(a) To be eligible for benefits, an individual shall enroll with a public employment office in accordance with regulations adopted under this title.

(b) Subject to § 8-808(b) of this title, by regulation, the Secretary may alter or waive the requirements of subsection (a) of this section for:

(1) an individual attached to a regular job; or

(2) an individual for whom the Secretary finds that compliance with those requirements would be oppressive or inconsistent with the purposes of this title.