Indiana will require out-of-work Hoosiers to prove they’re actively searching for work starting June 1, or else lose their unemployment benefits. The rule came in an executive order rolling back some of the COVID-19 relief measures in place for over a year.
Gov. Eric Holcomb is directing the Department of Workforce Development to restart work search and job counseling requirements. It will also begin increasing unemployment trust fund charges for employers who lay workers off.
None of these requirements are new, but have been waived since March of last year to support workers during the pandemic.
Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on COVID-19 and other statewide issues.
Holcomb has also asked DWD to research the demographics of those unemployed. He said it will help him decide if Indiana will join a growing number of states in opting out of extra federal unemployment programs.
The order comes a day after President Joe Biden directed the federal Department of Labor to ensure all states reintroduce “appropriate” work search requirements. Biden also asserted that the extra $300 in weekly benefits is not causing people to stay out of jobs.
Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.