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Applying for unemployment? Pennsylvania’s work search requirements close to starting back up

PITTSBURGH — Starting next week, anyone applying for unemployment will need to prove they are actively looking for a job.

One of the ways that can be done is by going through Pennsylvania CareerLink, which is resuming on-site meetings in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Their office will be open by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.)

The work search requirements, which were temporarily suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, start back up on July 18. Work registration requirements resume in September.

>>RELATED STORY: More technical issues hit Pennsylvania unemployment system

To meet the work search requirements, people receiving jobless benefits must apply for two jobs and complete their work search activity from an approved list of seven options each week.

Here is what qualifies as work search activities:

  • Attending a job fair
  • Searching open positions on PA CareerLink or job posting boards
  • Creating and uploading a resume to PA CareerLink or job posting boards
  • Seeking job networking opportunities
  • Using an employment agency, employment registry or school placement service
  • Taking a civil service test or other pre-employment test
  • Participating in a training workshop or event offered through PA CareerLink

Employers in Pennsylvania and across the United States are struggling to find workers, and many blame it on jobless benefits padded with the $300 a week federal pandemic benefit.

Some 750,000 people in Pennsylvania were receiving benefits either through a state or federal program, in addition to the extra $300 a week.

CLICK HERE for more information about the work search requirements.