TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansans struggling to find work amid the coronavirus pandemic can receive unemployment for 13 more weeks.
The Kansas Department of Labor announced Thursday that the state has qualified for a program that provides federal reimbursement for extended benefits during periods of high unemployment.
“With extended benefits triggered, Kansans will have an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits available to them by the end of June,” Secretary García said. “We are grateful for this additional benefit that helps families struggling as a result of this global pandemic.”
Workers must have exhausted regular unemployment insurance benefits to qualify.
The insured unemployment rate in Kansas was 6.67% for the week ending June 6, according to the state’s labor department. That exceeds the 5% threshold and other federal requirements to prompt the extension.
New data released Friday shows Kansas has at least 12,059 coronavirus cases, up 3% or 378 cases from Wednesday. The state health department also said the number of COVID-19 deaths rose by seven to 254
Click here for more information or to apply for unemployment benefits.