The document discusses the principles of being able and available (A&A) for unemployment benefits. It defines being able as physically and mentally capable of work, and available as ready and willing to accept suitable work. It examines what readiness and willingness entail, including having necessary tools/licenses/transportation and complying with work offers. The document provides factors to consider in determining A&A issues, such as claimants' circumstances and labor market comparisons. It discusses restrictions on availability and claimants' responsibility to remove barriers. Finally, it outlines common A&A issues around ability and availability.

1. Able and Available

2. Principles of Able and Available
 A claimant must be able to work and be
available for work (commonly referred to as
“able and available” or “A and A”
requirements) to be eligible for benefits.
 Able to work means that the individual is
physically and mentally able to perform work.
 Available for work means that the individual
is ready and willing to accept suitable work.

3. Ready to Work
 Readiness is:
 Being able to accept and start work almost
immediately
 Having:
 Required tools
 Licenses
 Special clothing
 Equipment
 Transportation

4. Willing to Work
 Willingness to Work is
 The claimant’s eagerness to become
reemployed, measured directly by the
claimant’s efforts to seek work
 Compliance to accept suitable work which
the claimant has no good cause to refuse

5. Determining AA Issues
 The agency must determine whether or
not the claimant had good cause for the
claimant’s inability to work, be
available for work
AND
 The agency must also demonstrate that
the claimant’s potential labor market
was not substantially affected

6. Able and Available
Basic Questions and Factors to
Consider
 WHAT ARE THE CLAIMANT'S
CIRCUMSTANCES?
 IS THE CLAIMANT WILLING TO
WORK?
 HOW DO THE CLAIMANT'S
REEMPLOYMENT EXPECTATIONS
COMPARE TO THE PICTURE OF
THE LABOR MARKET?

7. Restriction
Is the claimant's availability restricted in any way?
Claimants should arrange their personal
circumstances so that they can immediately
accept suitable work. For example, failure to
have adequate transportation or child-care
arrangements unduly restricts availability for
work.

8. Restriction cont.
Self-imposed restrictions
such as an unreasonable
minimum acceptable rate
of pay, unwillingness to
work all hours customary
for an occupation, or
unwillingness to commute
within the customary
geographical labor market
area may substantially
reduce employment
opportunities.

9. Removing the Barrier
 Claimants who have controllable restrictions
which adversely affect availability for work
according to state law and policy should be
given the opportunity to alter their demands.
 Documentation must show that the
adjudicator explained the requirements of the
law and if necessary, supplied labor market
information to the claimant.
 The claimant's willingness to adjust shows an
interest in returning to work.

10. Claimant’s Availability in the
Local Labor Market
 That potential demand for the claimant’s
services in the locality where he or she offers
them.
 A labor market may expand or contract with
such factors as the season, weather, economic
conditions and consumer demands.

11. Labor Market pg 2
 Labor Market must be described in terms of:
 Locality
 Occupational Skills
 Training
 Physical Capability
 Knowledge of Potential Jobs

12. Burden of Proof
 The claimant has to show good cause for the
restriction
 The agency has the burden to show that the
claimant is not available to a substantial field
of employment

13. Able and Available
ISSUES
ABLE AVAILABLE
No experience
No transportation to work.
Claimant has been ill Work is hazardous.
or injured Pays too little.
Not enough hours.
Chronic health Must join a union.
conditions Must have a CDL license.
Shift work.
Disabled No paid vacations.
Claimant is in School.
Claimant forgot to go to the
interview.