How Much Are Kansas Unemployment Benefits?

Unemployment benefits in Kansas offer temporary financial assistance to eligible individuals who experience job loss through no fault of their own. This system provides a safety net, bridging the financial gap while claimants seek new employment. Administered by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), these benefits are a resource for many Kansans.

Qualifying for Benefits

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Kansas, individuals must satisfy specific monetary and non-monetary criteria. A claimant must have earned sufficient wages during a designated “base period” before becoming unemployed. In Kansas, the standard base period consists of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the effective date of the claim. To meet the monetary requirements, individuals must have earned wages in at least two of the four quarters within this base period. Their total wages throughout the entire base period must equal at least 30 times their calculated weekly benefit amount.

Beyond monetary qualifications, non-monetary factors also determine eligibility. Individuals must be unemployed through no fault of their own, which includes situations like layoffs or reductions in force due to a lack of work. Being terminated for misconduct, such as violating company policy, disqualifies an individual from receiving benefits. Claimants must also be physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking new employment. This includes being ready to accept suitable job offers that align with their skills and experience.

Claimants are required to engage in specific work search activities each week to maintain their eligibility. In Kansas, this means performing at least three job-seeking activities weekly. At least two of these activities must involve submitting an application or resume to potential employers. Other acceptable activities include attending job fairs, participating in resume review courses, or using services at a Workforce Center.

Determining Your Weekly Benefit Amount

The weekly benefit amount (WBA) in Kansas is calculated based on an individual’s earnings during their base period. Kansas Statute 44-704 outlines the formula used by the KDOL. The WBA is determined by taking 4.25% of the total wages earned in the highest paid calendar quarter within the base period. This calculated amount is then rounded down to the nearest whole dollar.

For example, if a claimant earned $10,000 in their highest quarter, their weekly benefit amount would be $425 ($10,000 0.0425). This amount is designed to help cover basic living expenses rather than fully replace lost income.

When a claimant works part-time while receiving benefits, their earnings can affect the weekly payout. Kansas law allows for a portion of part-time earnings to be disregarded before deductions occur. Specifically, 25% of the determined weekly benefit amount is allowed without affecting benefits. Any earnings exceeding this 25% threshold are then deducted dollar-for-dollar from the weekly benefit amount. For instance, if an individual’s WBA is $400, the first $100 earned in a week would not reduce their benefits, but every dollar earned above $100 would reduce the $400 WBA.

Benefit Limits and Duration

Kansas law establishes both a minimum and maximum weekly benefit amount that individuals can receive. For claims filed between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, the minimum weekly benefit amount is $159. During this same period, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $637. These figures are subject to annual adjustments by the Secretary of Labor, on July 1st of each year, based on the statewide average weekly wages.

The duration for which an individual can receive unemployment benefits in Kansas also varies. The standard maximum duration is 16 weeks. However, the actual maximum number of weeks can extend based on the state’s unemployment rate. Kansas law provides for a maximum of 20 weeks if the three-month seasonally adjusted average unemployment rate is at least 5% but less than 6%. If the unemployment rate reaches 6% or higher, the maximum duration can extend to 26 weeks.

Before benefits can commence, Kansas requires a one-week waiting period per benefit year. During this waiting period, claimants must still file their weekly certification and meet all eligibility requirements, but they will not receive payment for that week. This waiting week serves as a deductible, similar to an insurance policy.

Receiving and Reporting for Benefits

Once an individual’s unemployment claim is approved, the KDOL disburses benefits through specific methods. Claimants have the option to receive their payments via direct deposit into a personal bank account. Alternatively, benefits can be loaded onto a US Bank ReliaCard, which functions as a prepaid debit card. It can take several days for payments to be processed and deposited after a weekly certification is filed.

To continue receiving benefits, claimants must complete a weekly certification. This process involves reporting information to the KDOL for the preceding week. Individuals must accurately report any gross wages earned from work, including part-time employment, during the claimed week. They also need to detail their work search activities.

Timely and accurate reporting is important for continued benefit receipt. Claimants must also report any refusal of job offers or any changes in their availability for work. Failure to provide complete and truthful information, or missing weekly certification deadlines, can result in delays, denial of benefits, or overpayment issues that require repayment. The KDOL may audit work search activities, requiring claimants to provide evidence of their efforts.