Previously, claimants seeking extended benefits didn't have to go through an orientation.

They also are required to submit details of their work search contacts more often, and those contacts will be verified with employers, the Idaho Department of Labor said Tuesday.

Those seeking an extension in the past maintained records of their job contacts and called in once a week, answering 'yes' and 'no' to questions about looking for work and earning income. Claimants were picked at random to verify their efforts.

The new requirements are part of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 passed by Congress a month ago.

About 300 people receiving unemployment payments move to federally financed extended benefits from state benefits each week. The extended benefits normally kick in after the state-sponsored 26 weeks of benefits are done. Congress has cut the maximum length of the extended benefits to 44 weeks from 73 weeks.

The Idaho Department of Labor said it also has put in place more aggressive procedures for pursuing people who go back to work but don't report their new job and continue to receive benefits.

Employers are required by law to report new hires within 20 days, but an estimated 70 percent of 50,000 businesses in the state do not, according to the department.

Unemployment insurance fraud is a felony that can carry a jail sentence, repayment, penalties and interest.