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Reemployment Assistance Benefits
Refusal of Work or Refusal to Return to Work
Individuals may be denied reemployment assistance benefits if they:
- have not made good faith efforts on applications (e.g. provide as little information as possible, invalid contact information, etc.).
- fill out an application, but do not answer or return calls/texts/emails from an employer to set up an interview.
- refuse to interview or do not show up for an interview.
- refuse a suitable job offer without good cause.
- accept the job, but do not show up for work.
This list is not exhaustive.
Reporting Refusals
Employers can report individuals who refuse to interview or to accept a suitable job offer, do not show up for work, etc., to the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Division using the Employer Reporting No Shows or Refusal of Work/Interviews form and email to RAFraud@state.sd.us. If the individual has been receiving reemployment assistance benefits, an investigation may result in the loss of those benefits.
If you suspect an applicant has not made a good faith effort in their interactions with your business, please report to the RA Division. In order to adequately investigate your allegation, please include as much information as you can.
Refusal to Return to Work after Layoff/Furlough
Workers who have been placed on a temporary layoff but refuse to return to work when recalled by their employer will lose reemployment assistance benefits. Not returning to work when there is available work could be considered a “refusal of work” or “voluntary quit” and potentially disqualify claimants from receiving reemployment assistance.
Businesses
Businesses should use the Employer Reporting Refusal of Suitable Work form to report employees who refuse to return to work without good reason or who quit their jobs. (Open this form in an Adobe reader program to complete. Changes made in your internet browser will not save.) As soon as possible, email the form to RAFraud@state.sd.us or mail to:
DLR RA Division
Attn: Benefits
P.O. Box 4730
Aberdeen, SD 57402-4730
Fraudulent activity will lead to an inability to receive future reemployment assistance benefits until all fraudulent claims and fines have been repaid. Individuals are responsible for paying back benefits deemed as overpayments due to ineligibility.
View our Employee Notice: Reemployment Assistance Benefits Eligibility: Quitting without Good Cause/Refusal to Work
Workers
- Workers in any of these scenarios are strongly encouraged to work with their employer to determine the best way to handle the situation to return to work.
- Claimants should not cancel their claims. Instead, leave the claim open and do not file a weekly request for payment, in case you are laid off again.
- A worker who is recalled on a part-time basis may continue to be eligible for partial benefits depending on the amount of wages earned. Continue filing weekly claims and report the gross wages earned each week.
DLR offers a vast variety of training and education programs that can help workers. Tuition assistance is available for eligible individuals to secure a high-demand, high-wage career upon completion. Registered Apprenticeships also provide flexible on-the-job training paired with classroom instruction in many industries.
View or report other possible RA benefit-related fraudulent activities.