Oklahoma Unemployment Job Search Requirements
Updated : June 25th, 2019
Before proceeding, please note that you are required to register for employment services within seven days of filing your unemployment claim.
The Oklahoma Employment Security Act says that an unemployed individual is eligible to receive benefits for the week where that individual is able, available and actively seeking suitable employment at a pay rate generally available in their area of the state in keeping with his/her work experience, education or training.
Specific work search instructions will be handed out when you file your unemployment claim. You are required to keep a record of the contacts on a form. You must be involved in a minimum of two activities per week (including work search contacts) in attempting to secure employment.
Work Search Requirements
- Work search contacts must be made within the week for which benefits are being claimed.
- You must contact a minimum of two different employers each week to meet the minimum work search requirement.
- In-person and telephone contacts should be made with an individual in the company who has hiring authority.
- Contacts should be for work you are willing and qualified to do, pay that you are willing to accept, and in the area that you are willing to work.
- Contacts cannot be repeated with the same employer until four weeks have passed. The same contact should not be listed on consecutive weeks except for agencies that offer multiple placement services. All work search contacts are subject to verification.
- Failure to make the required number of work searches each week could result in a denial in benefits and possible overpayment.
- Your claim may be selected for an audit, and it is your responsibility to retain your booklet with the information for two years.
- Union members that have a hiring hall must contact the hiring hall each week. If you do not have a hiring hall, you must make the required number of work searches each week.
If you file an Unemployment Insurance claim and do not live in Oklahoma, you will be required to register for employment with the state in which you reside. If you are a member of a trade or labor union or if you are on a temporary layoff with a definite return to work date within eight weeks of your last day of work, you may also be exempt from registering for employment with that state. You will be required to submit a copy of your union card or return to work letter from your employer when submitting your identification.
Next Step: Weekly Claims to receive payment each week
Where can I find the booklet to record my 2 job searches for the week?
Chitra,
Please log in to your account online to access the required paperwork.
I have an unresolved issue and will be informed when a decision is made? How long might this take? Is there anything I can do to help resolve it more quickly?
Leslie,
You can chase your contact/Unemployment Office at regular intervals for an update on your claim by calling them.
Can you file the work search form online?
I am guessing you should be. Please visit the official website, log-in to your account to find out the available options.
Which employment services do I have to register with? It it a specific one or not?
Rob,
I am not completely sure. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.
File weekly claims
Calvin,
Please let us know how we can help you.
Where to I get claim forms to request Direct Deposit and to file weekly claims online?
Please use the link below to fill forms and apply online.
https://unemployment.state.ok.us/
I have tried calling today (Sunday) on the 800# to report that I applied for 2 jobs this week, but I am getting no options on where to report this at the 800#. I’ve tried several times today.
Please use the link below to access the page for additional phone numbers and further information on Claims Process.
https://unemployment.state.ok.us/
Report it in your booklet
do you still have to do the job searches if you have not received your first unemployment check?
You will be required to carry out the required quantum of job searches every week and report them.
Call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided for specific details.
Does applying for jobs online count as job searches or work search contacts?
They should. Please call the Claims center on the phone numbers provided to confirm.
Do online applications count as work searches or work contacts
When weekly filing a weekly claim, am I required to make 2 Work Searches or 2 Work Search Contacts? I see both, but they don’t seem to be interchangeable.
Please call the Unemployment Office on the phone numbers provided for precise information in this regard.
don’t know where to go to put in my work search form and the steps it takes to do it please help
Please call the claims center on the phone numbers provided for assistance.
If you’re filing online, please look for options to do so.