Work Search

The active search for work requirement was temporarily suspended by Governor Ige at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the economy has begun to recover and COVID-19 cases continue to drop as more individuals are vaccinated, the active search for work requirement is being reinstated.

Claimants must make a minimum of three job search contacts per week.

Everyone needs to have three job contacts, except for full-time employees who are attached to an employer or members of a referring union.

If you are working full-time, you are employed, so you do not need to make three search contacts. You must report all hours worked and all gross earnings on your claim certifications.

Looking for work is a requirement to receive UI benefits if you are not otherwise exempted. If you refuse to accept offers of suitable work or refuse to return to work, your claim will be pending until the UI further investigates your reasons for the refusals.

No, it does not. You must apply for jobs for which you are qualified. For example, if you do not have a medical background and apply for a job as a hospital physician, that application will not be counted as a job search contact.

No, simply creating a user account does not count as a job search contact. You must upload your resume and access the online services to search for the latest job openings and training programs.

You can contact the Workforce Development Division at (808) 586-8877 for HireNet account assistance.

You may be exempted from the job search requirement if you are participating in an approved training program under the Workforce Development Division or if the Governor relaxes the requirement again.

You must keep a written log of your job search contactsusing the UC-253 or similar form. The UC-253 can be found here: https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/files/2012/12/UC-253_Record_of_Job_Contacts.pdf

The following are several examples of a job search contact:

1. Registering for work on HireNet Hawaii or at a private employment placement agency;
2. Applying for work with employers by submitting resumes or interviewing;
3. Using employment resources at the American Job Center to identify potential job openings;
4. Attending job fairs, seminars, or other workshops that offer instructions in improving your skills in seeking and obtaining employment; or
5. Conducting other work search activities that individuals in the same or similar occupation would engage in.

Please contact your local American Job Center before going to their location to use their employment resources.

To register for HireNet Hawaii, visit https://www.hirenethawaii.com/vosnet/Default.aspx

Yes. You will be asked to provide your written log of job search contacts if your claim is selected for a Quality Control review or if you are selected to participate in the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program. Failure to provide your written log of job search contacts will result in a pending claim and require a claim examiner to contact you.

Yes. The new work search requirement includes those not traditionally covered under the unemployment insurance program, like the self-employed and independent contractors. You must actively seek to resume your self-employment. Examples may include, but are not limited to, advertising your business, bidding on jobs, contacting potential clients, seeking assistance from the Hawaii Small Business Development Center or the U.S Small Business Administration.

Yes, you are still required to make three job search contacts. Although we understand that some childcare facilities have not reopened or reduced their capacity because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect that you will make efforts to expand your search for childcare and make three job search contacts.

Yes, by law, you are required to be able and available for work. You must report your inability and unavailability to work on all claim certifications that your inability and unavailability to work applies to.

Yes, as a part-time employee you are required to make three job search contacts.

You must keep your written log of job search contacts for the duration of your claim.

Print and include a copy of the job posting and your application to the business on the contact log.

Yes, you are required to make three job search contacts.

Yes. You must continue making three job contacts per week until you have returned to work.

No, you do not. However, if when filing your claim certification, you are asked whether you looked for work, how many employers you contacted, etc., then please ask your employer to submit the UC-348 on your behalf. This form will verify that you are a full-time employee who is still attached to the employer, which exempts you from the job search requirement.

Yes, if you are a part-time employee, you must make three job search contactsIf you are unable to search for work because of your schooling, you must disclose that on your claim certifications.

Yes, all part-time employees, regardless of the number, are required tot make three job search contacts.

You will still receive UI benefits if you earn less than your weekly benefit amount and otherwise qualify.

Yes, you must make three job search contacts. However, any activity related to your pending job opportunity counts as a contact. For example, attending a training, undergoing a physical, or submitting to a drug test can be counted as a job search contact.

Generally, accepting an offer of other work for better terms would not be a factor of disqualification. However, the employer that offered you the first job may report to UI that you refused work, which would result in a claims officer needing to adjudicate the issue. During the adjudication process, you would have an opportunity to explain the situation.

Yes, you are required to make three job search contacts.

If you are a full-time employee, you do not need to make three job search contacts. If you are a part-time employee, you must make three job search contacts.

You would report your hours and earnings during the week that you work. For example, if you worked three hours and were informed that you would be paid $40 for that work at a later time, you would report that you worked three hours and earned $40 on the week that you worked.

Please see the list below:

• International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsworkers
• Operating Engineers
• Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees (Unite HERE)
• Elevator Constructors Union
• International Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers
• Roofers Union
• Sheetmetal Workers Union
• Laborers’ International Union of North America
• International Assoc of Bridge, Structural & Ornamental Iron Workers
• Boilermakers – 627 ( No Hawaii office)
• Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons
• International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees (IATSE)
• Plumbers & Fitters
• Musicians Association of Hawaii
• Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters
• Hawaii Carpenters Union Local 745
• Hawaii Carpenters Union Local 746
• Hawaii Teamsters
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
• International Union of Painters & Allied Trades
• Glaziers Union
• Carpet Linoleum & Soft Tile
• Drywall, Tapers, Finishers & Allied Workers
• International Assoc of Machinist and Aerospace Workers Hawaii Federal and Amalgamated
• American Radio Association – (No Hawaii office)
• Marine Engineers Benefit Association
• Seafarers International Union
• International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots