Temporary Unemployment

When winter weather strikes, heavy construction work often has to take a pause. The process for filing for temporary unemployment benefits has changed over the last two years. The biggest change is that filing is handled by each employee rather than mass layoff sheets submitted by the employer. Here are some resources to help guide your employees through the process so they can receive benefits quicker and so they will be eligible for the additional 8 weeks available to heavy construction industry workers if they need it.

Resources to Share with Your Employees
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Correctly File for Temporary Benefits
Employees should visit this link to file for benefits. They will need to create an account if they do not already have one. Be sure to provide your employees with (1) this step-by-step flier, (2) their last date of work, and (3) their expected return to work date. The return to work date should be within 8 weeks of the last day worked. Providing an incorrect last day or return date will delay their benefits.

Sample Work Search Letter
All employees who file for unemployment benefits will automatically receive this letter from KDOL’s system, however, employees in the heavy construction industry are exempt from work search requirements under House Bill 2570 provided they file correctly for temporary benefits. If an employee has filed incorrectly, they will see questions related to work search requirements when they go to file their weekly certifications. If they have filed correctly, they will not see work search questions and can disregard this letter. If they see work search questions, they should call the Call Center at (785) 575-1460 or (800) 292-6333 immediately for assistance.

Resources for Employers
Submission Form to Request the Additional 8 Weeks of Benefits for Your Employees
Under House Bill 2570, the heavy construction industry is eligible for an additional 8 weeks of temporary unemployment benefits if needed (on top of the original 8 weeks, for a total of 16 weeks). To secure these additional 8 weeks, submit this form to KDOL at KDOL.sharedwork@ks.gov two weeks before the original return to work date. Be sure to fill out all information correctly to avoid delays in continued benefits for your employees.