Short answer. From the third week of claims: apply for 2 jobs and complete 1 work search activity each week (pa.gov eligibility page). The department's active search instructions say at least 2 applications in weeks 3 to 8 and at least 3 from week 9, plus 1 activity unless you apply for more than the required number. Keep a weekly record and provide it to the department when asked, in the way it specifies. Don't send your work search record unless it is requested; you may upload it for safekeeping in your benefits dashboard (Unemployment Services, Provide Additional Documentation, Upload a Document).
3 to 4 a week
Pennsylvania minimum, per PA Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation (checked November 2026)
Pennsylvania work search rules at a glance
- Agency
- PA Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation
- Each week
- From the third week of claims: apply for 2 jobs and complete 1 work search activity each week (pa.gov eligibility page). The department's active search instructions say at least 2 applications in weeks 3 to 8 and at least 3 from week 9, plus 1 activity unless you apply for more than the required number.
- How to report
- Keep a weekly record and provide it to the department when asked, in the way it specifies. Don't send your work search record unless it is requested; you may upload it for safekeeping in your benefits dashboard (Unemployment Services, Provide Additional Documentation, Upload a Document).
- Official log
- Work Search Record (UC-304, REV 08-18), optional
- Keeping records
- Keep your record for two years from your application for benefits (AB) date.
- Job bank
- PA CareerLink (required). Register for employment search services with PA CareerLink within 30 days after you file.
What counts in Pennsylvania
- Job applications for positions with similar work and wages within your commuting area
- Attending a job fair
- Searching postings on PA CareerLink or internet job banks
- Creating or posting a résumé on PA CareerLink or another résumé service
- Contacting colleagues or others in your field about job leads
- Using an employment agency, registry or school placement service
- Taking a civil service or other pre-employment test
- Taking part in a PA CareerLink program or activity
When Pennsylvania may not require a search
- Hours reduced or laid off for economic reasons with written notice of a specific return date
- Union hiring hall members meeting the hall's referral requirements that week
- Department-approved training or Trade Act training
- Required participation in the Pennsylvania PREP program
- Work sharing under Article XIII
The agency decides whether any of these applies to you; don't assume one does until it tells you.
What to write down for each Pennsylvania contact
PA Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation lists these details. The log below uses them as its columns:
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- Date
- Activity
- Employer or organization
- Address, website or email
- Phone
- Person contacted
- How you made contact
- Result
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Official Pennsylvania links
- Pennsylvania: where to report
- Pennsylvania: list of activities
- Work Search Record (UC-304, REV 08-18), optional
- PA CareerLink
- PA L&I: Eligibility information (Benefit Guide)
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Pennsylvania pages above. It's an organizer, not legal or benefits advice: the state agency decides whether your search meets its rules, and your own notices from it come first. MCC Solutions isn't affiliated with any state agency. The log builder runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Pennsylvania work search questions
How many work search activities does Pennsylvania require each week?
From the third week of claims: apply for 2 jobs and complete 1 work search activity each week (pa.gov eligibility page). The department's active search instructions say at least 2 applications in weeks 3 to 8 and at least 3 from week 9, plus 1 activity unless you apply for more than the required number.
What counts as a work search activity in Pennsylvania?
PA Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation lists: job applications for positions with similar work and wages within your commuting area; attending a job fair; searching postings on PA CareerLink or internet job banks; creating or posting a résumé on PA CareerLink or another résumé service; contacting colleagues or others in your field about job leads; using an employment agency, registry or school placement service; taking a civil service or other pre-employment test; taking part in a PA CareerLink program or activity.
How do I report my work search in Pennsylvania?
Keep a weekly record and provide it to the department when asked, in the way it specifies. Don't send your work search record unless it is requested; you may upload it for safekeeping in your benefits dashboard (Unemployment Services, Provide Additional Documentation, Upload a Document).
How long should I keep my Pennsylvania work search records?
Keep your record for two years from your application for benefits (AB) date.
Do I have to register with PA CareerLink?
Yes, per PA Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation. Register for employment search services with PA CareerLink within 30 days after you file.
Who doesn't have to search for work in Pennsylvania?
The official page lists: hours reduced or laid off for economic reasons with written notice of a specific return date; union hiring hall members meeting the hall's referral requirements that week; department-approved training or Trade Act training; required participation in the Pennsylvania PREP program; work sharing under Article XIII. The agency decides whether one applies to you.
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