§40-2-418. Seek and accept work - Indefinite disqualification.

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SEEK AND ACCEPT WORK - INDEFINITE DISQUALIFICATION.

A. An individual shall be disqualified to receive benefits for the full period of unemployment next ensuing after the individual shall have failed to do any of the following:

1. Accept an offer of suitable work, as defined by Sections 2- 408 and 2-409 of this title, from an employer including any former employer;

2. Apply for or accept suitable work, as defined by Sections 2- 408 and 2-409 of this title, when so directed by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission; or

3. Accept employment pursuant to a hiring hall agreement when so offered. Such disqualification shall continue until the individual has become reemployed and has earned wages equal to or in excess of ten times his or her weekly benefit amount.

B. An employer who provides evidence of an offer of suitable work pursuant to paragraph 1 of subsection A of this section shall be proof of the failure of the individual to meet this requirement, and shall result in the immediate cessation of benefits until a determination can be made by the Commission. The Commission shall conduct a timely investigation of any such claim and verify the offer of suitable work.

C. Any individual who shall have failed in any of the requirements of this section due to illness, death of a family member, or other extenuating circumstance beyond his or her control shall be disqualified for regular benefits under this section only for the week of the occurrence of such circumstance beyond his or her control.

D. The Commission shall maintain or work with another public entity to maintain access to a skills test and an online jobs system that allows employers in this state to post job openings, to include job description, necessary qualifications, expected hours of work, and estimated compensation package for each job. The Commission may require each claimant for benefits to take a skills test and create an account and resume in the online jobs system. An individual shall be disqualified to receive benefits for the full period of unemployment for failing to meet any skills requirements set forth by the Commission.

E. An individual shall be disqualified to receive benefits for the full period of unemployment next ensuing after the individual shall have failed to do any of the following:

1. Diligently search for suitable employment at a pay rate generally available in that area of the state in keeping with his or her prior experience, education and training;

2. Make the minimum number of applications for work as required by the Commission with employers who could reasonably be expected to have work available; or

3. Present oneself as an applicant for employment in a manner designed to encourage favorable employment consideration. Added by Laws 1994, c. 166, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1994. Amended by Laws 2011, c. 256, § 3; Laws 2013, c. 148, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2013; Laws 2018, c. 14, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2018; Laws 2024, c. 309, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2024.