Georgia residents receiving unemployment benefits could face additional weekly job-search requirements under a proposed federal rule announced by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The proposal, released November 9, would establish a nationwide minimum of five qualifying work-search activities each week for individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits.

Currently, the Georgia Department of Labor generally requires unemployment recipients to complete at least three new, verifiable work-search activities each week, conducted on three or more days, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Under the proposed federal rule, states would be required to establish a minimum of five qualifying activities or an approved alternative points-based system demonstrating an equivalent level of job-search effort.

The proposal would also require unemployment recipients to report their completed work-search activities before receiving payment for the week being claimed.

Qualifying activities could include applying for jobs, participating in employment placement services and maintaining appropriate contact with employment agencies or unions.

The Labor Department says the proposal is intended to establish more consistent standards among states, encourage active job searches and strengthen accountability within the unemployment insurance system.

The proposed rule would allow certain exceptions when conventional job-search activities would not be appropriate or when other qualifying circumstances apply.

For Georgia workers, the change could mean completing additional job-search activities beyond the state’s current minimum requirements.

However, the proposal has not been adopted, and Georgia’s existing unemployment work-search requirements remain in effect.

The federal government is accepting public comments on the proposed regulation through January 11, 2027.

Residents receiving unemployment benefits should continue following the Georgia Department of Labor’s current requirements, including maintaining records of their work-search activities and submitting the required information when requesting weekly benefits.

Additional information about Georgia’s unemployment insurance program is available at dol.georgia.gov.