Unemployment benefits are available to workers who have lost their job and it is not their fault. Benefits typically last 26 weeks and require you to be actively looking for a job as you receive benefits. For more information, check out the Beehive’s unemployment 101
Note: If you quit your job or were fired for a good reason, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.
First, make sure you have the following information
- Name, address, e-mail address, and phone number
- Date of birth, Social Security Number, driver's license or state ID number
- Previous employers' names and addresses
- Titles and descriptions of your prior jobs, and the dates you worked them.
Next, apply for your benefits
You can file a claim online or by phone. Online is usually faster. You have to file by phone if you worked in another state, for the federal government, or were in military service for the past year.
Note: During this process, you’ll create a 4 digit personal identification number (PIN). Make sure you write this down. You will need it when you file future claims or call for questions.
Apply by phone: To file a claim, call: 913-287-6913. You can ask questions about unemployment benefits by calling: 913-596-3500. The lines are very busy early in the week. It is usually better to call later in the week.
Need help while applying?
Call the help desk toll free at 1-877-665-4457. When you call make sure you have:
- PIN you created when you first applied for unemployment benefits
After applying, you should receive an Unemployment Insurance Determination Letter that will describe how much you will earn and when it will start.