Pennsylvania Unemployment Work Search Waiver

Pennsylvania's Standard Work Search Rule

Once you're collecting UC benefits in Pennsylvania, you must actively look for work starting in the third week in your benefit year for which you file a UC claim. The standard requirement — sometimes called the 2+1 rule — means each applicable week you need:

• Two job applications to suitable employers
• One additional reemployment activity, such as attending a PA CareerLink workshop, going to a job fair, creating or uploading a résumé to PA CareerLink or a job-posting board, or taking a civil service exam

You also need to register with PA CareerLink within 30 days of filing your initial claim. All activities go on a work search log (Form UC-304 format), and L&I can audit those logs for up to two years from the effective date of your claim.

If you're working part-time and receiving a reduced benefit payment for the week, the requirement drops to one job application per week with no additional activity needed.

When the Work Search Requirement Is Waived

Pennsylvania law under 43 P.S. § 401(b) allows work search to be waived in specific circumstances. You don't need to apply — the exemption kicks in automatically when the qualifying condition exists.

Written recall date. If your employer laid you off for lack of work and gave you a written recall date, you're exempt from work search as long as that recall date remains valid. The key word is "written" — a verbal promise that you'll be called back doesn't count. If the recall date passes and you haven't been called back, the work search requirement resumes immediately.

Union hiring hall. If you receive work through a union hiring hall and are in good standing when filing for UC benefits, you are exempt from work search requirements for the qualifying week.

Form UC-318: Requesting a Waiver

Form UC-318 is a separate request for claimants who believe the standard work search requirements are oppressive or inconsistent with their circumstances. This isn't the same as the automatic exemptions above — it's a formal request to L&I asking for relief from the requirement.

To file a UC-318 waiver request:

1. Download the form from the UC portal or request it by calling the UC Service Center at 1-888-313-7284
2. Explain the circumstances that make standard work search requirements oppressive or inconsistent with UC Law. Do not request a waiver for reasons that make you unable to work or unavailable for suitable work, because that can affect benefit eligibility.
3. Submit the form through the UC portal's document upload or by mail to the address on the form
4. Continue your regular work search activities until you receive a written determination approving the waiver

L&I reviews waiver requests on a case-by-case basis. An approved waiver specifies the duration and any conditions. A denied request can be appealed within 21 days.

What Doesn't Qualify for a Waiver

A few common situations that won't get your work search waived:

• Waiting for a specific job to start — unless you have a written recall from a previous employer, waiting for a new hire date doesn't exempt you
• Only wanting to work in your previous field — you can limit your search to similar work and wages within a 45-minute commute if telework is not available, but you can't refuse to search altogether
• Being selected for RESEA — if you are required to participate in RESEA at a PA CareerLink, you are exempt from work search requirements for that week; regular requirements apply in other weeks

Keep Your Log Either Way

Whether you have a waiver or not, maintaining a written work search log protects you. If a waiver is later revoked or an audit questions your exempt weeks, having documentation of your situation and any search activities you did perform is your best defense against overpayment.

The Pennsylvania Unemployment Claim Guide includes a printable work search log template and covers the full certification process, including how work search requirements apply week to week.

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