MDES reinstates work search requirements for unemployment benefits

The work search requirements for Mississippians filing for unemployment benefits will be reinstated effective Aug. 9.

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security recently announced that the temporary waiver suspending the work search requirements under Executive Order 1510 expires as of Aug. 8, 2020. All individuals receiving benefits under Regular Unemployment Insurance, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, Extended Benefit and Disaster Unemployment Assistance will be required to meet the work search requirements established under Mississippi law beginning Aug. 9 for the week ending Aug. 15.

Self-employed individuals and individuals who receive 1099s who are filing for benefits must also meet the work search requirements to remain eligible. This includes making three job contacts each week, one of which must include filing an application for employment. It is acceptable for the other job contacts to be related to your regular self-employment or 1099 activities. Please maintain a log of your job search activities which includes the employer details and all self-employment contacts.

An individual must make an active search for full-time work to receive unemployment insurance benefits.

MDES defines “actively seeking work” as follows:

• You MUST be registered for work with MDES Employment Services (Mississippi Works).
• You MUST contact three employers each week to apply for full time work (35 hours or more).
• An actual application must be completed with at least one of the three employer contacts. An application is defined as any completed application or resume submitted to an employer for suitable work, either in person, via mail or via electronic communication. Resume is honored as an ‘application’ by MDES if that is the acceptable mode for applying with that employer. The work applied for MUST be appropriate in light of the labor market and your skills and capabilities.

Work Search information is collected during the Weekly Certification process.

For more information, visit the MDES website.