Courtesy of Kentucky Chamber Bottom Line

Monday, March 16, 2020

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and members of his administration announced additional orders to flatten the curve when it comes to the spread of coronavirus and detailed what unemployment benefits look like in the new reality as businesses face tough decisions.

Beshear said daycare centers will need to be closed by Friday of this week, government services are suspending any in-person services, and the Republican and Democratic primary elections scheduled for May have officially been postponed.

Additionally, the governor is sending a request to the federal government to prompt the Small Business Association to give federal loans to small businesses in Kentucky impacted by the coronavirus.

Employers across the state, large and small, are facing tough decisions including layoffs as a result of lost business.

As a result, The Kentucky Cabinet for Education and Workforce Development is extending unemployment insurance benefits to those who are experiencing job loss because of coronavirus or due to quarantine from the coronavirus. They will consider it temporary job loss, similar to if an employer has to have a shut down.

The state is also waiving the seven-day wait period of requesting unemployment benefits. An individual can file for unemployment insurance benefits at the moment they need it.

Kentucky Cabinet for Education and Workforce Development Deputy Secretary Josh Benton said the state is hopeful Congress passes legislation soon to ensure two-week medical leave during quarantine.

Kentucky Career Center is increasing staff on unemployment insurance call center lines they are dedicating more staff to address claims.

Kentuckians can apply for unemployment at kcc.ky.gov The information needed to apply is social security or alienation documents, name of employer, and dates of employment