Answering Your Unemployment Insurance Questions
The CARES Act provides a temporary boost in unemployment benefits for workers affected by COVID-19, who were suddenly left without employment through no fault of their own. The legislation dedicated $250 billion to increase unemployment benefits, including:
- Increases Americans’ unemployment benefits by $600 per week for the next four months
- Provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment insurance for those who need it
- Waives the one-week waiting period for receiving benefits
- Creates a temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program providing coverage to self-employed workers, contractors and furloughed workers.
- Are self-employed and independent contractors eligible?
- Are furloughed workers eligible to receive benefits?
- How much do unemployed workers get?
- How long do unemployment benefits last?
- Are unemployment benefits taxable and do they count as income?
- How do I file a claim for unemployment insurance in Kentucky?
- Are self-employed and independent contractors eligible?
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Yes. Self-employed and independent contractors are eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. This also covers workers laid off from churches and religious institutions who may not be eligible under the state’s program.
Return to Top - Are furloughed workers eligible to receive benefits?
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Yes. States have policies in place to allow furloughed workers to receive unemployment benefits and part-time workers can receive partial benefits. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program also helps workers stay connected to their employer by allowing unemployment benefits for workers who have a job but are unable to work or telework due to COVID-19-related reasons and are not receiving paid leave through their employer.
Return to Top - How much do unemployed workers get?
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The CARES Act provides an additional $600 per week on top of whatever a person would normally receive in their state – limited to the next 4 months (expires July 31, 2020). This will end up providing a higher than average wage replacement rate for low-wage workers.
Return to Top - How long do unemployment benefits last?
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Kentucky provides access to unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks. The CARES Act provides federal funding for an additional 13 weeks for those who need it. Funding for this expires December 31, 2020.
Return to Top - Are unemployment benefits taxable and do they count as income?
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Yes. Unemployment benefits are taxable income and they generally count as income when determining eligibility for public assistance programs.
Return to Top - How do I file a claim for unemployment insurance in Kentucky?
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