CalJOBS registration suddenly required for entertainment industry UI claim - is this new for 2025?

Yes, this IS new and started for all claims filed after January 15, 2025. EDD updated their work search requirements to be more stringent across all industries, even entertainment. I'm a production coordinator who just went through this last month. You DO need to register with CalJOBS, but you DON'T necessarily have to use it as your primary job search method. Think of it as checking a box for EDD compliance. After you register, you can still conduct your job search through industry channels and note those efforts when you certify. Make sure you complete the registration within 7 days of receiving that notice or they might flag your claim for eligibility interview, which can delay payments.

OMG I GOT THE SAME THING!!! Makeup artist here and I'm FURIOUS about this CalJOBS garbage. NONE of the postings on there are for film/tv work!!! How are we supposed to apply to jobs that don't exist in our field??? I tried calling EDD SEVENTEEN TIMES yesterday to ask about exemptions for entertainment workers and couldn't get through. The system is a JOKE. They clearly don't understand how our industry works AT ALL.

This is actually part of the new "Universal Work Search" policy that EDD implemented in January. I'm an employment counselor, and we've been seeing this affecting folks in several specialized fields. The intent behind it is actually to create better tracking of job search activities, but it's been causing confusion in industries with non-traditional hiring practices. Here's what you need to know: 1. You DO need to register with CalJOBS and create a profile 2. You DO NOT need to exclusively use CalJOBS to find work 3. When you certify, you can report industry-specific search activities (networking events, industry contact outreach, agent communications, etc.) 4. The system requires at least one work search activity per week The key is documenting your efforts, not necessarily using their system to find jobs. Keep records of emails to industry contacts, meetings, etc. as evidence of your search.

if u dont do it they will stop ur payments i learned that hard way lol. just register and then forget about it thats what i did. the whole thing took like 20 min and then i just do my normal stuff to find work and just write it down when i certify

Have you tried calling EDD to ask about industry-specific exemptions? I had a similar issue (I'm in tech consulting) and after FINALLY reaching someone, they noted on my account that my industry has specialized job search methods. Try using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD rep quickly. I was skeptical but their system actually works - you can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep I spoke with said they're aware of the issues with entertainment industry workers and CalJOBS requirements, but you need to have it documented on your specific claim. Worth the call to avoid problems later!

My wife works in post-production and went through this last month. She just created the basic CalJOBS profile (took about 15 mins) and continues doing normal industry networking. When certifying, she just lists calls to production contacts under "contacted employer directly" option. No issues with payments so far.

One important thing to note: even with the CalJOBS registration requirement, entertainment industry workers can still qualify for the "union dispatch" work search method if you get work through union channels. When you certify, you'll see this option, and it simplifies the work search reporting process. Make sure you register with CalJOBS as required, but then check with your union rep about documenting that your work comes through union channels. This gives you more flexibility with the work search requirements while staying compliant.

my cousin had 2 do this last month and she just made up stuff for the caLJOBs profile... said she applied to random things but kept doing her real industry networking stuff... got her money fine

Just to follow up - I found that after completing the CalJOBS registration, you can actually customize your profile to list entertainment industry job categories. Under the occupation search, use terms like "Media" or "Arts" and you'll find some relevant categories. Not perfect, but it makes the profile look more legitimate when an EDD reviewer checks it. Remember, the key requirement is registering and creating a profile. The actual job applications can still be through your industry channels as long as you document them during certification.

As someone who just went through this process as a cinematographer, I can confirm this is definitely real and required now. I was initially panicked too, but it's really not as bad as it seems once you understand what they actually want. Here's my experience: I registered on CalJOBS in about 20 minutes, uploaded a basic resume, and selected "Motion Picture and Video Industries" under the occupation categories. For work search activities, I just document my normal industry networking - calls to DPs I know, emails to production companies, checking with my agent, etc. When I certify, I select "contacted employer directly" for most of these activities. The system seems designed more for compliance tracking than actually forcing us to use their job board. I haven't applied to a single job through CalJOBS but my benefits have continued without issue as long as I'm documenting legitimate job search efforts in our industry. Don't stress too much about it - just get registered ASAP and keep doing what you normally do to find work!