Pennsylvanians collecting unemployment benefits will have to track and report their search for work starting this week, a requirement that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those collecting benefits must indicate if they completed work search requirements when filing weekly claims starting Sunday, according to a letter sent to those claiming benefits from the state Department of Labor and Industry.
Each week, residents receiving unemployment must apply for two jobs and participate in one work search activity, according to the state’s website, tracking it as they go.
Here’s what you need to know:
What is a work search requirement?
Those collecting benefits must apply for two jobs and participate in one work search activity each week. If someone is working part-time and getting a reduced unemployment payment for that week, they’re only required to complete one job application.
What’s work registration?
Work search is different than work registration. Work registration requires someone collecting benefits to register for employment-search services through the state’s CareerLink website within 30 days after filing an unemployment claim.
So far, the state Department of Labor and Industry hasn’t announced a restart date for work registration, but residents can still use it, and it counts as one work search activity for one week.
What if I don’t complete the work search requirement?
Residents who don’t complete the work search requirement may be denied benefits for that claim week.
What job applications qualify?
Any job a resident can perform qualifies. However, residents are allowed to limit their job applications to those that offer employment and wages similar to what they had before they became unemployed and are within a 45-minute commute if telework is not available.
What is a work search activity?
Work search activities include attending a job fair, searching for positions online, creating or posting a resume online, among others.
Do I need to track all this?
Yes. The state Department of Labor and Industry may request to see your work search activities at any time for a period of two years from the effective date of your claim.
If a resident can’t provide a work search record upon request, it may result in ineligibility for benefits and liability to repay benefits they have received.
How can I make sure I’m meeting requirements each week?
The state has put together a chart for residents to make sure they’re meeting requirements. If a resident can check one box in each column, they have satisfied the work search requirements for the week.
I need more information. Where can I go?
Check out the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Handbook.
Morning Call reporter Molly Bilinski can be reached at mbilinski@mcall.com.
