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How to File for Unemployment in Kentucky

Kentucky's Office of Unemployment Insurance, run through the Kentucky Career Center, requires ID.me verification for every claimant and lets you request two weeks of benefits in a single phone call or online session — but warns against calling the automated line more than once a day, since a repeat call can get flagged as a duplicate payment and delay you further.

Updated July 2026

What You'll Need

✓ Social Security number or Alien Registration Number ✓ Date of birth and mailing address ✓ Employer name, address and phone number for the last 18 months ✓ Dates of employment and reason for separation ✓ DD-214 Member 4 if you served in the U.S. military
  1. 1

    Gather your documents

    You'll need your Social Security or Alien Registration number, date of birth, and 18 months of employer contact info and separation reasons.

  2. 2

    Verify your identity with ID.me

    Every Kentucky claimant must pass ID.me verification before filing; claimants under 18 must file by phone instead.

  3. 3

    File your initial claim

    Apply online at the UI Claims Portal, or call the assistance line if you need help walking through it.

  4. 4

    Wait out the 15-day hold

    After filing an initial or reopened claim, you must wait 15 days before you can request your first benefit payment.

  5. 5

    Request benefits every two weeks

    Certify online or by calling the automated voice response line at 502-564-2900 — one call covers both weeks, so don't call again unless the system tells you to.

  6. 6

    Keep your work search records

    Hold onto documentation of your job search activity, since Kentucky can request proof at any time.

File Your Claim

File Online ☎ (502) 564-2900

Verified against the official Kentucky unemployment agency site. View source

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