EDD certification confusion - Is work search reporting actually required?
I'm so confused about the work search requirements when certifying for EDD. When I log in to certify, there's that question asking if I want to report my work search activities, and it says (Yes, No) like it's optional. But I've heard from people that you HAVE to search for work to remain eligible for benefits, right? So why does the system make it seem like reporting it is just a choice? I've been saying 'Yes' and entering at least 3 job applications each week to be safe, but my cousin said he always clicks 'No' and hasn't had any problems getting paid. Can someone clarify if reporting work search is actually mandatory or if it's really optional like the UI Online system makes it seem? I don't want to mess up my claim over something this confusing!
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Holly Lascelles
This is a common source of confusion! Here's the deal: Work search IS required for most claimants, but reporting the details in UI Online is technically optional. However, it's strongly recommended that you DO report your activities for two important reasons: 1) If you're selected for an eligibility interview, having documented your work search in the system makes verifying your eligibility much easier, and 2) It creates a record in case there's ever a question about your eligibility later. So while your cousin might be getting away with clicking 'No,' he's still supposed to be actively looking for work AND keeping his own records of those searches in case EDD asks for proof. The system says it's optional to report online, but the actual work search itself isn't optional unless you have a specific exemption.
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Madison Tipne
AuthorOh that makes so much more sense! I've been stressing about this for weeks. So basically, I should continue saying 'Yes' and logging everything, not because reporting is mandatory but because it protects me if they ever audit my claim? I'll definitely keep doing that then.
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Malia Ponder
Ur cousin is playing with fire lol. i got audited last year and edd wanted proof of EVERYTHING. the rep told me tons of people got disqualified cuz they couldnt show any work search records. just sayin
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Kyle Wallace
THIS!! I worked for EDD for 6 years and the number of claimants who lost appeals because they had zero documentation of their work search was staggering. The system may say reporting is "optional" but maintaining records is NOT optional. The smartest thing is to use the system to record everything - creates a timestamp and verification that's hard to dispute later.
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Ryder Ross
THE ENTIRE EDD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO TRICK YOU!!! They make it seem optional but then they can deny you benefits later claiming you didn't look for work! This is just ONE example of how they try to trip people up. I always click YES and enter my work search because I don't trust them at all. This is exactly how they catch people to deny benefits and save money. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!!
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Gianni Serpent
I dont think its a trick, just poor wording on their part. But agreed that documenting everything is smart.
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Henry Delgado
The rules changed after the pandemic too. Before 2023 they were way more relaxed about work search but now they're back to being strict. I have my weekly reminder set so I dont forget to apply to jobs every week. Make sure ur doing activities that count as work search - not just job applications but networking, updating resume, etc all count too.
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Madison Tipne
AuthorWait, things like updating my resume count? I had no idea! Is there a list somewhere of what qualifies as work search activities? I've only been reporting job applications.
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Olivia Kay
To directly answer your question: Work search is REQUIRED, but the online reporting of it is technically optional. However, by choosing not to report it online, you're taking a risk if you're ever asked to verify your work search activities. Here's a comprehensive list of activities that count as valid work search activities under EDD guidelines: 1. Applying for jobs (online or in-person) 2. Registering with CalJOBS 3. Posting resumes on job boards 4. Networking events 5. Job interviews 6. Creating/updating résumés 7. Meeting with career counselors 8. Taking job-related classes or workshops 9. Participating in job fairs 10. Contacting previous employers about potential job openings I always recommend recording at least 3 activities per week in the system, even though only 1 valid activity per week is technically required for most claimants.
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Madison Tipne
AuthorThank you so much for this detailed list! I didn't realize so many different activities counted. This will make it much easier to meet the requirements each week.
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Joshua Hellan
Just my 2 cents but when I was on unemployment last year I also thought it was optional like your cousin but then I got randomly selected for an eligibility interview and it was a whole thing proving my work search. wish I had just entered it in the system from the beginning would've saved me so much stress
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Gianni Serpent
Same exact thing happen to me! Such a headache
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Malia Ponder
btw y'all trying to call edd is IMPOSSIBLE these days! was on hold for 3 hours yesterday just to get disconnected 😤
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Ryder Ross
If anyone needs to actually reach EDD, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in like 20 minutes after trying for DAYS on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com. It was worth it to finally talk to someone who could fix my pending payments after weeks of frustration. Just sharing because I know how impossible it feels to get through the regular way.
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Holly Lascelles
Just to add one more thing - different claim types have different work search requirements. Regular UI claims require work search, but if you're on a partial claim, DI, or have a union hiring hall agreement, your requirements might be different. Double-check your specific requirements in your UI Online account messages or your award letter.
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Madison Tipne
AuthorI'm on regular UI, so sounds like I definitely need to keep searching and documenting everything. Thanks for clarifying!
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Omar Hassan
As someone who just went through the EDD appeal process last month, I can't stress enough how important it is to document EVERYTHING. I initially thought like your cousin that reporting was optional, but when my claim got flagged for review, having zero documentation in the system made proving my eligibility incredibly difficult. Even though I was actually doing work search activities, I had to scramble to recreate records from my email history and browser bookmarks. The appeals judge specifically mentioned that claimants who use the online reporting system have a much easier time during hearings because there's an official timestamp and record. It's basically free insurance for your claim - takes 5 extra minutes per week but could save you thousands in benefits if you ever get audited. Better safe than sorry!
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