{
 "id": "us-work-search-index",
 "cc": "us",
 "lang": "en",
 "kind": "index",
 "title": "US Unemployment Work Search Index 2026",
 "h1": "How many job contacts a week does unemployment require? Every state, 2026",
 "question": "How many work search contacts a week does each state require to keep unemployment benefits?",
 "unit": "contacts/week",
 "unitLabel": "work search contacts a week",
 "axisName": "Census region",
 "computedAt": "2026-09-26",
 "stats": {
  "n": 31,
  "median": 3,
  "min": 1,
  "max": 5,
  "p25": 2,
  "p75": 3,
  "mean": 2.9
 },
 "byAxis": {
  "South": {
   "n": 10,
   "median": 3
  },
  "West": {
   "n": 8,
   "median": 3.5
  },
  "Northeast": {
   "n": 7,
   "median": 3
  },
  "Midwest": {
   "n": 6,
   "median": 3
  }
 },
 "coverage": {
  "named": 51,
  "read": 44,
  "published": 31,
  "notPublished": 13,
  "unreadable": 7
 },
 "headline": "The median US state requires 3 work search contacts a week to keep unemployment benefits, across 31 states that set a weekly number (range 1 to 5), read from each state’s own rules on September 26, 2026.",
 "rows": [
  {
   "label": "Alabama",
   "url": "https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/api/rule/480-4-3-.08",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "Claimant must provide proof of work search efforts with at least three (3) prospective employers for each week of unemployment claimed.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "e286945cb5df7e3b"
  },
  {
   "label": "Alaska",
   "url": "https://labor.alaska.gov/unemployment/work_search.htm",
   "group": "West",
   "display": "2 a week",
   "value": 2,
   "sentence": "How many work search activities to report for each week claimed TWO (2) work search activities must be reported when:",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "745fa8f244460010"
  },
  {
   "label": "Arizona",
   "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/23/00771.htm",
   "group": "West",
   "display": "4 a week",
   "value": 4,
   "sentence": "(b) The individual has made at least one job contact per day on four different days of the week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "7bf5e9d6b0ee408e"
  },
  {
   "label": "Arkansas",
   "url": "https://dws.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/UI-Handbook-2026-Final.pdf",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "5 a week",
   "value": 5,
   "sentence": "WORK SEARCH You are required to participate in at least (5) qualifying work search activities per week to receive UI benefits.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "56f1fb2f0f9b36e9"
  },
  {
   "label": "Connecticut",
   "url": "https://portal.ct.gov/dol/unemployment-benefits/work-search",
   "group": "Northeast",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "Understanding & Completing the Weekly Work Search Requirement You must complete at least three (3) work search activities every week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "46c341d6f316b98a"
  },
  {
   "label": "Delaware",
   "url": "https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/unemployment-insurance/unemployment-benefits-faqs/works-search-frequently-asked-questions/",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "1 a week",
   "value": 1,
   "sentence": "Delaware requires one unique work search activity per week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "185cbe6fe0492136"
  },
  {
   "label": "District of Columbia",
   "url": "https://unemployment.dc.gov/page/work-search-requirements-0",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "2 a week",
   "value": 2,
   "sentence": "Once the claimant resumes performing at least two valid work search contacts each week, eligibility can continue.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "a6676fbeef04888c"
  },
  {
   "label": "Georgia",
   "url": "https://dol.georgia.gov/learn-about-work-search-requirements",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "You are required to keep a detailed record of your work search activities and submit evidence by Internet or fax of three verifiable contacts as a part of your weekly certification.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "63d517721a431e5a"
  },
  {
   "label": "Hawaii",
   "url": "https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/files/2026/01/DLIR-UI-Claimant-Handbook-Rev1.26-with-BABEL.pdf",
   "group": "West",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "Make at least 3 work search contacts per week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "478af0d7300dfbfe"
  },
  {
   "label": "Idaho",
   "url": "https://www.labor.idaho.gov/Unemployment-Benefits/Work-Search-Requirements/",
   "group": "West",
   "display": "5 a week",
   "value": 5,
   "sentence": "You must complete five (5) work search actions each week even if you are working part-time.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "23306e6c4c2e6a0d"
  },
  {
   "label": "Indiana",
   "url": "https://www.in.gov/dwd/indiana-unemployment/individuals/work-search",
   "group": "Midwest",
   "display": "2 a week",
   "value": 2,
   "sentence": "Complete two Work Search Activities each week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "7c2de4f47ff66b94"
  },
  {
   "label": "Iowa",
   "url": "https://workforce.iowa.gov/unemployment/reemployment",
   "group": "Midwest",
   "display": "4 a week",
   "value": 4,
   "sentence": "Complete at least four work search activities each week and certify them on iowaworks.gov.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "a2445c1b81182ffe"
  },
  {
   "label": "Maine",
   "url": "https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/faq/worksearch/",
   "group": "Northeast",
   "display": "1 a week",
   "value": 1,
   "sentence": "All claimants must conduct at least one work search related activity each week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "88b6889ffb3d6e38"
  },
  {
   "label": "Maryland",
   "url": "https://labor.maryland.gov/unemployment-insurance/claimants/job-search.shtml",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "Required Job Search Activities When collecting unemployment insurance benefits, you’re required to complete at least 3 job search activities each week, and 1 of them must involve a direct job contact.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "d5490b28ea5eaaef"
  },
  {
   "label": "Massachusetts",
   "url": "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/faqs-about-unemployment-insurance-for-workers",
   "group": "Northeast",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "If you don’t complete 3 work search activities, you won’t be eligible for benefits that week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "cad871aa2066505a"
  },
  {
   "label": "Michigan",
   "url": "https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/uia/uia-resources-for-claimants/finding-employment-work-search/work-search-requirement",
   "group": "Midwest",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "You must conduct at least three unique work search activities each week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "70d98db160414985"
  },
  {
   "label": "Mississippi",
   "url": "https://mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/benefit-information/worksearch-requirements/",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "You MUST contact three (3) employers each week to apply for full time work (35 hours or more).",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "d65db48da0f7d692"
  },
  {
   "label": "Missouri",
   "url": "https://labor.mo.gov/faqs/knowledge-base/do-i-need-search-work",
   "group": "Midwest",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "To be eligible for unemployment benefits you are required to complete at least 3 work search activities each week, unless directed otherwise by the Division.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "8d49e4238ab68956"
  },
  {
   "label": "New Jersey",
   "url": "https://www.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/assets/pdfs/PR-94.pdf",
   "group": "Northeast",
   "display": "1 a week",
   "value": 1,
   "sentence": "You must contact at least one different employer each week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "64a0ceb1d2beae9b"
  },
  {
   "label": "New York",
   "url": "https://dol.ny.gov/services/ui/wsr",
   "group": "Northeast",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "You must complete and record at least THREE work search activities each week to be eligible for benefits.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "828577118cabb066"
  },
  {
   "label": "North Carolina",
   "url": "https://www.des.nc.gov/worksearch",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "A reemployment activity can count toward one of your three weekly employer contacts.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "3aad08ca0ebb321e"
  },
  {
   "label": "Oklahoma",
   "url": "https://oklahoma.gov/oesc/individuals/unemployment.html",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "2 a week",
   "value": 2,
   "sentence": "Receiving Unemployment Benefits Search for Work For each week of unemployment, conduct and keep a record of at least two work search efforts.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "b3b48b40fbdb1c25"
  },
  {
   "label": "Oregon",
   "url": "https://unemployment.oregon.gov/weekly-claims",
   "group": "West",
   "display": "5 a week",
   "value": 5,
   "sentence": "Looking for work Actively looking for work means completing at least five work-search activities per week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "79eab96e1a00820e"
  },
  {
   "label": "Rhode Island",
   "url": "https://dlt.ri.gov/individuals/unemployment-insurance/work-search-requirement",
   "group": "Northeast",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "You must complete 3 work search activities each week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "0b2593b802c4276a"
  },
  {
   "label": "South Carolina",
   "url": "https://dew.sc.gov/sites/dew/files/Documents/ClaimantHandbook_Asof9.3.2025.pdf",
   "group": "South",
   "display": "2 a week",
   "value": 2,
   "sentence": "In Week 1, complete two work searches while logged into your SCWOS account.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "c4bc593003a74da8"
  },
  {
   "label": "South Dakota",
   "url": "https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/individuals/work_search_requirements.aspx",
   "group": "Midwest",
   "display": "2 a week",
   "value": 2,
   "sentence": "You must perform at least two work search activities each week you are requesting benefits.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "7b2213162e256118"
  },
  {
   "label": "Utah",
   "url": "https://jobs.utah.gov/ui/jobseeker/claimguide.html",
   "group": "West",
   "display": "4 a week",
   "value": 4,
   "sentence": "You should make at least four new full-time job contacts each week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "36f03a5c53ef80ee"
  },
  {
   "label": "Vermont",
   "url": "https://labor.vermont.gov/sites/labor/files/documents/Unemployment%20Insurance%20Claimant%20Handbook.pdf",
   "group": "Northeast",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "Searching for Work Unless you have been excused by the Department from conducting an active work search, you are required to make and report at least three (3) job contacts for each week you file a weekly claim certification.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "09bada68c5310fb1"
  },
  {
   "label": "Washington",
   "url": "https://esd.wa.gov/get-financial-help/unemployment-benefits/weekly-unemployment-claims/job-search-requirements",
   "group": "West",
   "display": "3 a week",
   "value": 3,
   "sentence": "How to track your job search activities Each week you submit a claim you need to complete 3 job search activities.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "60f7c4655626208b"
  },
  {
   "label": "Wisconsin",
   "url": "https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/handbook/pdf/ucb10print.pdf",
   "group": "Midwest",
   "display": "4 a week",
   "value": 4,
   "sentence": "Perform at least four valid Work Search actions each week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "33758ccfd5a8c8ac"
  },
  {
   "label": "Wyoming",
   "url": "https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/unemployment-insurance/claimants/faq2/",
   "group": "West",
   "display": "2 a week",
   "value": 2,
   "sentence": "State rules require you to contact at least two employers each week.",
   "readAt": "2026-09-26",
   "sha": "091f0effd2aab315"
  }
 ],
 "notPublished": [
  {
   "label": "California",
   "url": "https://edd.ca.gov/en/unemployment/eligibility/",
   "reason": "sets no fixed weekly number"
  },
  {
   "label": "Colorado",
   "url": "https://cdle.colorado.gov/ui/claimants/claimant-guide/maintaining-eligibility",
   "reason": "sets no fixed weekly number"
  },
  {
   "label": "Florida",
   "url": "https://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-center/unemployment/bri/bri_english.pdf?sfvrsn=8e8e78b0_15",
   "reason": "could not be read (DOCUMENT)"
  },
  {
   "label": "Illinois",
   "url": "https://ides.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/ides/ides_forms_and_publications/ui-law-handbook/rules-of-ides.pdf",
   "reason": "sets no fixed weekly number"
  },
  {
   "label": "Kansas",
   "url": "https://www.dol.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/1473/639192722724130000",
   "reason": "could not be read (DOCUMENT)"
  },
  {
   "label": "Kentucky",
   "url": "https://kcc.ky.gov/career/Documents/PAM400.pdf",
   "reason": "could not be read (BLOCKED)"
  },
  {
   "label": "Louisiana",
   "url": "https://www.laworks.net/faqs/faq_ui_claimantbenefits.asp",
   "reason": "could not be read (BLOCKED)"
  },
  {
   "label": "Minnesota",
   "url": "https://www.uimn.org/applicants/getpaid/stay-eligible/seeking.jsp",
   "reason": "sets no fixed weekly number"
  },
  {
   "label": "Montana",
   "url": "https://uid.dli.mt.gov/claimants/work-search-requirements",
   "reason": "read in full; the page does not state this figure"
  },
  {
   "label": "Nebraska",
   "url": "https://dol.nebraska.gov/UIBenefits/Claims/ReemploymentActivities",
   "reason": "read in full; the page does not state this figure"
  },
  {
   "label": "Nevada",
   "url": "https://detr.nv.gov/Content/Media/NUCS_4482_Work_Search_Record_English.pdf",
   "reason": "could not be read (DOCUMENT)"
  },
  {
   "label": "New Hampshire",
   "url": "https://mm.nh.gov/files/uploads/nhes/documents/nhes0188.pdf",
   "reason": "could not be read (DOCUMENT)"
  },
  {
   "label": "New Mexico",
   "url": "https://www.dws.nm.gov/Portals/0/DM/UI/WorkSearchForm.pdf",
   "reason": "could not be read (DOCUMENT)"
  },
  {
   "label": "North Dakota",
   "url": "https://www.jobsnd.com/sites/default/files/documents/jsnd-documents/UI/uiclaimantguidejsnd4003_0824%202026.pdf",
   "reason": "sets no fixed weekly number"
  },
  {
   "label": "Ohio",
   "url": "https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/jfs.ohio.gov/EBS/Programs%20Rules%20and%20Resources/OUIO/Active_Work_Search_And_Reemployment_Activities.pdf",
   "reason": "read in full; the page does not state this figure"
  },
  {
   "label": "Pennsylvania",
   "url": "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/resources/for-claimants-workers/benefits-information/using-the-uc-system/claimant-faqs/work-search",
   "reason": "read in full; the page does not state this figure"
  },
  {
   "label": "Tennessee",
   "url": "https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment/apply-for-benefits-redirect-2/do-i-qualify.html",
   "reason": "read in full; the page does not state this figure"
  },
  {
   "label": "Texas",
   "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/texas/40-Tex-Admin-Code-SS-815-28",
   "reason": "sets no fixed weekly number"
  },
  {
   "label": "Virginia",
   "url": "https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/benefits-information",
   "reason": "read in full; the page does not state this figure"
  },
  {
   "label": "West Virginia",
   "url": "https://workforcewv.org/unemployment-insurance-benefits/unemployment-resources/frequently-asked-questions/",
   "reason": "read in full; the page does not state this figure"
  }
 ],
 "methodology": "Every row is a sentence quoted verbatim from the named official page, read on the date shown and pinned to a hash of the page text we read. 31 of the 44 sources that could be read state the figure; 13 do not and are listed as not published, never filled in; 7 could not be read and count nowhere. The headline figures are over one figure per state: the minimum number of work search contacts (or activities) a claimant must make each week, as the state’s own rule or guidance states it. States that set no fixed weekly number are counted in coverage, not in the median.",
 "url": "https://pontia.xyz/us/datasets/us-work-search-index/",
 "citation": "\"US Unemployment Work Search Index 2026\", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/us/datasets/us-work-search-index/ (read 2026-09-26)",
 "license": "https://pontia.xyz/terms/"
}