KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An increase in unemployment applications are causing state agency websites to crash.
People across the nation are wondering how they can apply for unemployment benefits and if they qualify.
In Kansas and Missouri, people need to apply online with the state labor departments.
Where someone applies depends on where they work, not where they live.
People in Kansas can apply here,while people who work in Missouri can apply here.
On Friday, Delia Garcia with the Kansas Department of Labor said the agency has seen an increase of more than 10,000 applications in one week.
"We are in unchartered waters right now, which constitutes the importance of working together," Garcia said.
KDOL announced it is in the process of hiring more employees to help with the amount of unemployment applications it's receiving.
People who are not unemployed but have had their hours cut may also qualify for benefits in Missouri and Kansas.
Both states have waived the one-week waiting period before a person can receive benefits for people who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.
School staff is typically disqualified for applying for unemployment benefits. However, staff who are no longer being paid may be eligible since it's still the regular school year.
