OAR 471-030-0044: Systematic and Sustained Search for Work

(1) For purposes of ORS 657.325(10), the term “systematic and sustained effort to obtain work” means: (a) “Systematic effort” is a thorough search for work conducted in accordance with a written plan that is calculated to produce positive results and that has been approved by the Director or the authorized representative. (b) “Sustained effort” is ongoing work-seeking activity personally performed by the individual within each week for which the individual claims benefits and which is reasonably calculated to obtain work at the earliest possible time. Passive availability alone, including registration with a union or unions, a temporary/leasing agency or agencies or a state workforce agency or agencies, does not meet this standard. (c) To satisfy the requirements of (a) and (b), above, an individual must perform a more diligent and intense effort to obtain work than that required to satisfy eligibility requirements for regular benefits. (2) An authorized representative of the Employment Department must provide written notice, as outlined in 20 CFR Ch. V Part 615.8(h)(1)–(4), of the meaning the term “systematic and sustained effort to obtain work” to the individual as it applies to the individual’s work-seeking activities. The Department must provide this notice prior to any week for which the individual is denied eligibility as a result of the application of this term.