For Immediate Release:	Contact: Kathy Toelkes
May 1 , 2009	785.296.0901

Unemployed Kansans can now make changes to their personal information online
New Web site feature helps address heavy call volumes and long wait times.

   TOPEKA –Kansans who are currently seeking unemployment benefits, or have received benefits in the past, can now make changes to their personal information such as their phone number, address and e-mail address online at www.uibenefits.dol.ks.gov.

   This is one of the many steps that the Kansas Department of Labor is taking to help reduce the hold times of callers to its Contact Center and better serve the record number of unemployed Kansans trying apply for unemployment benefits.

   In the past, claimants were only able to enter their personal information online if they were filing for initial claims. If they needed to make any changes to this information, they would have to call the Contact Center for assistance. With this new online feature, claimants can go directly online anytime from noon Sunday to midnight Monday and from 7:00 a.m. to midnight Tuesday through Saturday to make changes to this information and avoid calling the Contact Center altogether.

   On average, KDOL takes approximately 1,500 calls per week that involve these types of changes. By having this new online feature, it not only allows these claimants to avoid long wait times, but it frees up the lines so that those who really need to talk to a customer service representative can more easily get through.

   "Our goal is to try to make the unemployment process as easy and as efficient as possible. We will continue to evaluate the process and pinpoint areas we can improve upon so that we can be there for the people who need us the most," said Secretary of Labor Jim Garner.

   No wait online
   Garner stressed that KDOL’s unemployment benefits Web site, at www.uibenefits.dol.ks.gov, is a good tool for filing claims, making changes and answering many questions, without having to pick up the phone.

      These tips will help you with your claim or questions:

• As always, the fastest way for the agency to determine your eligibility is to use the online filing system. You may file your initial claim application for unemployment benefits online, at www.uibenefits.dol.ks.gov, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
  
  
• You may file your continuing weekly claim for unemployment benefits online or on the Labor Department’s automated telephone system during the following times:
     Sunday:  Midnight to 6 a.m. and Noon to Midnight
     Monday:  Anytime
     Tuesday–Friday:  7 a.m. to Midnight
     Saturday:  9 a.m. to Midnight
  
  
• Filing for unemployment can be confusing. Check out KDOL’s Frequently Asked Questions, at www.uibenefits.dol.ks.gov.
  
  
• Once you’ve been deemed eligible for benefits, the Labor Department will mail you an informational booklet with everything you need to know about unemployment benefits. You may also view that booklet online at www.uibenefits.dol.ks.gov.
  
  
• If you have already filed for benefits, information about your individual claim is available online at www.uibenefits.dol.ks.gov. By using your personal password, you can obtain details about your claim status, payment dates and amounts.

   Still need to talk with someone?

   The Kansas Unemployment Contact Center has extended its hours, from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. You can reach the Contact Center by calling one of the following phone numbers:

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

   

   Remember: Labor Department representatives can only discuss your unemployment claim with you. Please do not have a family member or friend call with questions about your claim, as the agency cannot give them any information.

   If you have already been approved to receive unemployment benefits and you have questions specifically regarding your Unemployment Benefits Debit Card please visit http://www.prepaid.citi.com/kansas or contact Citi’s toll-free Customer Service number at 1-800-582-4910.

Kansas Department of Labor News Room

Kansas Department of Labor News Room Archive

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For media information contact:

Kathy Toelkes
Director of Marketing & Communications
Kansas Department of Labor
Phone: 785.296.0901
e-mail