Changes to Unemployment Benefits and COVID-19 Testing in St. Louis County
Restoring Requirements for Unemployment Benefits
The Missouri Department of Labor (DOL) has released new guidelines concerning unemployment benefits. Beginning the week of July 5, individuals who would like to continue receiving unemployment benefits will be required to perform weekly work search activities. Previously, this requirement had been lifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These activities include filling out a job application or attending a job fair, job interview or reemployment service or skills workshop. For those filing for unemployment benefits on or after July 5, the one week waiting period requirement to receive benefits has been reinstated by the DOL.
Missouri Job Centers are available to assist unemployed workers with these search requirements by providing customized job searches through jobs.mo.gov, job fairs, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment appointments, workshops to help develop and refine skills and other training programs. For more information about services available through the Missouri Job Centers, visit jobs.mo.gov.
As our state begins the process of reopening, I believe now is the right time for all Missourians to get back to work. With more businesses opening their doors every day, I believe it makes sense to reinstate the unemployment benefits requirements. From my perspective, these benefits were never designed to be used full time, but were intended to help those in tough situations.
For more information about unemployment benefits, please visit labor.mo.gov/coronavirus.
Scheduling a COVID-19 Test
The St. Louis Department of Public Health has developed an online system for St. Louis County residents to schedule an appointment for testing. Even if you don’t think you have the virus, I would encourage you to consider getting tested. The department’s goal is to detect cases in individuals who might be more likely to spread the virus, including individuals who work directly with the public, such as medical and residential facility workers, grocery store employees, food service employees and other front-line workers. Scheduling an appointment for testing can be done here.