States Are Reimposing Job Search Requirements: Here's What You Need to Know to Keep Your Benefits

covid-19 • Jul 15, 2020

There are now more Americans dependent on unemployment than there have been in years; as of this week, a staggering 31 million people are receiving UI benefits. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, unemployment availability was widely increased and restrictions on who could receive benefits (and for how long) were lifted in most states, including the removal of the requirement that recipients be searching for a job. But even though the virus is surging across the US, many states are reopening businesses, and tightening the restrictions on unemployment. Several states have reinstated a job search requirement in order to receive unemployment benefits, even as the additional $600 a week in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is set to expire at the end of the month. Job search rules have been reinstated in Arkansas, Missouri and Nebraska so far, and other states may follow suit soon. You can see what the requirements for unemployment in your state are currently here.

What Do Job Search Requirements Look Like?

If your state reinstates job search requirements, you’ll need to prove to your unemployment office that you are making an effort to find a job. The specific requirements will vary by state, but generally are not particularly stringent. In Missouri, one must do three job-search “activities'' per week to continue receiving benefits. Activities include applying for jobs online, attending job fairs, attending job interviews and more. For those who are independent contractors who were allowed to access unemployment thanks to the CARES Act, activities will include looking for clients, attending training and other business activities. Keep a record of all your job search activity in case you need to prove to the state unemployment office that you have been following the protocols for job search.

You do not have to find a job in order to continue receiving benefits! You just have to prove that you are looking.

Why Are States Reimposing Job Search Requirements?

Although unemployment is dropping slightly, it remains remarkably high and coronavirus cases are surging. So why are states reimposing restrictions on unemployment? According to researcher Susan Houseman, the reason is purely pragmatic: states are running out of money for unemployment. States around the country are depleting their trust funds and turning to the federal government for help, and with the future of coronavirus aid uncertain, some states are choosing to be more cautious about distributing funds. Requiring that jobless workers search for jobs may cut down on the number of people on unemployment and minimize fraudulent claims.

What Happens if You Don’t Follow the Job Search Requirements?

Your unemployment could be in jeopardy if you don’t follow the requirements of your local office and do job search activities. You might have your benefits cancelled, or worse, you could be found to be committing unemployment insurance fraud, if you report to the state unemployment office that you are looking for a job but can’t prove that. You may be asked to pay back your benefits to the state in that case, or be fined.

Although the coronavirus crisis is by no means over, some aspects of life are returning to “normal”, unemployment benefits being one of them. In some states, the job search requirement is being reinstated as businesses reopen. To avoid losing your benefits or even facing steep fines, make sure you keep a steady record of all job search activities so that you can show the state you are following requirements, even if finding a job in your field is unlikely right now. You don’t want to be found fraudulent!