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How many job searches do you need for unemployment in Louisiana?

Different numbers for some people

• Claims filed before January 4, 2026: 3 a week. Louisiana Works says the five-activity rule only applies to new claims filed on or after January 4, 2026. Older claims stay at three a week.

What counts as a work search in Louisiana

• Applying for jobs online, in person, or through job boards or staffing agencies
• Going to a job interview (in person, by phone, or by video)
• Registering with a job placement service or staffing agency
• Using reemployment services like workshops, training, or career counseling
• Going to job fairs, networking events, or job clubs
• Updating your resume, cover letter, or job profiles (real changes only)
• Taking a civil service or industry certification test
• Looking for freelance, gig, or contract work
• Any other activity Louisiana Works approves that supports your job search

What doesn’t count

• Resume or profile updates with no real changes

More on this in what counts as a work search contact.

How to report your job contacts

When you file your weekly claim in HiRE or by phone, you must report your work search activities for that week. Also keep a detailed record of every activity, because Louisiana Works may ask you for proof later.

When: File each week for the week that just ended. File your first weekly claim the Sunday after you apply. If you miss Sunday or Monday, you can still file any day before Saturday at 11:59 p.m. Central.

Where: HiRE (Helping Individuals Reach Employment).

When the search starts: You report work search each week you claim, starting with your first weekly claim (filed the Sunday after you apply).

Keep a work search log

Keep a detailed record of your work search activities, because you may have to show proof later. Louisiana Works does not state how long to keep it. LWC doesn’t have its own log form that we could find. Write down the date, employer, how you contacted them, the job, who you talked to and what happened.

The free myjobcontacts app keeps the same details. Prefer paper? Use the free printable work search log.

Who doesn’t have to search

• You are on a temporary layoff with a definite date to go back to work
• You are a union member who gets work through your union
• You are in approved training
• Louisiana Works will tell you if one of these applies to you

Union members: The current Louisiana Works handbook says union members do not have to complete work search activities, and the agency will tell you if this applies. An older handbook (Rev. 01/2023) said union members had to report to their union hall at least once a week and get a signed statement from a union officer.

See work search exemptions for how these work in other states.

Reviews, audits and RESEA

Louisiana Works staff review work search records to check that people are following the rules, and you may be asked to show proof of your activities. Employers can also report people who skip interviews or turn down job offers using an online form.

RESEA: You may be told to visit an American Job Center for an eligibility review and reemployment services appointment. If you do not go, your benefits may be denied.

What to expect: unemployment work search audits.

If you miss your number

If you are not actively looking for work, you may not be paid for that week. If you fail without good cause to apply for suitable work, accept a suitable job offer, show up for a scheduled interview, or take part in approved training when told to, you can be disqualified until you go back to work and earn 10 times your weekly benefit amount. False statements can lead to repayment, a 50% penalty, and criminal charges.

Sign up with the job bank

You are registered for work in HiRE when you file your claim. HiRE.

Questions people in Louisiana ask

How many job searches are required for unemployment in Louisiana?

If you filed your claim on or after January 4, 2026, you must do at least 5 work search activities each week. If you first applied before January 4, 2026, the old rule of 3 activities a week still applies to that claim. Some people have a different number: Claims filed before January 4, 2026 (3).

What counts as a work search in Louisiana?

Applying for jobs online, in person, or through job boards or staffing agencies; Going to a job interview (in person, by phone, or by video); Registering with a job placement service or staffing agency; Using reemployment services like workshops, training, or career counseling, and 5 more on the list above. Check your notice for anything your state added for you.

Do I have to keep a work search log in Louisiana?

When you file your weekly claim in HiRE or by phone, you must report your work search activities for that week. Also keep a detailed record of every activity, because Louisiana Works may ask you for proof later. Keep a detailed record of your work search activities, because you may have to show proof later. Louisiana Works does not state how long to keep it.

What happens if I don’t do enough job searches in Louisiana?

If you are not actively looking for work, you may not be paid for that week. If you fail without good cause to apply for suitable work, accept a suitable job offer, show up for a scheduled interview, or take part in approved training when told to, you can be disqualified until you go back to work and earn 10 times your weekly benefit amount. False statements can lead to repayment, a 50% penalty, and criminal charges.

Who doesn’t have to look for work in Louisiana?

You are on a temporary layoff with a definite date to go back to work. You are a union member who gets work through your union. You are in approved training. Your notice will say if this applies to you.

Does Louisiana check or audit work search records?

Louisiana Works staff review work search records to check that people are following the rules, and you may be asked to show proof of your activities. Employers can also report people who skip interviews or turn down job offers using an online form.

Checked against LWC’s own pages and rules on November 6, 2026. We could not confirm how long to keep your records, the job bank sign-up rule, the same-employer rule on an official page, so check your notice for those.

Work search rules in every state

myjobcontacts is not a government website and this is not legal advice. Rules change, and your own claim notice or letter is what counts. If something here doesn’t match what your state told you, follow your state.