HARRISBURG (Newsradio 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry announced Monday that the work search requirement for unemployment benefits will resume in July.
"As more Pennsylvanians become vaccinated and our case count continues to decline, workers can more safely return to the workforce," said L&I Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier. "We have been working with our stakeholder groups and have determined July is the ideal time to reinstate the work search requirement. PA CareerLink® locations across the state are ready to provide high quality, individualized assistance to out-of-work Pennsylvanians as more displaced workers begin the work search process."
Starting July 18th, Pennsylvania residents receiving unemployment benefits will need to certify each week that they sought out work the week prior, a requirement to receive unemployment benefits. Each resident receiving the benefits must apply for two jobs and participate in one work search activity each week. They must also accept an offer for suitable work and keep a log of their work search, which is subject to an audit.
Eligible work search activities are:
-Attending a job fair
-Searching positions posted on the PA CareerLink® system or Internet job banks
-Creating or posting a résumé in the PA CareerLink® system or posting a résumé in other résumé-posting services
-Contacting colleagues, former co-workers or other individuals in similar professions or occupations to make known your availability for employment or obtain information about available positions, prospective employers or other employment opportunities
-Utilizing an employment agency, employment registry or school placement service
-Taking a civil service test or other pre-employment testParticipating in a program or activity offered through the PA CareerLink® system. If you live outside of Pennsylvania, you may participate in these types of activities offered by your state employment service.
