Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier reminds Pennsylvanian residents receiving unemployment benefits that work search requirements will resume the week of July 11.
Individuals will start certifying they looked for work beginning July 18 because claimants always file for benefits the week after they are unemployed.
“As many Pennsylvanians explore new career options and employers are eager to hire skilled workers, we want people to connect with job training and other resources that can help them to start good jobs and successful careers,” said Berrier as reported by mychesco.com
According to why.org, beginning July 18, people seeking unemployment must attest that they applied for two jobs and completed a work search activity, like attending a job fair or posting a resume on a recruiting site, the week prior. The requirement will also apply to those in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which expanded benefit eligibility to business owners, freelancers, and independent contractors.
As published by the Pennsylvania Government website, work search requires all Unemployment Compensation (UC), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants to apply for two jobs and complete one work search activity every week.
L&I strongly encourages job seekers to register on the PA CareerLink website or reach out to their local PA CareerLink.
Programs and resources
The office offers free programs and resources which include: Job search and training assistance, adult education classes and workshops, résumé assistance, and referral services to partners.
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Additionally, the Department of Human Services (DHS) also provides employment and training programs that support job seekers specifically within low-income populations.
Employment and training programs and assistance are available for people who qualify for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
These programs work closely with participants in identifying interests, goals, and opportunities for job training or education to help them find a fulfilling career. They also focus on mitigating barriers to success in employment like access to child care, transportation, mental health services, and ongoing mentorship bonds after starting a job.
More information on these employment and training programs can be found at www.dhs.pa.gov. Applications for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and other public assistance programs can be submitted online at www.compass.state.pa.us.
Also, additional information about work search requirements, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on L&I’s unemployment compensation website at www.uc.pa.gov.