Some requirements reinstated for unemployment benefits in Washington starting July 4
Starting the week of July 4, anyone who applies for unemployment benefits in Washington state will be required to show proof of looking for work and document at least three “job search activities.” These activities include applying for jobs online and in-person, as well as virtual or in-person WorkSource workshops. A full list of approved job search activities can be found here.
Requirements were altered last year in light of the employment crisis caused by the pandemic. In addition to temporarily not requiring proof of job search activities, the Employment Secuirty Department (ESD) also expanded benefits to include self-employed people, independent contractors and part-time workers whose jobs were affected by COVID-19. The state also created the Pandemic Relief Payment, a one-time payment of $550 for some people receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.
To continue receiving benefits, applicants will need to begin their job search activities the week of July 4 and begin reporting these activities to the ESD the week of July 11. These reports need to be filed every week to continue receiving benefits.
The federal CARES Act expanded PUA and Pandemic Employment Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) until September 4. The additional $300 per week for eligible claimants will also continue until September 4.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/some-requirements-reinstated-for-unemployment-benefits-in-washington-starting-july-4/ar-AAKYmRY