Feds approve an additional $400 unemployment benefit for Kentuckians for three weeks
The federal government has approved Kentucky’s request to start doling out an additional $400 in unemployment benefits for three weeks to people who have been out of work during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday.
“COVID-19 has caused the loss of millions of jobs across the nation, and unfortunately Kentucky is no exception,” Beshear said. “I am committed to fighting for every dollar to help our people survive this global pandemic and our workforce return to full strength.”
The money will go to about 80,000 Kentuckians who received unemployment benefits of more than $100 between the weeks of July 26 and August 15, Beshear said. Prior to July 26, Kentuckians were receiving an additional $600 in unemployment benefits from the federal CARES Act, but the money lapsed when Congress failed to reach a deal to extend the benefits.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that allows the federal government to pay for an additional $300 in unemployment benefits. Kentucky will pay the additional $100 using CARES Act money.
Beshear said it will take a couple of weeks to configure the state’s archaic unemployment system to make the payments, so Kentuckians shouldn’t expect to receive the money until after Labor Day.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urged Beshear to tap into the federal money for unemployed Kentuckians in a letter earlier this week, sparking Beshear’s office to seek approval for the program.
“If the federal government is going to provide $300 and it’s not going to create an unworkable situation for the state, yeah, we’re gonna take it,” Beshear said Monday.
On Friday, McConnell said unemployment insurance is a crucial lifeline for Kentuckians during the pandemic.
“As we all work to protect the most vulnerable from the coronavirus crisis, I’m proud Kentucky won’t get left behind,” McConnell said. “I’m grateful President Trump took decisive action to help struggling Kentuckians, and I’m glad the governor accepted it.”
Kentucky has seen record unemployment during the pandemic. The high volume, coupled with issues in the state’s unemployment office, led to a backlog of people trying to receive their benefits. After a protest led to thousands of people descending on Frankfort to have their issues resolved in person, the state increased its ability to help people process their claims in-person.
Kentucky now joins at least 11 states who have been approved to receive the unemployment aid.
This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 10:58 AM.
