Unemployment insurance requirements in Idaho are changing July 7
Starting July 7, Idahoans filing for unemployment insurance must complete and report five work search-related activities each week. This is an increase from the current requirement of two work search contacts claimants must submit on their weekly certifications.
The increase from two to five activities required per week is an outcome of House Bill 686, which passed during the 2024 legislative session and was signed into law by Gov. Brad Little.
“The Legislature’s intent with HB 686 is twofold — to increase the opportunities for Idahoans to secure meaningful work and to help businesses find employees,” said Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani Revier.
HB 686 also expands the definition of an acceptable work search activity and includes:
- Submitting a resume or job application to an employer or uploading it to a job board for employers to see.
- Attending and completing an interview or skills test with an employer.
- Sharing a resume, cover letter, master application, elevator pitch or LinkedIn profile with an employer.
- Completing an online or in-person job search workshop or mock interview.
- Attending a job fair or hiring event.
- Completing career counseling or a job search plan.
- Taking a job search assessment, such as a personality, skills or interests test.
- Taking a civil service exam.
Attending a job search event or meeting with a workforce consultant at a local Labor office fulfills many of these actions.
"Many people simply aren't aware of our extensive resources for job seekers — both online and in person," Revier said. "If someone needs help finding a job, they can visit any of our eight local offices or 30 mobile locations and we will connect them with job opportunities in their area."
In some cases, work search actions are waived when a claimant is considered “employer attached.” This applies to some seasonal workers or union members if they have a return date for a job within 16 weeks of being laid off or losing work.
For more information on valid work search actions, please visit our FAQ page.
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Note: Unemployment insurance is an eligibility program that replaces part of a worker’s lost income when they become unemployed through no fault of their own. Eligible claimants receive these benefits from payroll taxes paid by their former employers.
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