I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's incredibly stressful when your livelihood is on the line! Based on what you've described, this does sound like an error on ESD's part. I went through something similar last year where they initially denied my entire claim over a technicality, but I was able to get it overturned. A few things that helped me: - I filed my appeal within a week (don't wait the full 30 days) - I wrote a detailed letter explaining exactly what happened and that it was a one-time mistake - I included any proof I could find, even if it wasn't perfect documentation - I emphasized that I had been compliant with all requirements for every other week The key is being proactive and persistent. The fact that you did the job searches but just missed logging them properly should work in your favor. ESD typically reserves total claim denials for people who willfully refuse to comply, not for documentation errors. Keep filing your weekly claims during the appeal process - this is crucial! And don't let anyone tell you this is "just how the system works." You have rights, and this level of penalty doesn't match the violation. Stay strong and fight this!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This exact same thing happened to my sister last month - ESD denied her entire claim over one week where she forgot to upload her job search documentation, even though she had done all the required activities. The good news is she successfully appealed it and got all her benefits restored! Here's what worked for her: - She filed the appeal within 10 days (don't wait!) - She gathered ANY evidence from that week - even screenshots of Indeed searches, LinkedIn activity, or emails to friends about job hunting - In her appeal letter, she was very specific about what activities she did that week, even without perfect documentation - She emphasized this was a one-time administrative error, not willful non-compliance The hearing officer agreed that denying an entire claim for a single documentation mistake was excessive. The whole process took about 6 weeks, but she got paid for all the weeks she was entitled to. Stay persistent and don't let them intimidate you into giving up. What they're doing to you sounds like a clear overreach of their authority. You've got this!

Update: I managed to reach ESD today (used Claimyr after seeing it recommended here - actually worked!). The agent explained that I needed to look specifically under the Training Benefits section in eServices, not the regular UI section. Also found out SEAP participants get connected with Small Business Development Centers for free consulting, which sounds amazing. Going to submit my application this weekend. Will update when I hear back!

Just wanted to add my experience - I was approved for SEAP in 2024 for my consulting business. One thing that really helped my application was including letters of intent from potential clients showing there was actual demand for my services. Also, don't underestimate the entrepreneurial training component - it's not just a formality. The coursework actually covers crucial stuff like tax obligations for self-employed individuals, which is super important since you'll be transitioning off UI benefits eventually. The training providers vary by region, but most offer both online and in-person options. Good luck with your application!

I just went through this last month and finally got my benefits after 5 weeks of waiting! What worked for me was calling the technical support line instead of the claims line. They transferred me to a claims specialist after I explained my situation had been pending for over a month. Worth a try!

Just wanted to follow up and see if you managed to get through to ESD with any of these suggestions? Did the adjudication issue get resolved?

One last important thing to note: If your business progresses to the point where you're getting customers/clients, even if you're not paying yourself yet, you need to report any gross income received by the business on your weekly claims. ESD looks at gross business income, not net profit after expenses. Also, if you've registered your business officially (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.), make sure you understand how that impacts your "able and available" status. Some business structures could potentially affect your eligibility more than others. Best of luck balancing your job search and entrepreneurial journey!

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who's been through this recently. I was in a similar situation last year - got laid off from a marketing role and wanted to work on my app idea while job searching. What I learned is that ESD really focuses on your "primary activity." If your primary focus is job searching and you can genuinely say you'd drop everything for a good job opportunity, then working on your business in your spare time is usually okay. But if the business becomes your main focus, that's when you run into trouble. I kept a simple rule: no business activities during normal business hours (9-5) unless I had already completed my daily job search tasks. This way I could honestly say I was prioritizing employment and was available during standard interview times. Also, document EVERYTHING. I kept screenshots of job applications, emails with recruiters, and notes from networking calls. When ESD did question me about my availability, having that documentation made all the difference. They could see I was genuinely committed to finding work, not just going through the motions while focusing on my business. Hope this helps! The key is being strategic about how you balance both priorities.

Good luck with everything! This is a really common issue but it's definitely fixable. Don't let your employer's mistake prevent you from getting the benefits you're entitled to.

I'm a newcomer here but this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a domestic worker too (eldercare companion) and had no idea about the unemployment insurance requirements. My current employer has been treating me as a contractor but after reading all these responses, I'm pretty sure I should be classified as an employee - I work set hours, use their supplies, and they direct how I do my work. Does anyone know if the same rules apply to eldercare workers or is it just for nannies and housekeepers?