Accepted future job offer but ESD claims require 'more research' - do I still need job search activities?
I got laid off from my marketing job two weeks ago (company restructuring), but I've already accepted a position at a new company that doesn't start until late August/early September. My problem is that ESD is requiring me to do those 3 job search activities every week. Feels completely pointless since I already have a signed offer letter! Do I seriously have to keep applying for jobs I won't take? Also, all my weekly claims are showing as "pending - requires more research" status. Anyone know what this means or how long I'll be stuck waiting? Really starting to worry about paying my August rent if this drags on too long.
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KingKongZilla
You need to apply for standby status! When you have a definite return-to-work date within 12 weeks, you can request to be put on standby which exempts you from job search requirements. You'll need to provide verification of your start date with your new employer. Log into your eServices account, go to your dashboard, and look for the standby request option. If you can't find it, call ESD directly.
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Bethany Groves
•Thank you! I had no idea standby was for new jobs too - I thought it was only if your current employer was bringing you back. Will try to find this in eServices right now.
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Rebecca Johnston
I was in almost the exact same situation back in February. The "requires more research" status typically means you're in adjudication - usually happens when there's a mismatch between what you reported and what your employer reported, or if they're verifying your new job offer. For me it took about 3 weeks to clear, but I know others who waited 4-6 weeks. While waiting, you absolutely MUST continue doing your job search activities unless you get approved for standby like the other commenter suggested. If you don't do them and you get denied standby, they'll disqualify you for those weeks.
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Nathan Dell
•this is the correct answr!!!! i got dinged for 2 weeks of benefits cuz i thought i didnt need to do job search stuff while in adjudcation. BIG MISTAKE. do ur job search even if u think u dont need to!
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Maya Jackson
Last year I had an offer letter for a job starting in 6 weeks and ESD told me I still had to do job searches. So annoying! I just did the bare minimum - applied to jobs I knew I wouldn't get called for interviews on. Like positions I wasn't fully qualified for but could technically apply to. Saved a lot of awkward conversations!
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Tristan Carpenter
•That's actually not good advice. ESD can and does audit job search activities, and applying for jobs you know you're not qualified for can be considered job search fraud. They check if your applications were made in good faith. Better to do legitimate networking activities that count as job search activities - like attending WorkSource workshops, which can be done online.
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Amaya Watson
The whole system is just designed to make it hard to get YOUR OWN MONEY that YOU PAID INTO!!! I was in adjudication for 7 WEEKS last year for "requires more research" and nobody would tell me what they were researching!!! Called 47 times and either got hung up on or told "it's still processing" with ZERO explanation. The ESD system is BROKEN!
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Tristan Carpenter
•While I understand your frustration, just to clarify a technical point - in Washington state, unemployment insurance is actually funded by employer taxes, not employee contributions. Employees don't pay into the system directly through paycheck deductions like with Social Security. That said, yes, the delays in the system can be extremely challenging, especially when you're counting on that income.
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Grant Vikers
Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to ESD? I was stuck in "pending - requires more research" status for almost 3 weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone. A friend recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have this system that basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when an ESD agent is actually on the line. Saved me HOURS of hold time. There's a demo video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I got through to a live person, they resolved my issue in about 15 minutes - turns out there was a simple verification problem with my previous employer that they needed to clear up.
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Bethany Groves
•I hadn't heard of this, but I'm definitely going to check it out. I've already tried calling ESD like 10 times this week with no luck. At this point I'll try anything to get this resolved before rent is due.
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Giovanni Martello
On this job search thing - I had a baby last year and took maternity leave and then got laid off right after coming back. I had already arranged to be a stay at home mom after my savings got built back up in a few months. I was so confused why I had to do job searches when I DIDNT EVEN WANT A JOB AT THAT POINT?? The whole system makes no sense sometimes.
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KingKongZilla
•That's actually a different situation. To qualify for unemployment, you must be able and available for work and actively seeking work. If you're planning to be a stay-at-home parent and not return to the workforce, you wouldn't technically be eligible for unemployment benefits since you're not actively seeking to return to work. The system is designed for those temporarily between jobs who are trying to rejoin the workforce.
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Bethany Groves
Update: I called ESD using that Claimyr service (which actually worked!), and the agent explained that my case is in adjudication because my former employer contested the reason for separation. I said it was a layoff, they're claiming I quit! I've sent in my termination letter through the document upload system and the agent said it should be resolved within 7-10 business days. I also applied for standby status with my offer letter. Thanks everyone for the help!
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Rebecca Johnston
•Great! That's exactly what happened to me too - employer reported a different separation reason. Once you submitted the documentation, the timeline they gave you is pretty accurate. Glad you got through to someone who could explain what's happening!
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