The weekly work search rule in Kentucky
At least 5 work search activities each week. At least 3 of the 5 must be job applications or job interviews. You request benefits every two weeks and report the work search for each week.
Report each activity with its details (such as employer name, contact, method and date) when you request your benefit payment online. Claimants who must do a work search have to request payments online. Keep proof in case of an audit.
File and certify on the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance site. The rules can change, so check OUI's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| Kentucky rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | At least 5 work search activities each week. At least 3 of the 5 must be job applications or job interviews. You request benefits every two weeks and report the work search for each week. |
| How you report it | Report each activity with its details (such as employer name, contact, method and date) when you request your benefit payment online. Claimants who must do a work search have to request payments online. Keep proof in case of an audit. |
| Enter each activity online | Yes, each activity goes into the state system |
| Keep records | Keep all your work search proof for up to one full year after your claim ends. Activities can be randomly audited. |
| Agency | Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance |
Source: Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance (kcc.ky.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in Kentucky
Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance lists these:
- Submitting a job application (in person or online)
- Interviewing for a job (in person or online)
- Job shadowing
- A job fair or networking event hosted by state or local government or a business organization
- A job search skills workshop or seminar
- A Kentucky Career Center or partner program training related to employment or the job search
Who does not have to search for work in Kentucky
You do not have to search for work if you are in a trade union that finds work for you, are a student in an approved training program (with a determination), have a definite recall date within 16 weeks of filing your claim, are on a temporary leave of absence while still an employee, or your employer filed a mass E-Claim or an approved Work Share claim for you. You must send proof when you file, or the work search rule applies.
Keep your work search log free
Write down each activity the day you do it: the date, the employer, how you contacted them, the job, and what happened. If the state asks to see your search, the log is your proof.
The free work search log in Capstone Careers keeps it for you: each application you send through Capstone Careers goes on it by itself, you add the ones you do elsewhere, and you can save the week as a PDF.
Need more applications to reach your number? See openings near you and get a resume written for each one.
Training while you are on unemployment in Kentucky
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in Kentucky.
Approved training is on OUI's list of exemptions above, so ask OUI before you start.