Federal government cuts emergency unemployment benefits by 10.7 percent

Across-the-board cuts were made to many federal programs recently in the sequestration budget cuts.

A spokesman for the Kansas Department of Labor said all payments of emergency unemployment compensation will be reduced by 10.7 percent for weeks beginning on or after March 31.

Each claimant is being notified of this change by letter and a chart to estimate their new weekly payment. A follow-up letter will be sent to each claimant with the exact revised balance and weekly payment.

The emergency unemployment compensation program provides additional benefits to unemployed Kansans during periods of high unemployment. Currently, Kansas gives up to 14 additional weeks of benefits to qualified claimants. The reduction of the benefits will reduce the benefits paid, but not the weeks of benefits, a spokesman said.

The state Department of Labor has posted a chart showing the estimated changes in the weekly benefit amount at www.getkansasbenefits.com/documents/WBAchart.pdf.