Kansas will apply for unemployment funds under the Federal Emergency Management Act, according to Gov. Laura Kelly’s office.
The state will apply for the Lost Wages Assistance program under FEMA, according to an announcement.
Because of federal restrictions, only those who receive at least $100 in unemployment benefits may qualify, according to the governor’s office.
An additional $600 a week in unemployment benefits through the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program has run out. Eligibility requirements for the LWA program are different, according to state officials.
The LWA program could provide $400 a week in addition to eligible claimants’ regular unemployment benefits, according to the governor’s office.
“While I had hoped that United States Senate would return early from vacation and extend federal benefits, I could not sit by idly while many Kansans are still facing unemployment,” Gov. Kelly said in a statement. “This is far from a perfect solution, but we want to use every tool available to protect Kansans and our economy. I’m asking the Kansas Department of Labor to apply for the Lost Wages Assistance Program, which is the only available option for additional federal assistance at this time.”
It is a temporary solution, according to officials.
More information on unemployment benefits is available at www.GetKansasBenefits.gov.
Kudos to Gov. Kelly for being proactive on this issue instead of simply harranging the U.S. Senate and waiting for them to do something.
Thank you Gov. Kelly, we are sitting here with a broke bank account. Don’t know how we’re going to pay utility bill, house payments, car payments. We’re going to lose our cars … just got our cable shut off. I’m disabled and my husband lost his job due to COVID 19. We are beyond struggling. Something needs to happen quick for Kansas.