Five weekly searches in trump administration proposes stricter work search rules to qualify for unemployment benefits plan draw concern
What the proposal requires
The proposal would require people seeking unemployment aid to complete at least five work searches per week. The Labor Department says a nationwide minimum would make eligibility rules more consistent.
States could adapt the rules
States could designate other activities that meet the proposed requirement. They could also adjust the weekly threshold to reflect local labor market conditions. A points-based system could let an applicant earn multiple points from one activity, the Labor Department said.
Advocates raise concerns
Labor advocates criticized the proposal, arguing that the new threshold could be difficult for unemployed people to meet and expensive for states to administer. Evermore said the change could disadvantage applicants who already struggle to navigate unemployment benefits systems. Evermore also said employers want candidates who are enthusiastic about job opportunities, rather than people focused on checking boxes on work search forms.
Public comment period
The public will have 60 days after the proposed rule is published to submit comments. The Labor Department acknowledged that the policy could temporarily increase costs as states and applicants adapt. The department said the change is needed to ensure eligibility rules are applied consistently across the United States.
Key points
- The proposal sets a minimum of five weekly work searches for unemployment aid applicants.
- Job placement agencies and unions could count as work search activities.
- States could recognize other activities and adjust requirements for local labor conditions.
- The public has 60 days after publication to comment.