Unemployment System Updates
CHANGES TO UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM ARE NOT GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE OUT OF WORK
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY (February 7, 2023) – Kentucky’s four civil legal aids released a video last week to help people who are out of work understand changes to the unemployment insurance system that went into effect on January 1. The video can be accessed here, or viewed in its entirety below.
Andrew Chandler, an attorney in the Government Benefits unit at Legal Aid Society, summed up the changes by saying, “For Kentuckians in need of unemployment benefits, the theme of the newly enacted House Bill 4 is less, less, less. Kentuckians have less time to receive unemployment benefits after losing work — just 12 weeks compared to the previous 26 weeks. Those claiming such benefits will have to settle for a job with less pay, if offered, based on the new definition of “suitable work,” which takes away benefits if you decline a new job that offers a little over half of what you made with your last employer. And, finally, less flexibility with reporting your job search activities while you receive unemployment benefits. Claimants must engage in five work search activities, including at least three applications or interviews, and evidence of those activities must be reported in a timely manner to the Kentucky Career Center.”
The changes to the unemployment insurance system stipulate:
Claimants will now receive unemployment benefits for a maximum of 12 weeks. This is reduced from 26 weeks.
All claimants must complete five unique and verifiable job search tasks a week, including three submitted applications. Previously, one activity was required.
There have been changes to the definition of suitable work. After six weeks, a claimant must accept the first job offer that pays 120% of their unemployment benefits and is within 30 miles of their home (or remote).
The unemployment office will conduct random audits. A claimant will receive an email about the audit. They will have ten days to respond. If the audit is unsuccessful, the claimant will receive a mailed “notice of redetermination.” There will be a limited amount of time to appeal.
Claimants should keep records of all job search tasks to submit in case of audit. This might include documentation of a scheduled interview, email copy of application, business cards from a job fair, texts, and more.
Anyone with challenges should contact Legal Aid Society right away, as there is a time limit on appeals. To apply for services, or for more information, visit YourLegalAid.org or call (502) 584-1254 or (800) 292-1862 (toll free.)
ABOUT KENTUCKY'S LEGAL AID PROGRAMS
Legal Aid Society is a non-profit organization that provides civil legal assistance to families and individuals in poverty in 15 counties in Kentucky. It is the only organization in Louisville and the surrounding counties that provides these free civil legal services. Clients turn to Legal Aid for civil legal problems that threaten their health and safety and the stability of their families. Those assisted include the elderly, children, victims of domestic violence, and other vulnerable groups.
AppalReD Legal Aid offers free civil legal help to eligible low-income people in 37 counties of the Appalachian Mountains and rolling hills of eastern and south-central Kentucky, a region home to more than 200,000 people living in poverty. AppalReD focuses on legal problems that affect our clients’ basic needs for food, shelter, income, personal safety from all forms of abuse, and safety and stability for children and the elderly.
Kentucky Legal Aid's team of attorneys and experts provide free legal advice and representation to low-income, disabled, and elderly people with civil legal problems. We serve clients throughout South Central and Western Kentucky with offices in Bowling Green, Madisonville, Owensboro, and Paducah. We aim to resolve civil legal crises that pose barriers to self-sufficiency and help improve our clients’ quality of life.
Legal Aid of the Bluegrass resolves the most important problems of low income and other vulnerable people by providing high quality legal assistance through direct representation, education, advice, advocacy and coordination with other community resources. LABG serves 33 counties of central and northern Kentucky.