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Unemployment job search requirement suspended through mid-January in Washington

The Washington State Employment Security Department said job search requirements are once again suspended through mid-January.

SEATTLE — If you are new to the unemployment system, there are a lot of things that sound simple enough until you start reading the details. One of those is job search requirements and the constant date changes.

"I am confused as to the "end date" of the suspension of job search requirements related to unemployment," wrote KING 5 viewer D. Woods. "There is so much stress upon us already. I do not want to incorrectly submit my UE claim, and have it denied because I don’t list job search activities."

These job search requirements can certainly be confusing to people who have never dealt with this before. The job search requirement is suspended through January 19, 2021, but technically, people do not have to actively seek work until the week of January 24. This is because of the way claims are reported, which is by the week.

If you are submitting a weekly unemployment claim, that means you can continue answering "no" to the job search requirement question until the week the suspension is lifted. However, the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) said it never hurts to look for jobs even when there is a suspension.

The ESD has made it simpler to fulfill these requirements with more virtual learning and job fairs, but this is an added barrier for those who do not have access to the internet.

In addition to the job search suspension, the waiting week is suspended until December 21. In normal times, you must wait a week to get paid once your claim is approved. This means after December 21, you will start waiting a week to get paid.

Take note, Gov. Inslee could suspend job searches again in mid-January, depending on COVID-19 numbers.

Do you have a question or concern about money during the coronavirus pandemic? Email us at money@king5.com.

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