Kentucky COVID Unemployment Benefits | Kentucky Tax Credits

Kentucky COVID-19 Unemployment benefits, SBA Disaster Loans & Tax Credits

Published on by Cheryl Ganim in COVID-19, Tax Services

Kentucky COVID-19 Unemployment benefits, SBA Disaster Loans & Tax Credits

Barnes Dennig is dedicated to helping you identify opportunities, options and strategies to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Visit our COVID-19 Advisory Services Page here to learn more.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits (KY)

On March 16, 2020, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear outlined changes to the state’s unemployment rules as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the first changes made was waiving the seven-day waiting period to obtain unemployment insurance benefits. Under normal circumstances, people who apply for unemployment receive their first check two weeks after they first apply, but only receive payment for one of those two weeks. Governor Beshear’s order directs the state to deliver payment for both weeks.

Work search requirements will also be waived while the state of emergency is in effect. Kentuckians who have been laid off because of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), or those whose hours have been cut will be able to apply for unemployment benefits. Most importantly, Kentucky requires citizens to have worked and earned a minimum amount of wages in work covered by unemployment tax during the past 18 months.

Although Kentucky’s unemployment phone line and website have not been working since Monday, March 16, registration information for unemployment benefits will be available by calling (502) 875-0442, or by visiting the Kentucky Career’s Center unemployment benefits page here.

Additionally, Kentucky residents can call the Voice Response Unit at (877) 369-5984 or (877) 3MY-KYUI (toll-free). If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the unemployment insurance assistance line at (502) 564-2900.

 

For those who are Filing a Claim or Requesting Benefits

Due to an increase in claims filed and benefits requested the following changes have been made:

If you are filing a claim or requesting benefits, either on the Internet or using the phone system, please note you can do so based upon the last digit of your Social Security Number. Below is the schedule you should follow:

If the last number of your Social Security Number is:

  • 0, 1, you can file your claim or request benefits on Monday
  • 2, 3, 4, 5 you can file your claim or request benefits on Tuesday
  • 6, 7, 8, 9 you can file your claim or request benefits on Wednesday

Your base period is the period of time that you worked, prior to losing your job in which you establish the amount of money that you will receive in unemployment. The more money that you made in your base period, the larger the amount that you will receive every week for unemployment.

  • The base period is a period of one year and does not include the most recent quarter (most recent three months).
  • For example, if you lost your job on April 1, 2010, and filed for unemployment that same day — your base period would be January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009. Remember – the base period does not include the most recent three months – so your base period does not include January 1, 2010 to March 30, 2010.

SBA Disaster Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans may apply to homeowners as well as small businesses. For more information on how small businesses can plan for and react to the COVID-19 Pandemic, visit the SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources here.

For more information on the SBA’s disaster assistance funding programs visit the SBA website here.

The Small Business Administration announced on Thursday, March 12, 2020 that it would offer economic injury disaster loans, but a presidential declaration could simplify the process for small businesses seeking loans up to $2 million.

President Trump signed an emergency declaration rather than a major disaster declaration, which requires an assessment of significant physical damage and is common for hurricanes or wildfires. Both types of declarations are authorized by the Stafford Act, the relevant difference now is that a major disaster declaration allows for broader assistance such as disaster unemployment assistance and crisis counseling, and other recovery programs, such as community disaster loans.

Section 45S Employer Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave

Internal Revenue Code Section 45S provides a tax credit for employers who provide paid family and medical leave to their employees. Eligible employers may claim the credit, which is equal to a percentage of wages they pay to qualifying employees while they’re on family and medical leave. The credit generally is effective for wages paid in taxable years of the employer beginning after December 31, 2017.

For more information on this credit, visit the IRS website here.

Contact Us

Barnes Dennig is following updates and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic as they are announced. Our team is dedicated to helping our friends and clients navigate these difficult and complex issues.

Visit Barnes Dennig’s COVID-19 Resource Center for a comprehensive list of communications.

Barnes Dennig COVID-19 Advisory Team Leaders:


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