Does EDD actually verify the jobs you list during work search certification?

YES they absolutely do verify! I had a friend who got hit with a huge overpayment notice because they did a random audit of her work search activities. EDD contacted several employers she listed and found out she never actually applied. She had to pay back thousands AND had a 5-week penalty period on top of it. Don't listen to your friend - it's not worth the risk.

They don't check everyone but they do random audits. I've been on EDD 3 times over the years and never been audited, but my cousin got hit with one last year.

EDD representative here. The department conducts both random and targeted audits of work search activities. While we don't verify every single job search entry for every claimant, we do have systems in place to detect patterns that may indicate misrepresentation. If selected for an audit, you'll need to provide documentation of your job search activities. Keep in mind that work search requirements aren't just about "checking boxes" - they're designed to help you find suitable employment. I recommend using CalJOBS (caljobs.ca.gov) to track your applications, as this system is integrated with EDD and can help document your efforts automatically.

i got audited 6 months after my claim ended!!!! they wanted proof of EVERYTHING and i had already deleted most of my emails with job applications. ended up having to pay back 2 weeks of benefits ($900) because i couldn't prove 2 of the jobs i listed. keep EVERYTHING for at least a year after ur claim ends

If you're having trouble keeping track of everything, I found this great system that saved me tons of time. I created a separate email folder just for job applications and made sure to send myself an email confirmation every time I applied somewhere (even just a quick note with the details). Then I took screenshots of online applications and saved them in a Google Drive folder. Made it super easy when EDD requested verification for one of my weeks.

What drives me CRAZY is they don't tell you exactly what counts as "reasonable" work search efforts. I got contradictory information from two different EDD reps about whether attending a networking event counts as a work search activity. The whole system is designed to be confusing on purpose!

My sister works in HR and said they get verification calls from EDD all the time about people who listed their company on job searches. So yes, EDD definitely checks!

I've been helping people with EDD issues for years, and one thing I always tell people is that if you're having trouble reaching an EDD representative to ask specific questions about work search requirements, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you get through to an EDD agent without spending hours on hold. They have a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km I recommend getting clear answers directly from EDD about what specifically qualifies as work search activities in your situation, especially if you have any limitations on the type of work you can accept.

just wondering... has anybody here actually been through a full audit? what exactly do they ask for? do they want like actual copies of resumes you sent or just the contact info?

My roomate just makes stuff up every week and he's been on unemployment for like 8 months no problem lol

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I'm definitely going to continue keeping detailed records and doing legitimate job searches. The potential consequences aren't worth the risk. I'll check out CalJOBS and set up that email folder system too. Better safe than sorry!