Work Search Requirement For Unemployment Restarts In PA

PENNSYLVANIA — The work search requirement for people receiving unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania will resume this week.

Claimants will start certifying they looked for work beginning July 18.

The requirement had been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Those receiving unemployment are also required to accept an offer of suitable work. "Individuals are also required to keep a log of their work search activities, which is subject to audit," according to information from the Department of Labor & Industry.

Pennsylvania lawmakers had been pushing for the change, previously proposing legislation to reinstate the requirement.

According to the state, 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.
• Using an employment agency, employment registry or school placement service.
• Taking a civil service test or other pre-employment test.
• Participating 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.