COVID-19 Response Resources

Workplace Safety
COVID-19 Resources for Workers and Employers
First and foremost, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of Kansas employers and workers.  The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) provides practical guidance on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20200309.

OSHA also has a COVID-19 webpage with numerous valuable resources, which can be accessed at www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/.

Shared Work
Businesses may be exploring reducing production as a result of supply chain challenges related to COVID-19.  The Shared Work Program is an excellent tool to use in lieu of a temporary, total layoff of employees. It allows for partial work week and partial unemployment benefits to employees. To participate, normal weekly work hours for employees must be reduced by 20% (no more than 40%) and apply to at least 10% of employees.

For more information, visit www.dol.ks.gov/employers/shared-work-program or email KDOL.SharedWork@ks.gov.

Spreadsheet Filing for Unemployment Insurance
Some businesses may be forced to temporarily lay off employees due to COVID-19.  Those employers can assist their employees with filing an application for Unemployment Benefits. This process allows the employer to submit the application for unemployment insurance benefits for employees who are impacted by a layoff due to COVID-19.  Employers who utilize this option will have the ability to communicate directly with the Employer Relations Administrator instead of waiting to speak with a representative at the Unemployment Contact Center. Additionally, instead of receiving an Employer Notice for each employee that files for unemployment insurance benefits, the employer will receive one listing of all claims filed off the spreadsheet.

To learn more, contact:
KDOL.UIEmployerQuestions@ks.gov

or Visit
www.kansasemployer.gov/uitax/Tax/LayoffSelect.aspx

Individual Filing for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Unemployment insurance benefits may be available to individuals who are involuntarily unemployed as a result of COVID-19. The amount of the benefit will vary based upon the amount of money that the individual has previously earned, but will be between $122 and $488 per week.  At this time, individuals can receive up to a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits.

You can view video tutorials on the application process, what to do after filing an initial claim, and more at www.dol.ks.gov/tutorials.

To file for unemployment insurance benefits, visit www.getkansasbenefits.gov, and click on the button at the top of the page titled EASY.FAST.SECURE. Get Started Here.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program
Individuals filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

PUA is a broad program that expands access to unemployment, in addition to what state and federal law already pay. This includes those who traditionally are not able to get unemployment such as:

• Self-employed
• Independent contractors
• “Gig” workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers
• Employees of religious organizations whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19;
• Those who lack sufficient work history to file a claim or have been disqualified for state benefits but who are impacted directly by COVID-19.

To file for PUA, please visit www.pua.getkansasbenefits.gov, and click on the button at the top of the page titled EASY.FAST.SECURE. Get Started Here. 

Wage and Hour Questions
The USDOL Wage and Hour Division provides information on common issues employers and employees may face when responding in responding to COVID-19 as they relate to the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic.