The Missouri Department of Labor’s Division of Employment Security (DES) recently announced that the work search requirements for unemployment claimants would return beginning the week of July 5, 2020. The requirements were waived in April as a response to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many businesses to close. In fact, there were 285,789 unemployment claims in Missouri in April 2020. But as the economy reopens, DES is once again requiring that claimants complete work search activities at least three times per week in order to retain benefits. If you were recently unemployed, have you taken thoughtful and productive steps toward returning to work? With the Missouri unemployment requirements returning, it’s time to be proactive.
What You Need to Know Missouri Unemployment Requirements Returning
Now is the time to take action if you want to continue receiving unemployment benefits (including the $600 CARES Act federal supplement available through July 25, 2020). Claimants will need to perform and report at least three work search activities each week to remain eligible for benefits.
What qualifies as a work search activity?
Work search activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Filing an application with an employer (online or in person)
- Attending a job fair
- Attending a job interview
- Attending a reemployment service
- Attending a skills workshop
In addition, claimants with part-time employment may receive credit on a per-day basis.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes. Some claimants are exempt from the work search requirement:
- Individuals who have been laid off and have an employer-submitted recall date do not need to submit work search activities.
- Individuals who are receiving approved training do need to submit work search activities.
- Individuals on the Shared Work program do not need to submit work search activities.
- Union members may contact their hiring or referral hall three times a week or attend training three times a week in lieu of work search activities.
Will the waiting week requirement return?
Yes. For anyone unaware, the waiting week is the first week of a new unemployment claim for an eligible individual. During the waiting week, the individual is not paid benefits. You must file a weekly request for payment for this week, and you may receive compensation for the waiting week as the last payment on your regular unemployment insurance claim.
Although the one-week waiting period was briefly waived for workers filing for COVID-19 unemployment insurance, the DES will impose the waiting week requirement on anyone filing for unemployment in Missouri on or after July 5th.
How can you earn some extra income through clinical research during these stressful times?
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many Missouri businesses and caused a dramatic surge in unemployment claims. Did you recently lose your job? Or perhaps your employer reduced your hours or cut your pay? Spend some time thinking about your future and planning the next steps. Many Missourians will not have the same jobs as they did before the pandemic, and many will use the work search process as an opportunity to learn new skills or transfer their current skills to a new position. In these difficult economic times, you may need to explore other ways to make extra money.
One of your options is participating in clinical research. These scientific studies are designed to answer specific questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of different diseases and disorders. Because of this, some studies require participants with certain characteristics (such as sex/gender, age, specific conditions or diseases, overall good health, etc.), while others are less restrictive.
Before you sign up, be sure to review the risks involved and discuss the idea with your doctor. Read the informed consent document carefully to understand the details of the study: its purpose, its scope, how long it will last, what it will involve, the potential risks and benefits, and more. Keep in mind that an informed consent document is not a contract; you’re free to leave a clinical research study at any time.
Clinical research participation can be exceptionally meaningful. Not only will you earn compensation, but also you will help scientists advance their studies and you may help future patients get better treatments for their health conditions. Every clinical study produces information that adds to the general body of scientific knowledge, which strengthens the medical community and helps future researchers. Other benefits of participating in research studies include a free physical examination, access to expert medical care, and the possibility of using an effective and innovative new treatment free of charge.
Are you hoping to earn some extra income through clinical research? If you live near Springfield, Missouri, contact QPS Missouri. Since opening its doors in 1994, QPS Missouri has conducted over 1,000 FDA-regulated studies, paying out over $35 million to local participants. Your local participation could have a global impact, as QPS is an international leader in contract research with facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our mission is to accelerate the development of drugs worldwide by enabling breakthroughs in pharmaceutical innovation. If you would like to join us in this mission, consider applying for a clinical research study.
To get started, you simply need to fill out an online application. Within 48 business hours, a recruiting coordinator will contact you for your pre-screening assessment. To learn more, please visit the QPS Missouri website, review the study participation process, or check out our list of FAQ.