Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
More than 10,500 Kentuckians may qualify for seven-week unemployment insurance extension

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 5, 2008) — More than 10,500 Kentuckians who have exhausted their 26 weeks of regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and their 13 weeks of extended benefits may be eligible for an additional seven weeks of assistance, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency in the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

“This assistance is much needed and appreciated,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “As more Kentuckians are struggling financially to provide for their families, support from their government is vital to help them get through this difficult time. We will continue to search for ways to help ease the economic burdens we all are facing.”

Kentuckians who have filed their unemployment insurance claim on or after May 7, 2006, exhausted those benefits plus the additional 13 weeks of assistance and are currently unemployed may be eligible for another seven weeks of extended benefits under the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act signed by President George W. Bush on Nov. 21. Depending on Kentucky’s unemployment rate, up to 13 more weeks of extended benefits may be added after the first of the year.

“Since the seven-week extension is completely federally funded, it will not impact Kentucky employers or the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund,” said Division of Unemployment Insurance Director Tony DeName.

Individuals who are potentially eligible for the federally funded extended benefits program will be notified by mail. The weekly benefit amount for extended benefits will be the same as the person received for regular unemployment compensation during the original 26-week period. The maximum amount of benefits is $415 a week and depends on the person’s prior earnings. Potential candidates may apply until March 31, 2009.

Kentuckians who have exhausted their original 26 weeks of UI benefits but have not yet applied for an extension may be eligible for up to 20 weeks of UI assistance.

The program is effective with the week beginning Nov. 23, 2008. You may file your claim for benefits on line at www.kewes.ky.gov beginning Dec. 5, 2008, said DeName.

OET helps individuals prepare for, secure, and maintain employment; assists employers in locating and selecting the best qualified workers for their job openings; and provides income maintenance to ease the financial burden on individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.

The Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department for Workforce Investment. For more information about our programs, visit www.educationcabinet.ky.gov or www.workforce.ky.gov, or call 502-564-6606.

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