Who Oversees Kansas Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) is responsible for administering and overseeing the state’s unemployment insurance program. KDOL manages all aspects of the program—from processing claims and determining eligibility to calculating benefit amounts and handling appeals.

dol.ks.gov benefits.com

How Can I Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Kansas?

To qualify for benefits in Kansas, you must meet several requirements:

  • Sufficient Earnings: You must have earned wages from insured employment during the base period (typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters). Your total wages need to meet a minimum threshold (for example, at least 30 times your weekly benefit amount).
  • Unemployment Through No Fault of Your Own: You must be unemployed due to reasons beyond your control—such as a layoff or company closure. If you were fired, eligibility depends on whether the termination was due to misconduct.
  • Availability and Job Search: You must be physically able to work, available for suitable employment, and actively seeking work.
  • Filing a Claim: You must file an application with KDOL and continue certifying weekly to remain eligible.
    dol.ks.gov nolo.com

How Much Will I Receive in Unemployment Benefits in Kansas?

Your weekly benefit amount is determined by your earnings during the base period. KDOL uses a formula (for example, roughly 4.25% of your wages in the highest-paid quarter) to calculate your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA). Current data indicate that weekly benefits generally range from about $153 up to a maximum that can be around $560. In addition, the total duration of benefits typically ranges between 16 and 26 weeks, depending on state conditions and your individual work history.

dol.ks.gov benefits.com

What’s the Process for Applying for Unemployment Benefits in Kansas?

The application process generally involves the following steps:

  1. Filing Your Claim: Submit an initial application online via KansasUI.gov or by phone.
  2. Providing Information: Supply personal details, your Social Security number, employment history, the reason for unemployment, and any relevant wage information.
  3. Eligibility Determination: KDOL reviews your application—often cross-checking with employer records—to decide if you qualify.
  4. Waiting Period: There is usually a one-week waiting period during which you must still file weekly certifications even though no payment is made.
  5. Notification: You’ll receive a Notice of Determination outlining your weekly benefit amount and the total benefits available.
  6. Continued Certification: To keep receiving benefits, you must regularly certify that you’re actively seeking work and remain available for employment.
    dol.ks.gov nolo.com

How Can I Manage My Unemployment Benefits in Kansas?

Management of your benefits is made convenient through KDOL’s online portal:

  • Online Account: Log in at KansasUI.gov to check claim status, review payment history, and update personal or payment information.
  • Weekly Certifications: Use the portal (or phone system) to file your weekly claims and report job search activities.
  • Notifications and Updates: You’ll receive electronic communications regarding your claim status, which you can review and act upon promptly.
    If you encounter any issues, customer service representatives are available to assist you.
    kansasui.gov dol.ks.gov

How Can I Appeal a Decision Regarding Kansas Unemployment Benefits?

If KDOL issues a decision you disagree with, you have the right to appeal:

  • Notice of Determination: After your claim is adjudicated, you will receive a detailed notice explaining the decision.
  • Filing an Appeal: Typically, you have 16 days from the mailing date of the notice to file an appeal. Your appeal must include your identifying information and specify the decision you’re contesting.
  • Hearing Process: An administrative law judge (often called a referee) will conduct an evidentiary hearing (usually by phone). You can present evidence, offer testimony, and cross-examine any submitted evidence.
  • Further Review: If the decision after the hearing is unfavorable, further appeals may be made to the Employment Security Board of Review and, ultimately, through judicial review if necessary.
    It’s important to adhere to all deadlines and guidelines detailed in your determination letter.
    kslegislature.gov kalberglaw.com

How Can I Report Unemployment Fraud in Kansas?

If you suspect fraud—such as knowingly providing false information or misrepresenting your work status—you should report it:

  • Contact KDOL: The Kansas Department of Labor offers dedicated channels (often a hotline or online reporting form) to report suspected unemployment fraud.
  • Provide Details: When reporting, include as much information as possible (names, dates, and supporting evidence) so that an investigation can be initiated.
  • Follow Up: KDOL will review your report and may contact you for further details if needed.
    For nationwide fraud concerns, you may also consider contacting the U.S. Department of Labor’s fraud hotline.
    dol.gov

How Can I Speak to a Representative at Kansas Unemployment Customer Service?

To speak with a live representative:

  • Phone Support: Call the customer service number listed on the KansasUI.gov website. Be sure to have your claim details handy.
  • Online Assistance: Use the online chat or messaging features available on the portal for quick queries or support regarding your account.
  • In-Person Help: Some KDOL offices offer in-person assistance; however, availability may vary, and you might need to schedule an appointment.
    kansasui.gov dol.ks.gov

What Happens if I Was Fired?

If you were fired, your eligibility for unemployment benefits depends on the reason for termination:

  • Misconduct: If you were fired for misconduct (such as violating company policies, serious performance issues, or gross misconduct), you may be disqualified from receiving benefits.
  • Non-Misconduct Terminations: If your termination was due to reasons that do not involve misconduct—such as a poor fit or economic layoffs—you could still be eligible. KDOL will review your case details and may also seek information from your former employer.
  • Appeals: If you are initially denied benefits due to being fired, you have the right to appeal the decision and present evidence that your termination does not meet the state’s definition of misconduct.
    dol.ks.gov nolo.com

What Happens if I Quit My Job?

Generally, quitting your job disqualifies you from receiving unemployment benefits unless you can show that you left for “good cause” directly related to the work or working conditions:

  • Good Cause Exception: Valid reasons might include unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to job duties, or personal emergencies (such as serious health issues).
  • Documentation: You must provide evidence and detailed documentation to demonstrate that your departure was justified under Kansas law.
  • Review and Appeal: KDOL will carefully review your case; if your claim is denied because you quit, you have the opportunity to appeal the decision and argue that your situation meets the criteria for good cause.
    dol.ks.gov nolo.com

Kansas Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Kansas Unemployment  Office Kansas Unemployment Office Locations Kansas Unemployment Phone Number
Unemployment Office Chanute 800 West 14th StreetChanute, KS 66720 620-432-0358
Colby Unemployment Office 350 South Range Suite 5Colby, KS 67701 785-462-2024
Unemployment Office Dodge City 2308 First AvenueDodge City, KS 67801 620-227-2149
Butler Workforce Center 524 N. MainEl Dorado, KS 67042-3180 316-321-2350
Southeast Unemployment Office Emporia 215 W. 6th Ave Suite 107Emporia, KS 66801 620-342-3355
Unemployment Office Garden City 107 East Spruce StreetGarden City, KS 67846-0994 620-276-2339
Goodland Unemployment Office 204 West 11th StreetGoodland, KS 67735 785-890-2422
Unemployment Office Great Bend 1025 Main StreetGreat Bend, KS 67530-4429 620-793-5445
Unemployment Office Hays 332 East 8th StreetHays, KS 67601-4145 785-625-5654
Unemployment Office Hutchinson 609 East 14thHutchinson, KS 67501 620-665-3559
Unemployment Office Independence 317 N. PennsylvaniaIndependence, KS 67301 620-332-5904
Junction City Workforce Center 1012 A West 6th StreetJunction City, KS 66441-3231 785-762-8870
Wyandotte County Workforce Partnership 626 MinnesotaKansas City, KS 66101 913-279-2600
Lawrence Workforce Center 2920 Haskell Avenue Suite 2Lawrence, KS 66046-4642 785-840-9675
Leavenworth County Workforce Center 515 Limit Street Suite 200Leavenworth, KS 66048 913-651-1800
Johnson County Unemployment Office 8535 Bluejacket StreetLenexa, KS 66214-1656 913-577-5900
Manhattan Unemployment Office 205 South 4th Street Suite KManhattan, KS 66502-6111 785-539-5691
Southeast Unemployment Office Paola 1 South Pearl Suite APaola, KS 66071 913-937-9462
Unemployment Office Pittsburg 216 North Broadway Suite KPittsburg, KS 66762 620-231-4250
Unemployment Office Salina 203 North 10th StreetSalina, KS 67401 785-827-0385
Topeka Workforce Center 1430 SW Topeka BoulevardTopeka, KS 66612 785-235-5627
Sumner County Workforce Center 314 North WashingtonWellington, KS 67152 620-326-2659
Wichita Workforce Center 2021 N. Amidon Suite 1100Wichita, KS 67203 316-771-6800
Cowley County Unemployment Office 108 East 12th StreetWinfield, KS 67156 620-221-7790