Kansas Unemployment Eligibility

Kansas Unemployment Benefits

Kansas Unemployment Eligibility Calculator

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Kansas unemployment benefits offer temporary financial assistance to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. To receive these benefits, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, which fall into three main categories: monetary requirements, non-monetary requirements, and ongoing requirements.

Qualifying for Kansas unemployment compensation

To be eligible for Kansas unemployment insurance, these main requirements must be met:

  • You must have earned enough wages in the previous year before you applied for UI benefits.
  • You must be unemployed through no fault of your own.
  • You must be able and willing to work, and be actively searching for work.
  • You must certify your eligibility each week by filing weekly claims.

Monetary Entitlement for UI Benefits in Kansas

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Kansas, you need to meet certain financial conditions known as monetary entitlement.

Specifically, you must have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, and your total wages in that base period must be more than 30 times your calculated WBA.

What is a base period?

Your base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.

Sometimes, an alternate base period is used, which is the last four completed calendar quarters. Your base period earnings are used to determine your monetary eligibility, as well as to calculate your weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you can collect benefits.

In Kansas, you can collect unemployment compensation for up to 16 weeks, or longer if a high unemployment rate has triggered an unemployment extension.

Example 1: Insufficient Quarters Worked

Let’s assume you worked in just one quarter of your base period and earned $6,500. In this case, you wouldn’t qualify for unemployment benefits because you only have wages in one quarter, not the two quarters needed.

Example 2: Total Wages Less Than 30 Times WBA

Let’s say you worked in two quarters, earning $1,250 in one quarter and $5,000 in another. Your total base period wages would be $6,250.

  • WBA: $5,000 x 0.0425 = $212 (rounded down)
  • Required total wages: $212 x 30 = $6,360

Your total base period wages of $6,250 are less than the required $6,360 (30 times the WBA), so you wouldn’t be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Example 3: Eligible for Benefits

Suppose you worked in two quarters, earning $3,000 in each. Your total base period wages would be $6,000.

  • WBA: $3,000 x 0.0425 = $127 (rounded down)
  • Required total wages: $127 x 30 = $3,810

In this case, you would qualify for benefits because your total base period wages of $6,000 are more than the required $3,810 (30 times the WBA).

If you don’t qualify during your base period, an alternate base period may be used. The alternate base period is the last four completed calendar quarters.

Non-monetary Eligibility Requirements

In addition to meeting the financial qualifications, claimants must also:

Be able to work: To qualify for unemployment benefits, you need to be capable of doing work in your field or another field where you have experience. This often hinges on whether you have any physical or medical limitations, like lifting or standing restrictions. If these limitations stop you from working entirely, your unemployment claim could be rejected.

Be available to work: You should be ready to take on a job if one is offered, without any restrictions like travel plans or other commitments. Issues like lack of transportation, caring for a sick family member, or child care can all affect your eligibility.

Be unemployed through no fault of your own: This means you didn’t quit or get fired for misconduct, but lost your job due to reasons beyond your control (like layoffs).

You must also be a United States citizen or be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Job Separation Requirements

In Kansas, the reason for your job separation plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

You must be unemployed through no fault of your own to qualify. This means that if you voluntarily quit your job, you need a good cause to be eligible for unemployment compensation. “Good cause” could include issues like unsafe working conditions or drastic pay cuts.

On the other hand, if you’re fired for misconduct, such as violating company policy or illegal activity, you’re generally not eligible for benefits.

Ongoing Eligibility Requirements

You must maintain eligibility while collecting UI benefits.

  • Register with KANSASWORKS
  • Complete a My Reemployment Plan
  • Perform 3 work search activities each week
  • File a claim each week
  • Report any earnings or income
  • Report any job offers
  • Attend any requested meetings or trainings

My Reemployment Plan

After you apply for Kansas unemployment, you will also receive a My Reemployment Plan (MRP). This must be completed and returned within 7 days.

The MRP process requires you to register with KANSASWORKS to upload your resume and complete a job plan.

Failing to complete this step will be reported to the Kansas Department of Labor and could lead to you losing your unemployment benefits.

Work Search Requirements

To prove you are actively searching for work, claimants are required to perform and document a variety of weekly work search activities. You must complete three (3) job search activities each week, and be able to provide documentation of your efforts. Failure to produce a work search log when requested will result in a denial of benefits.

Weekly Claims

Each week, you must certify that you are willing, able, and available to work, and you must demonstrate that you are actively seeking work. If you turn down any job offers, it must be reported. When filing a weekly claim, you must also report any wages earned during the week from part-time work or other income sources.

Reemployment Meetings

If you’re claiming unemployment benefits, you may be asked to join reemployment programs at your local Workforce Center. These programs can help you get back to work faster. If you’re told to participate, you have to go, or you risk losing your benefits.

Why was my claim disqualified?

There are several reasons that can lead to a disqualified claim.

Job Separation: The most common reason for disqualification. If you voluntarily quit without good cause related to the job, you’ll generally be denied unemployment benefits. However, involuntary separation like being laid off usually won’t disqualify you, unless you were fired for work-related misconduct.

Citizenship Status: If you can’t provide a Social Security or Alien Registration number that verifies your work authorization in the United States, you could be disqualified.

Drug Use: Using illegal drugs or controlled substances while claiming benefits can lead to disqualification.

Educational Employment: If you work in education and have reasonable assurance of returning next term, you can be disqualified during the break.

Refusing Work: If you turn down a suitable job offer, this can disqualify you from receiving benefits.

Receiving Other Payments: Being on Workers’ Compensation or receiving disability payments can also make you ineligible for unemployment benefits.

Fraud: Committing unemployment fraud, like failing to report earnings while receiving benefits or providing false information to the Kansas Department of Labor, results in a five-year disqualification and possible criminal charges.

If you can’t find the details about your unemployment claim through the weekly claim line or online platforms, contact the Kansas unemployment office. Staff can address specific questions you might have, especially if you’ve gotten a message about an eligibility review. This review could halt your benefit payment until the investigation concludes and confirms you’re eligible for unemployment compensation.

The right to appeal a denial

If you disagree with a decision on your unemployment claim or if you’ve been denied benefits, you have the right to file an appeal. This is your chance to present additional information or clarify facts to challenge the decision made by the Kansas Department of Labor.

You must file the appeal within 16 days from the date of the notice, so it’s important to act promptly. Successfully appealing could mean the difference between receiving unemployment compensation and missing out on the financial assistance you deserve.

  1. I stepped down as a general manager after returning from vacation I worked a full week after stepping down then was notified via telephone that I was terminated no reasoning whatsoever am I eligible for unemployment

    • Hi, Rochelle – if you quit your job, then unless you are able to show good cause for doing so, it’s unlikely that you would be considered eligible for unemployment benefits. These benefits are reserved, in general, for individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

  2. they said they dont count the current quarter or the previous, they count the last 4, and i didnt start working until June so Idk Everytime I call I get someone new and get the run around, But yes it was a company layoff,

  3. I laid off 2 weeks ago, I called Unemployment that morning when I clocked out and explained the situation, and she said I don’t qualify Until January but on here it says if you were laid off by the company then your entitled to compensation, someone please set the record Str8 and if I do qualify how do I articulate myself about the situation so I don’t get blown off again.

    • Hi, Elijah – were you given a reason for why you wouldn’t qualify? Generally, if you were involved in a layoff, you should qualify for unemployment benefits, but there may be extenuating circumstances with your particular case. The Kansas office of unemployment will be better equipped to help you when it comes to the specifics of your claim.

  4. Yes I was never give a written warning or anything. But I left work sick. And about 4 hours later I got a phone call saying I was being fired. When I went to get my belongings . there was nothing there. They let everyone go throw and take it. Now that company is working in a new state. I also call and talked to the boss and he said that if he had room for me I could come back and work.

    • Ralph,

      If you think you were asked to leave the company due to “no fault of your own”, please consider claiming UI benefits until you find employment.

  5. My wife recently gave her 2 weeks’ notice at a job she’s work at for the last 18 months to work for our business full time. Our business is an S Corp. If the business ends up having to lay everyone off for the winter due to no work will she qualify for unemployment with the rest of the employees? I’ve read that under a sole prop or LLC she wouldn’t but under an S Corp she would.

  6. I have funds in Kansas,I’m union,I worked for a company 1 day and they said that was all they needed,can I file

  7. I am going to school now to become a teacher. I have informed my employer that in August I may be leaving or taking a leave of absence. If they terminate my employment before the date I was expecting to leave do I qualify for unemployment?

  8. i had to retire recently because of work related anxiety attacks which the meds to relieve my bouts had adverse effect on parts of my work duties. worked there 25 years and will be drawing state retirement benefits. am i allowed to draw unemployment benefits as long as i am seeking other employment

    • You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

      Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office in your state.

  9. I worked in Kansas from 2001 through August or 2016. I have since worked in MO and am being laid off. Am I eligible to file for benefits on KS?

  10. If you are laid off from a sales position due to not meeting their sales requirements after four months can I apply for unemployment in Kansas?

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  11. I am 59 years old and worked for a company for 12 years and last week I was told my services were no longer needed. They brought out a letter of resignation for me to sign. If I signed the letter they would pay my salary until the end of the year. I have a family to feed.So I signed it. Is there any way I can collect unemployment in the state of Kansas?

    • If you’re going to be laid off due to involuntary reasons, you can be eligible to claim UI benefits until you find a job.

  12. My company is offering buyouts to some employees. If I accept a buyout, am I eligible for unemployment? If it is worded as severance, am I eligible for unemployment. If it is presented as a buyout but rejecting the buyout may result in layoff, am I eligible for unemployment?

    • Yes, you can be eligible to claim and receive UC benefits if the company offers severance pay.

      Please consider applying after the expiry of the severance pay period.

  13. I was in the hospital for heat exhaustion and dehydration. My doctor put me on light duty for a week. My employer let me go due to not having a light duty position. I had only been working for them for a week. Am I eligible for unemployment?

    • You should be able to apply and claim as long as you’re able and available for work.

      Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office in your state to confirm.

  14. i live in kansas and have worked for the last 3 years in missouri.i got layed off yesterday and need to know if i file in missouri or can i file in kansas

  15. I quit and moved away from my previous job due to my wife getting a new job out of commuting distance. I am having trouble finding a job. Am I eligible for uunemployment?

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  16. I need my schedule changed at work to care for my son who has a medical condition. I provided a note from the doctor to my supervisor. But its been two weeks and my request has been ignored. Would I be eligible for benefits if I quit.

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  17. my employer fired me b/c on surveillance, (I work in a casino), I thought the player was done, and when I was counting, he started talking, I told him it was too late, and continued on. and the casino lost money. They said i should have called a sup, but i didn’t know i did anything wrong. Should apply?

    • Depends. Separation from the job due to performance issues are not considered generally.

      Please inquire further with the labor dept in your state.

  18. I was fired from my job of two years today, i was fired from missed work due to a back injury not complelty work realted so not work mens comp.my drs tried non surgical methods to fix the problem over the corse of the year. i presented this information to my empployer he wrote me up for missed work and allowed me to keep my job i then had back surgery and have not fully recovered yet. i was fired from missed work and resulting missed job dutties. will i quilify for unemployment?

  19. My employer has missed a payroll check from me but has been current since. If I get fired for refusing to do any more until paid the missing payroll will I be able to receive unemployment?

  20. I have had 5 rotator surgries 3 on my left shoulder 2 on my right also a bicep tear on the left arm after having a fuction cability test I was told that I could not do my present job,that requier’s me to lift 60-80 lbs and carry them at times 40 plus ft and lift them 54″ high the report satated I could only lift 25lbs if I quit the job to look for work that I can do can I get UI? I hve been at my job since 1990 almost 24 yrs now and the stress is really getting to much to try and do this job so I can pay my bills

  21. Because of Boeing closing their Wichita Plant I am being laid off. I will receive 6 months pay as compensation, after that I will receive $500.00 a month pension as my retirement pay. I will be actively seeking other work, but can I receive unemployment benefits until I find other work?

    • On June 7 I asked about benefits after I am laid off from Boeing, and was told I could apply after severance package ran out. Boeing is giving me a 6 month severance pay, however I am taking it in a lump sum right after I am laid off. Do I still need to wait the 6 months to file or since I am taking a lump sum can I file right after I receive the lump sum. So many people at Boeing are getting different answers. Thanks

  22. I only got to work for about a month or two this year but have paid into unemployment in past and have never got anything. I am laid off company I worked for is out of bissness.

  23. I was fired on Friday for having a bad team player skills and being a hazard for the medications I have to take for anxiety and depression. I never even received a write up I was just fired the day after I made a formal complaint about retaliation from my boss. My administrator hired her girlfriend on Thursday and after I made there compliant I was fired on tuesday

  24. My job has become overwhelmingly stressful recently so much so that I have been placed on anxiety medication as well as blood pressure medicine. I only need my medication when I am at work. They have also recently added a lot of additional work which is not in our job description. Also on a very low salary with a lot of recent required overtime with no sort of compensation.

  25. I’ve only been working 10 months and have been laid off. 8 months with one employer and the last 2 months with my previous employer. Am i eligible?

  26. I was fired from my sales position after 4.5 months, due to a fall over a weekend (not work related) that rendered me unable to walk with a shattered left heel and a fractured right heel for an estimated 4-6 weeks. I should be on crutches in about 3-4 weeks. I would have been able to market and work over the phone setting leads and appointments that could have been covered by the owner. I felt the termination was unnecessary yet regretfully respected their position.

    I had switched from an outside sales position with a company of nearly 3 years working out of my home office in KS but the employer was in MO.

    Would I be eligible for UC.

  27. I have just been laid off from a job that I have been with for 15 yrs and will be given 4 months severance pay. Am I eligible for unemployment during this period?

    • You may be, I believe it may be handled differently state to state (maybe not) but details of the severance could affect how your unemployment office is required to handle a claim from you. Call right away or check the website to find out.

  28. I have worked at a jail for 5 years and one person quit and my schedule was give to a part time employe who had only worked for us for about 3 months I had been working midnight to noon weekdays and weekends off now with 3 days notice i am to work 12 to midnight and have to work weekends can i quit due to schedule change and qualify for unenployment?

  29. I had to quit my job due to illness and later this month I am starting a 5 week long phlebotomy program that is all day Every day Monday-Friday and I will only be available to work on the weekends. Do I qualify for unemployment until my program is complete and/or I find a new job? I am also a single mom if that matters.

  30. I work for Express Employment Professionals in Lawrence Kansas. I have worked for the last 4 months . I have a Medical Health problem which requires surgery. ( hernia ). Am I eligible for unemployment? Should be off for 3-4 weeks. Then back to work.

  31. I am checking on eligibility for my daughter. She recently admitted herself to Valley Hope Drug Rehab. She is in a 30 day program with the hopes of getting into an Oxford house after this. Due to this situation she left(or was let go) from her job. Her boss commended her for making this choice, but also told her he could no longer keep her on. Her funds are quickly running out with no more coming in until she is released and able to find employment in her new town. Would she qualify? Thank you

  32. I will be laid off from my job the end of September. I also work a part-time job that allows me 6 to 18 hours a week (it varies). I will be filing for unemployment if I have not found a job by the end of September. Can I still work my part-time job and collect unemployment?

    • Most definitely and some of the part time earnings will be in addition to your weekly benefits and likely require a different job search activities – read the instructions specifically for your personal circumstances.

  33. I am being laid off by the state agency I work for. I have received my letter of lay. I am looking at taking a job as of 8/19/2013 but it pays signifigantly less. My last day with the state agency in 9/30/2013..If i quit before that date, am i not eligible for ui? or ui supplement at least?

    I was told i was eligible since i am being forced out of my job. I would not be leaving if they had not privatized

    • Do you have an offer in writing? Who told you you were eligible? We are not affiliated with the unemployment office.

      • Another staff made a false report about me, more than once and I also experienced bullying, and I suffered emotionally and mentally within my deformation of character when the company did not properly investigate or have proof of any wrong doings on my part and wanted to move me to another location, against my will, as an effort of protecting others and not me as an employee for their way of taking care of it. Also, the report was false but I didn’t know of any discipline action given to the person who made the false report and I chose NOT to take the other position and suffer a consequence for something I didn’t do. With the unexpected, multiple unfortunate actions against me I suffered emotionally, mentally and physically from , I couldn’t feel safe as an employee there anymore and didn’t want to put myself in the same position to have it happen again or take a chance on someone seriously sabotaging my career and felt the move would make people think and talk bad of me when they see I was moved and I couldn’t explain why due to confidentiality, which I respected. Feeling the results everyday of a forced move and the deformation to my character they now portrayed for me , would keep me from carrying out my position in a healthy successful effort to use my full potential as an employee there in the days ahead. It was basically a forced and unfair ultimatum why I chose to resign. Can I be eligible for UI when I wasn’t aware or expecting a staff to make a false report , the company forcing me to suffer a consequence when that staff, the company or myself had no way to prove it’s wrong?

        • Ginger,

          I can understand what you might be going through. You can be eligible to claim UI benefits if it’s not your fault. Make sure to keep supporting documents handy in case of a dispute. Best wishes!

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