Idaho increases unemployment work search requirements under new law

Under a new law, Idahoans seeking unemployment must report five search-related activities each week starting this summer.

The new requirements start July 7, according to an Idaho Department of Labor news release. Idaho previously required two work search contacts each week.

The rise in required work search reports for Idaho unemployment insurance stems from House Bill 686, passed during the 2024 legislative session. The bill also broadened what’s considered a work search activity, according to the news release.

“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,” Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani Revier said in the release.

Acceptable work search activities for unemployment filing include submitting a resume or job application to employers, or uploading it to a job board; completing an employer interview or skills test; completing a job search workshop or mock interview; and more. 

The Idaho Department of Labor says many of those actions are fulfilled by attending a job search event or meeting a workforce consultant at an Idaho Department of Labor local office. 

“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.”

The Idaho Department of Labor’s website has more information about work search requirements.

Work search actions may be waived when people are considered “employer attached,” which the Department of Labor says applies to some seasonal workers or union workers who have a job return date that’s within 16 weeks of being laid off or losing work.

The bill takes effect July 1. The House and Senate passed the bill in March, before Gov. Brad Little signed the bill into law.