• WBST 92.1 FMMuncie
  • WBSB 89.5 FMAnderson
  • WBSW 90.9 FMMarion
  • WBSH 91.1 FMHagerstown / New Castle
Indiana Public Radio, a listener-supported service of Ball State University
Listen Live Online. Tap to open audio stream.

Work Search Requirements Restart This Week For Unemployed Hoosiers

By Justin Hicks, IPB News | Published on in Economy, Government, Politics
The reflection of the statehouse in the Department of Workforce Development headquarters in Indianapolis. (Justin Hicks/IPB News)
The reflection of the Statehouse in the Department of Workforce Development headquarters in Indianapolis. (Justin Hicks/IPB News)

Starting this week, unemployed Hoosiers will once again need to prove they are searching for work in order to receive jobless benefits. The requirements are normal, but were waived for more than a year as a form of pandemic relief.

Each week, Hoosiers will need to complete at least one work search activity. That includes things like creating a resume, attending a job fair, or participating in a program at a local WorkOne office. They’ll need to report those activities each week on their unemployment benefits claim and keep a detailed log as well.

READ MORE: How Is Indiana Distributing COVID-19 Vaccines? Here’s What You Need To Know

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text “Indiana” to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on COVID-19 and other statewide issues.

Department of Workforce Development guidance warns that failing to pass a pre-employment drug test, dressing inappropriately for a job interview, or only applying for jobs someone is over- or underqualified for could negate that activity.

Work search requirements can be waived for a variety of reasons, most commonly if someone is enrolled in an approved career-training program.

Meanwhile, the state will end all federal unemployment benefit programs, including a boost of $300 each week, later this month.

Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.