Individuals who are receiving unemployment benefits in Virginia must once again prove that they are searching for a job in order to continue to receive those benefits. The change went into effect on June 1.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam decided to waive the work search requirements for unemployment benefits at the start of the covid-19 pandemic in spring of 2020 after the state forced many businesses to shut down. Now that vaccines are more widely available and the governor lifted covid-19 restrictions, the state will once again require proof that those receiving unemployment benefits are actively searching for work.
The news comes on the heels of a nationwide worker shortage affecting a variety of industries, most notably the restaurant industry, and aligns with guidance from the federal government.
The Virginia Employment Commission would like to help individuals get back to work through its Virginia Workforce Connection services. For more details, visit www.vawc.virginia.gov.