Title: Unemployment work search log: weekly rules made easy > Keep an unemployment work search log that meets your state’s weekly rule: how many contacts, what counts, how to certify. Free app to handle the admin for you. Source: https://pontia.xyz/us/unemployment-work-search-log/ Checked: 25 September 2026 🇺🇸 Unemployment insurance # Your unemployment work search log, done in minutes Most states ask for a set number of work search contacts each week. We handle the admin around it, so your time goes on applications and you never miss a week. [Set up my work search free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start/)[How the weekly work search works](#rules) Always free - No card needed - No trial that runs out - No hidden charges - **1–5**work search contacts a week in most states - **Weekly**certification, or every 2 weeks in some states - **51**sets of rules: each state and DC sets its own ## How the weekly work search works - ### Rules vary by state Each state runs its own program. Most ask for 1 to 5 work search contacts or activities a week. A few set no number and ask for a reasonable search. - ### Report when you certify You certify every week or 2 weeks to request payment. You confirm you looked for work and report any earnings. - ### Keep a work search log Record each contact: date, employer, how you applied, the job, and the result. Many states can ask for it, and some ask you to keep it for about a year. - ### Register with your job bank Many states require you to register and post a resume on the state job bank. A missing or false work search can mean no payment for that week. [CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor): Find unemployment benefits](https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/find-unemployment-benefits.aspx)Checked Sep 25, 2026 ## What the app does for you - ### Search in one tap Opens CareerOneStop or your state’s job bank, with your search filled in where the site allows it. - ### Your weekly target Set the number your state requires. A progress bar shows where you are this week. - ### Your work search log Log each application, employer contact, interview, staffing agency contact or business step: date, employer, job, link. Copy the whole log in one tap for your certification. - ### Time in your week A weekly planner puts your job search hours, and any business hours, into your phone calendar with reminders. We never apply, log in or send anything for you. You stay in control of your claim. ## Set it up in 3 steps 1. ### Pick your state We show your state’s weekly rule. Set your target to match. 2. ### Plan your week Pick your job search times. They go into your calendar with reminders. 3. ### Search, log, certify Search in one tap, log each contact, then copy your log when you certify. [Set up my work search free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start/) ## Thinking of starting something? In most states, starting a business ends your unemployment eligibility. A few states, including New York, Oregon and Mississippi, run Self-Employment Assistance, which waives the work search while you build, once you are approved. [See the business route](https://pontia.xyz/us/) ## Work search log: common questions How many job contacts do I need for unemployment? It depends on your state. Most ask for 1 to 5 a week; for example, New York asks for 3 work search activities. Your state agency tells you your number. What counts as a work search activity? Usually job applications, contacting employers, interviews, job fairs and workshops at an American Job Center. Check your state’s list, because some activities only count in some states. What should my work search log include? For each contact: the date, employer name and contact details, the job, how you applied, and the result. Keep it even if your state does not ask you to send it in. How long should I keep my log? It varies. Some states ask you to keep records for about a year, for example New York for 1 year and Illinois for 53 weeks. What happens if I skip the work search one week? That week can be denied, and false answers on a certification can lead to repaying benefits plus penalties. Report honestly, every time. Where can I search for jobs? Use your state’s job bank or CareerOneStop, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Many states require you to register on the state job bank. Cite this page "Unemployment work search log: weekly rules made easy", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/us/unemployment-work-search-log/ (updated September 25, 2026) ## Related guides and tools - [Start your business without risking your benefits](https://pontia.xyz/us/) - [Start a business on unemployment: your state](https://pontia.xyz/us/self-employment-assistance-calculator/) - [Between school and work? Build something that’s yours.](https://pontia.xyz/us/young-people/) - [US Unemployment Work Search Index 2026](https://pontia.xyz/us/datasets/us-work-search-index/) - [US federal support for starting a business in figures, 2026](https://pontia.xyz/us/datasets/us-startup-support/) - [Unemployment insurance while you look for work vs Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), New York](https://pontia.xyz/us/compare/ui-searching-vs-sea-ny/) - [Unemployment insurance while you look for work vs Self-Employment Assistance, Oregon](https://pontia.xyz/us/compare/ui-searching-vs-sea-or/) - [Unemployment insurance while you look for work vs Self-Employment Assistance Program, Mississippi](https://pontia.xyz/us/compare/ui-searching-vs-sea-ms/) - [Unemployment insurance while you look for work vs Pathway to Work (self-employment), New Hampshire](https://pontia.xyz/us/compare/ui-searching-vs-sea-nh/) ## Your unemployment work search log, done in minutes [Set up my work search free](https://pontia.xyz/us/start/) Always free - No card needed - No trial that runs out - No hidden charges --- Pontia is free and independent. It is not a government service and not financial, tax, legal or benefits advice; always check the official source linked on the page. Some tool links are affiliate links: we may earn a fee at no cost to you, and free options come first. Contact: hello@pontia.xyz Cite as: "Unemployment work search log: weekly rules made easy", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/us/unemployment-work-search-log/ (updated 25 September 2026) Whole site in one file: https://pontia.xyz/llms-full.txt