KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas has expanded unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks, or half of a year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kansas Secretary of Labor Delia Garcia confirmed that the measure, which was passed by the Kansas Legislature and signed by Gov. Laura Kelly last month, “is operative” Tuesday in a news release.
The temporary extension applies to all unemployment claims filed since Jan. 1, 2020, and is automatic.
“If you are eligible, you will automatically receive the benefits extension,” García said in a statement. “You do not need an additional application.”
Individuals without a job still must file for weekly benefits.
“This is good news for Kansans,” Kelly said in a statement. “With the implementation of the Legislature’s expansion of benefits to up to 26 weeks, Kansans have the safety net needed to get through this crisis until our state’s economy rebounds.”
Of course, for many people in Kansas and Missouri, simply applying for unemployment has been a chore amid overwhelmed systems.
Kansas is now asking people to file new claims and weekly claims on certain days of the week based on their last name to help ease congestion on its antiquated computer systems.
