Massachusetts is tightening up access to jobless benefits as the state emerges more fully from the pandemic.
Work search requirements will be reinstated for all those seeking regular unemployment insurance benefits beginning the week of June 15, the Baker administration announced Thursday.
The requirement applies to those receiving Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and those on extended benefits. Massachusetts suspended work-search requirements in March 2020, following updated federal guidance at the outset of the pandemic.
The change comes after Gov. Charlie Baker announced the state is set to lift all COVID-19 restrictions and complete the state’s reopening process on May 29. Baker also said that the statewide COVID-19 state of emergency will end on June 15.
The reinstatement of the work search requirement means that beginning the week of June 13, those seeking unemployment benefits must attest each week that they are making at least three work-search activities per week and provide proof of work search activity to the Department of Unemployment Assistance if requested.
