South Dakota Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman has waived the requirement to actively search for work for people filing for unemployment benefits.
The waiver period applies to weekly requests for payment filed for the week ending March 21 and remains effective until the Governor’s declared state of emergency due to COVID-19 ends.
Hultman says while many job search efforts are conducted online, waiving the requirement to search for work is in line with the social distancing practices needed to limit the potential spread of COVID-19. She says the change also accommodates workers who are temporarily on unpaid status or whose hours are reduced due to a shutdown or quarantine. Job seekers are encouraged to continue searching sdjobs.org, as employers are still actively seeking workers.
To file a weekly request for payment, visit raclaims.sd.gov or call 605-626-3212. The application will ask: “Did you make contacts for employment as instructed?” Claimants should select, “no” and write “not required” in the comment box.
The non-paid waiting week, typically the first week of compensable benefits, is still in effect. Many variables can affect a worker’s eligibility and an employer’s liability for benefits. Each case is examined on a case-by-case basis.
Hultman says the Department of Labor and Regulation we will continue to look at ways to streamline the process of filing for and receiving unemployment insurance benefits as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.
