PA UC job search requirements with return-to-work date - still needed?

Yes he still needs to do the job search requirements even with a return date. My brother works in landscaping and goes through this every winter. PA doesn't have a 'standby' status anymore like they used to. He has to do at least 2 work search activities each week.

The previous commenter is partially correct, but there are some nuances. While PA generally requires work search activities for all UC claimants, there are some exceptions. If your husband's employer files a specific mass layoff/recall plan with the Department of Labor & Industry, employees MAY be exempt from work search. This is different from just a letter with a return date. Your husband should: 1. Ask his employer if they filed a mass layoff/recall plan with the state 2. When filing his initial claim, accurately indicate his status as temporary layoff with return date 3. If no exemption applies, he must complete and document at least 2 work search activities per week Important: Even if he has to do the work search, he should answer truthfully if contacted for interviews that he has a return date. This preserves his eligibility while following requirements.

when i got layed off last yr with return date I still had to do the stupid job searchs evry week. its so dum but thats how PA works lol. just have him apply to 2 jobs online each week takes like 5 mins

I work at a place that does seasonal layoffs and yes they still make us do the job search stuff. It's annoying but what I do is just look up jobs I'm not qualified for and apply anyway LOL. They're never gonna call me for an interview for a brain surgeon position but it counts as an activity! 😂

Has your husband tried calling the UC service center to get a definitive answer? I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through on the phone last year with a similar question. Busy signals, disconnects, waiting on hold for hours only to get cut off... complete nightmare. Finally I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual UC agent in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The agent explained everything clearly and in my case there WAS an exception that applied, but I would never have known without speaking to someone directly. Worth checking your specific situation.

To give you the CORRECT information: According to the PA UC Handbook (updated for 2025), most claimants with a definite recall date still MUST complete work search requirements. The only exceptions are: 1. Union members who seek work through their union hiring hall 2. Claimants on employer-filed claims with an approved mass layoff/recall plan 3. Those in approved training programs Having just a letter with a return date is NOT enough for exemption. Your husband must complete and document at least 2 qualifying work search activities per week unless he falls into one of these specific exemption categories. This is non-negotiable and failing to do so can result in denial of benefits for the weeks he doesn't complete them.

This whole thread is confusing me more!! So does he need to do job searches or not?? I'm in a similar situation but my layoff starts next month and runs until August. My boss gave me a letter with my return date but now i'm worried about doing everything right with UC...

btw make sure he keeps good records of every job search activity even if it seems pointless. PA randomly audits claims and they will ask for proof. my buddy got hit with an overpayment of $4,200 because he couldn't prove he did his job searches for like 6 weeks.

One important point I haven't seen mentioned: There are multiple types of qualifying work search activities, not just job applications. For someone with a return date, the easiest options might be: 1. Creating or updating profiles on employment websites (PA CareerLink, Indeed, etc.) - this counts as one activity per site, but you can only claim each site once during your benefit year 2. Taking a civil service test or job skills test 3. Participating in a job search seminar or workshop (many are available online through CareerLink) These activities often require less commitment than actual job applications while still satisfying the requirements. Just make sure he documents dates, times, and specific details of each activity.

I just went through this exact situation last summer! My husband works roofing and gets laid off every winter with a guaranteed spring return date. Unfortunately, PA doesn't care about return dates - he still had to do the job search requirements every single week. What worked for us was a mix of approaches: he'd apply to 1-2 actual construction jobs (even though he wasn't planning to take them), and then do other qualifying activities like updating his LinkedIn profile, taking online safety courses through OSHA, or attending virtual job fairs. The key is keeping detailed records - I made him a simple spreadsheet to track dates, activities, and any confirmation emails. It's annoying but just treat it like a small weekly task. Better to do it and stay compliant than risk any issues with your benefits!