My sister got audited and lost benefits because she couldn't prove she did her job searches!!! Just putting that out there!!

To summarize for clarity: 1. You must begin job searching immediately after filing your initial claim 2. You report these activities when you file your first weekly claim 3. You need 3 qualifying activities per week 4. Keep detailed records of all activities 5. Various activities count beyond just applications This pattern continues for the duration of your claim period. Each week you'll report the previous week's activities when filing your weekly claim.

Make sure to request a waiver of the overpayment! Even if you lose the appeal, you can still request that they waive repayment due to financial hardship or because the overpayment wasn't your fault. I got my $3,200 overpayment completely waived after showing I couldn't afford to pay it back on my current income.

UPDATE: After looking at the responses here, I wanted to share that there's now a class action lawsuit against ESD over these mass overpayment notices. You might want to Google it and see if you qualify to join. It argues that ESD approved claims based on their guidance at the time, and can't retroactively change interpretation of eligibility rules years later.

I had a similar experience back in 2023 when I was working seasonal jobs. Had to reopen my claim twice and never had to do another waiting week. Just make sure all your info is up to date when you reopen. Good luck!

UPDATE: I reopened my claim yesterday and confirmed with an ESD agent (after way too many attempts calling) that I do NOT need to serve another waiting week! They said I can file my weekly claim this Sunday for this week. Thanks everyone for your help!

Thank you all for the responses! This is really helpful. I'll keep my logs organized and make sure I'm documenting everything properly. I might scan them too just to be safe - good suggestion. Feeling much better about this now!

Just to confirm what's been said - the current requirement is 3 job search activities per week, and you need to keep your own records but don't submit unless asked. ESD moved away from requiring weekly submission to reduce their administrative burden, but they still expect you to maintain detailed logs. And yes, mixing up your activity types is wise - applications, interviews, WorkSource workshops, networking events, etc. all count.

my brother just went thru this last month!! one thing nobody mentioned is that they look at your earnings from the previous 18 months not just ur current job so even if u were only at this job a short time u might still qualify

To summarize what everyone has said: 1. File your initial application immediately - today if possible 2. Report that you worked Monday and the amount earned when filing 3. Understand there's a waiting week (first eligible week) where no benefits are paid, but you must still file a weekly claim 4. Begin your three job search activities right away and document them carefully 5. Report your final pay accurately on your weekly claim For job search documentation, ESD provides a job search log on their website, but you can also create your own as long as it includes: date of activity, type of activity, employer/job contact information, position applied for, and results/follow-up. Keep these records for at least a year.