Suitable Work Requirements

A job offer is considered suitable according to the following criteria:

• During the first 13 weeks of unemployment, an offer of 100% of the wages of the most recent work
• During the 14th through the 25th week of unemployment, an offer of 75% of the wages of the most recent work
• During the 26th through the 38th week of unemployment, an offer of 70% of the wages of the most recent work
• After the 38th week of unemployment, 65% of the wages of the most recent work

Other considerations of suitable work include previous wage and skill levels. Suitable work also entails having hours and days that are standard to the industry, and commuting distance must be reasonably the same as previous work experience.

A claimant will not be required to accept employment below the federal minimum wage or employment in which the wages, hours, or other conditions of the work offered are substantially less favorable to the individual than those prevailing for similar work in the area. An offer of employment is not bona fide if only a possibility of employment exists.