help jobless workers and has increased that to more than 450, Kelly said. It allows for partial work week and partial unemployment benefits to employees. www.kansasemployer.gov/uitax/Tax/LayoffSelect.aspx, Individual Filing for Unemployment Insurance Benefits. The Kansas Department of Labor announced a new filing process in hopes of getting unemployment benefits to thousands of Kansans. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers moved forward Thursday with legislation to overhaul Kansas’ troubled unemployment system after Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced plans to more than double the number of staff who help the jobless and make them available on weekends. Shared Work TANF cash assistance provides a monthly benefit to low-income families with, children to help them pay for basic needs, including shelter, utilities, diapers and, Child care assistance provides a monthly benefit to working families to help pay all or part, Medical Services and Fee Schedule Section, Accident Prevention Frequently Asked Questions, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm, www.dol.ks.gov/employers/shared-work-program, COVID-19 Resources for Workers and Employers, www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20200309, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), COVID-19 Response Resources News Release (3/13/2020), Unemployment Insurance and COVID-19 Fact Sheet, Seguro de Desempleo y COVID-19 Preguntas Frecuentes, Executive Order No. The extra federal unemployment insurance payments are set to expire soon, but some recipients may need to pay taxes on the money. How long will the $300 bonus unemployment checks last? After filling everything out and getting ready to send, TT goes to a screen saying that I no longer qualify for the free version do to "too many schedules" and I have no choice but to upgrade to the deluxe version ($80) if I want to file with them. Davids, representing the Kansas City area, is the state’s second most-prominent Democratic official behind Kelly. www.kansasemployer.gov/uitax/Tax/LayoffSelect.aspx. Child Care Assistance Individual Filing for Unemployment Insurance Benefits Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of COVID-19. Employers who utilize this option will have the ability to communicate directly with the Employer Relations Administrator instead of waiting to speak with a representative at the Unemployment Contact Center. The Kansas Department of … Spreadsheet Filing for Unemployment Insurance. KDOL Updates Information On Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program Posted By: chrismaslen February 12, 2021 @ 2:15 pm Coronavirus (Covid-19) , Local News , News The Kansas Department of Labor announced that the amount of maximum benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (PUA) have been increased from 39 weeks to 50 weeks. Capitol Update: Rep. Mari-Lynn Poskin says Kansas Legislature must improve unemployment claims process "Accessing the safety net, when it’s working, can be stressful and demoralizing. Kansas lawmakers seek more control on unemployment upgrades. The Kansas unemployment contact center is available between 8 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The unemployment rate in Kansas reached 11.2% in April. 20-06 - Temporarily prohibiting evictions and foreclosures, Executive Order 20-07 - Temporarily closing K-12 schools to slow the spread of COVID-19, Executive Order 20-08 - Temporarily expanding telemedicine and addressing certain licensing requirements to combat the effects of COVID-19, Executive Order 20-09 - Conditional and temporary relief from certain motor carrier rules and regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Executive Order 20-10 - Rescinding Executive Order 20-06 and temporarily prohibiting certain foreclosures and evictions, Executive Order 20-11 - Temporarily requiring continuation of waste removal and recycling services, Executive Order 20-12 - Drivers' license and vehicle registration and regulation during public health emergency, Executive Order 20-13 - Allowing certain deferred tax deadlines and payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, Executive Order 20-14 - Temporarily prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 or more people to limit the spread of COVID-19 and rescinding Executive Order 20-04, Executive Order 20-15 - Establishing the Kansas Essential Function Framework for COVID-19 response efforts. If you are not working or working reduced hours due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Unemployment benefits delayed in Kansas TOPEKA Department spokeswoman Barbara Hersh told WIBW that full unemployment payments should be on recipients' debit cards by 2 p.m. Wednesday. This process allows the employer to submit the application for unemployment insurance benefits for employees who are impacted by a layoff due to COVID-19. Those employers can assist their employees with filing an application for Unemployment Benefits. The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) provides practical guidance on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20200309. “We’re still looking for solutions,” Kelly told reporters during a Statehouse news conference. KDOL Releases Updated Timeline for Unemployment Benefits 30 Apr 2020 Kansas Secretary of Labor Delía García confirmed today that the remaining programs in the federal CARES Act, Pandemic Unemploy PUA is a broad program that expands access to unemployment, in addition to what state and federal law already pay. Wichita, Kansas 2020-12-10 19:49:38 – Topeka, Kansas (KSNT) – Frustration is boiling over the Kansas unemployment system. Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican, suggested the problems with providing legitimate benefits would have been less severe had the Department of Labor been more aggressive earlier about combatting fraud. We are here to assist as we tackle this challenge together. To claim additional weeks, … But it received more than 358,000 calls a day last week, an average of four per second, the department said. “The staff at the Department of Labor is working around the clock,” Kelly said. or Visit – Editor, Kansas City Business Journal Sep 8, 2020 The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a grant that will provide an extra $300 a week to those collecting unemployment in Kansas. © Copyright 2021 by Kansas Department of Labor, First and foremost, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of Kansas employers and workers. Shawnee County leaders look at loosening COVID restrictions. Legislators in both parties say they have been flooded with calls and emails from unemployed people who are struggling to get benefits and can’t get through to the Department of Labor. Some businesses may be forced to temporarily lay off employees due to COVID-19. Under 20 CFR 603.11, you are also advised that confidential claimant unemployment compensation information and employer wage information may be requested and utilized for other governmental purposes, including, but not limited to, verification of eligibility under other government programs. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a broad program that expands access to unemployment, in addition to what state and federal law already pay. Topeka, Kansas (KSNT) – Frustration is boiling over the Kansas unemployment system. 20-03 - Extending states of local disaster emergency relating to COVID-19, Executive Order 20-04 - Temporarily Prohibiting Mass Gatherings to Limit the Spread of COVID-19, Executive Order No. Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of COVID-19. The department has said the House bill’s two-year timeline for the technology upgrade is unrealistic. Kansas lawmakers are planning to move quickly on an unemployment bill that House members passed on Thursday. TEFAP provides free USDA commodities to households with income below 130% of the federal poverty level. The state House approved a bill drafted by Republican members to give the GOP-controlled Legislature more oversight of the modernization of the state Department of Labor’s unemployment system and require computer upgrades to be completed by the end of 2022. 20-05 - Temporarily Prohibiting Utility and Internet Disconnects, Executive Order No. To learn more, contact: We will continue to update this web page with available resources and contact information as it becomes available. Kelly said the agency’s server c… Story updated at 3:55 p.m. Friday The state of Kansas has started processing retroactive claims for an additional $600 in weekly unemployment insurance, Gov. Businesses may be exploring reducing production as a result of supply chain challenges related to COVID-19. TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) today issued data on the number of fraud attempts, the estimated amount of fraud payments the agency has paid, as well as law enforcement referrals. Governor Laura Kelly Shares Update from Kansas Department of Labor Jul 14, 2020 TOPEKA— The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has been working with a team of specialists from Accenture for just over two weeks as they provide operational and technological assessments to improve the delivery of unemployment services. Those employers can assist their employees with filing an application for Unemployment Benefits. Individual Filing for Unemployment Insurance Benefits House passed emergency management bill, sets up debate with Senate. Individuals filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), “Gig” workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers. It is 6.9%. Kansas Department for Children and Families resources for displaced workers: Additionally, instead of receiving an Employer Notice for each employee that files for unemployment insurance benefits, the employer will receive one listing of all claims filed off the spreadsheet. The amount of the benefit will vary based upon the amount of money that the individual has previously earned, but will be between $122 and $488 per week. “They’ve got to do something to fix this,” said House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, another Wichita Republican. Individuals filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) COVID-19 Coronavirus, go to  Child care assistance provides a monthly benefit to working families to help pay all or part of their child care expenses. Get Started Here. Wichita, Kansas 2020-12-10 19:49:38 –. The House’s 87-36 vote sent the measure to the Senate. The Kansas Department of Labor reported Friday the agency logged 11,355 unemployment claims in the past week. The amount of the benefit will vary based upon the amount of money that the individual has previously earned, but will be between $122 and $488 per week. (AP Photo/John Hanna), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. , and click on the button at the top of the page titled EASY.FAST.SECURE. The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) provides practical guidance on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at, OSHA also has a COVID-19 webpage with numerous valuable resources, which can be accessed at. Top Republican lawmakers on Thursday were pleased that Kelly was ramping up staffing but argued that her administration has been slow to act. Since the pandemic began, the Kansas Department of Labor has been flooded by a historic number of unemployment claims. The Kansas Department of Labor recognizes the impact of COVID-19 on employers and workers alike. COVID-19 Resources for Workers and Employers To participate, normal weekly work hours for employees must be reduced by 20% (no more than 40%) and apply to at least 10% of employees. The department said the first 77 workers will start next week; others will come on board through mid-April.