For Immediate Release:	Contact: Megan Ingmire
September 29, 2008	(785) 296–3594

KDOL warns: Don’t pay for unemployment benefits filing or information

TOPEKA – Whether you are filing for regular or extended unemployment benefits or simply looking for unemployment information, the Kansas Department of Labor warns you not to use an online company that requires a fee. To file an unemployment benefit claim, there is no cost.

"Unemployed workers never have to pay a fee to file or receive information about unemployment benefits," said Secretary of Labor Jim Garner. "We’ve heard about some recent incidents where claimants are paying online companies $19.95 to file for extended benefits or to file for regular unemployment benefits. There’s no need to pay for this service. Call our offices and we will provide you the assistance you need."

Kansans can find out about unemployment benefits free of charge by calling KDOL. If a person may be eligible for the recently available extended unemployment benefits, a paper application will be mailed out to you. There is no need to use an online service that requires a fee.

To file an unemployment insurance claim or get an application for extended unemployment benefits, call the Kansas Unemployment Call Center:

Kansas City area	(913) 596–3500
Topeka area	(785) 575–1460
Wichita area	(316) 383–9947
All other areas	(800) 292–6333

Additional information can be found on our Web site at www.dol.ks.gov.