In addition to being unemployed (or underemployed) for a qualifying reason, for each week you claim, you must be:
- Able to work.
- Available for work.
- Actively seeking work.
Able to work means you must be physically and mentally capable of working and doing the work you are seeking. Typically, you must be able to work 40 hours per week, although there are some limited exceptions for people who cannot work full time because of a long-term or permanent illness, injury, or disability.
To be available, you must be willing to do all of the following:
- Accept full-time, part-time, and temporary work.
- Work during any of the days and hours normal for the type of work you’re seeking (there are some limited exceptions for childcare, remote learning, school, transportation, and care for a family member or someone in your household).
- Accept the normal rate of pay for that type of work.
- Remain in your normal labor market for the majority of the week.
- Accept suitable work opportunities.
- Commute a reasonable distance for the type of work sought. This distance is determined based on normal commuting patterns in the area you live.
For most people, actively seeking work requires that you are contacting employers who hire people with your experience, training, and skills for work you can do.
Unless otherwise advised in writing by an Employment Department representative, you must continue seeking work each week you claim benefits, even if you’re working part time.
You must complete and report at least five work-seeking activities for each week you claim benefits.
You’re required to claim accurately when any condition exists that prevents you from working, accepting work, or seeking work. This may include travel, illness, injury, incarceration, school attendance, self-employment, and the loss of childcare or transportation. You must also report any work you turn down or miss.