Work search waivers now limited

When the new job search requirements went into effect, this e-mail message to state representatives and senators went out.

From: Dernbach, BJ – DWD
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2015 5:06 PM
Subject: FYI: Changes to Unemployment Insurance Worksearch Waiver

Dear Members:

Starting this week, the Division of Unemployment Insurance (UI), in order help more UI claimants transition back to employment quickly and meet employers’ demand for talent, will revise its current system of waiving work-search requirements for claimants who expect recall from their employers.

Highlights of the revisions include:

• Claimants who expect recall by their employer may seek a waiver of the weekly work-search requirement for an 8-week period that can be extended for a maximum of 4 additional weeks with verification from the claimant’s employer. Currently, waivers are approved through the end of a benefit year for a claimant who is not recalled.

• The weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s will no longer be automatically waived for work search.

• Claimants who will start work with a new employer within 4 weeks will  need to provide employer verification in order to obtain a work search waiver.  Employer verification is not currently required in these cases.

• Claimants working part time for a customary employer (an employer for which the claimant works for more than 4 weeks or the claimant worked at least 32 hours during a given week) will have their work search waived, but will be required to register with Wisconsin Job Service through JobCenterofWisconsin.com and build a Job Match Profile.  This requirement is not currently in place for those with work search waivers.

These changes implement revisions to Chapter 126 and 127 of Wisconsin Administrative Code that the Legislature requested during the most recent legislative session.  DWD has now put in place the technology and operational framework to carry out these new requirements.

As you are aware, UI claimants must be able to work, be available for work, and conduct a search for work when required. While the work search requirement may be waived when certain conditions are met under state law, such waivers are the exception, not the rule.  You also find more information about the work-search waiver online at  http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/.

We will proactively notify affected claimants about the changes but also wanted you to be aware in the event you receive constituent inquiries.  As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

BJ Dernbach
Legislative Liaison
Department of Workforce Development
201 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53703