Work Search Requirement Resumes for Unemployment Benefits
These past few months have certainly been a difficult time for many Missourians. While we were in the midst of our state’s stay-at-home order, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR) reported that more than 285,000 individuals applied for unemployment benefits during the month of April. Over the course of the past few months, I have seen business owners close their doors and be forced to lay off their employees. For many, they have had to face the difficult reality of figuring out how to feed their families during these trying times. Fortunately, many Missourians were able to use our state’s unemployment benefits program to help make ends meet. I am thankful these resources are available to the individuals and families who need it the most. As our state enters phase 2 of the Show-Me Strong Recovery Plan and reopens, I think it makes sense to get Missourians back to work.
DOLIR has released new guidelines regarding unemployment benefits. Beginning the week of July 5, individuals who would like to continue receiving unemployment benefits must prove they are actively searching for work. This requirement had been temporarily lifted due to the spread of COVID-19. The $600 federal supplement to unemployment benefits will be available until July 25. Additionally, for individuals who file for unemployment on or after July 5, the one week waiting period before receiving benefits will be reinstated.
Work search activities are required for individuals seeking benefits under regular unemployment insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Extended Benefits (EB) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).
Work search activities include filing an application online or in person with an employer or through job posting sites or by attending a job fair, job interview, reemployment service or skills workshop. Individuals must complete and report three work search activities per week to remain eligible for benefits.
Missouri Job Centers are available to help unemployed workers meet these search requirements. They can visit jobs.mo.gov to find information on job fairs, workshops to develop skills in career networking and resume preparation, information about training and education options for different careers, a skills assessment to find the right job, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment appointments, customized job searches and other helpful services.
According to DOLIR, the number of initial unemployment benefits claims has been steadily declining each week for about a month. This is promising news, and I am hopeful that number will continue to drop. With the state fully reopening, I believe there will be more opportunities for unemployed individuals to find jobs and get back into the workforce as more businesses fully open. I think reinstating the unemployment benefits requirements is a great way to continue moving our state forward.
Please visit Sen. Burlison’s official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/burlison for information on legislative and constituent resources.