Unemployment insurance (UI) claimants must thoroughly document work search actions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 17, 2026
Media Contact: [email protected]

The Idaho Department of Labor has identified an increase in UI claimants being denied benefits as a result of insufficient work search documentation.

Claimants must prove they are actively searching for work by completing five work search actions a week. Details and contact information for the action are then submitted by the claimant in their weekly certification. If the information provided cannot be verified by the department, benefits may be denied and overpayments may be established.

Examples of insufficient work search documentation include being unable to provide proof of applying to a job; providing incomplete, incorrect or false employer contact information; providing employer information for contacts made outside of the claimed week; or repeatedly reporting the same employer and job opening week after week.

To avoid a work search denial, the department encourages claimants to save proof of their work search actions such as correspondence with employers as well as screenshots showing dates, interview invitations and workshop attendance records. The department also suggests responding to all agency requests in a timely manner and being honest and accurate on weekly certifications.

Learn about work search requirements on the department's FAQ page.

The Idaho Department of Labor's unemployment insurance program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY26 as part of the Employment and Training Administration grants (64%) and state/nonfederal funds (36%) totaling $24,926,802.