Eligibility

• Excluding exceptions, eligibility requirements for Kansas unemployment include but are not limited to losing your job through no fault of your own or a reduction in work hours. Under certain circumstances, you may voluntarily quit work and remain eligible for benefits. Circumstances may include illness, injury, military enlistment, taking another job, harassment, violation of an employment contract, the transfer of a spouse, domestic violence, approved training programs, hazardous work conditions, emergencies or if your employer asked you to do something illegal. Termination due to misconduct or refusing a job may result in denial of benefits.
  
  

Application Process

• Apply for unemployment benefits online at the Kansas Department of Labor website at GetKansasBenefits.com (see Resources) or by phone at (800) 292-6333. You are required to file by phone if you've worked outside of Kansas in the last 18 months, filed for unemployment in another state in the last year or were a federal employee or served in the military in the last 18 months. After you file a claim, you receive a letter stating your claim start date, employer payment information, weekly benefit amount and total benefit amount.
  
  

Required Documents

• When filing an application you must provide a Social Security number, valid address and phone number, employment information for the last 18 months, a driver's license number, reasons you are unemployed and proof of wages for federal or military service. If more information is needed, the Department of Labor will send a written request or schedule a phone interview.
  
  

Benefit Information

• Your previous wages determine benefit amounts. When calculating benefits, earnings from the first four of the last five quarters determine the amount. Quarters are three months each. The unemployment office calculates your weekly benefit amount by multiplying your highest quarterly pay by 4.25 percent up to the maximum weekly allotment. As of 2010, the maximum allotment is $436 while the minimum you can receive is $109 weekly. To continue to receive unemployment, you must submit weekly claims stating your work activities and income. Neglecting to file your claim by the due date may postpone your benefits.