Changes to Idaho unemployment insurance work search requirements take effect in July (2024)


The Idaho Department of Labor issued a press release on May 15 instructing Idaho unemployment insurance claimants to complete and report five work search-related activities per week starting July 7 to receive benefits. Current law requires claimants to report two work search activities per week.

The work search activity changes will comply with requirements outlined in House Bill 686, which Gov. Brad Little (R) signed on March 26. The bill previously passed the Idaho Senate 29-3 on March 21 and the Idaho House 57-10 on March 8. 

Unemployment insurance is a joint federal and state program that provides temporary monetary benefits to eligible laid-off workers who are actively seeking new employment. Qualifying individuals receive unemployment compensation as a percentage of their lost wages in the form of weekly cash benefits while they search for new employment.

The federal government oversees the general administration of state unemployment insurance programs. The states control the specific features of their unemployment insurance programs, such as eligibility requirements and length of benefits.

For information about unemployment insurance programs across the country, click here.

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