Can I claim UI after accepting job offer that doesn't start for months?

This is definitely a tricky situation. You need to report that you have accepted work when they ask if you've turned down any job offers. You should answer "yes" to having accepted work, but since you aren't actually working yet, you can still qualify for benefits until your start date. Make sure to report your official start date when they ask for it. You're still technically unemployed until you actually start working and getting paid.

I went thru similar last yr!!! ESD is SOOOO confusing on this. You answer YES to accepting work but NO to working since u havent started. They'll ask for ur start date. You still gotta do the 3 job search activities every week tho even tho u got a job lined up!!! Its stupid but thats how it works or they'll deny ur claim!!

i think u should call esd directly about this. the website is confusing. i waited 2 hours to talk to someone last month and they hung up on me lol. but maybe u will have better luck?

Unemployment specialist here. Your situation is actually quite common. Here's what you need to know: 1. You must report that you have accepted a job offer when filing your claim. 2. You need to provide your future start date. 3. You remain eligible for benefits until you actually start working. 4. You ARE still required to complete your 3 job search activities each week, even with a job lined up. (Yes, this policy is frustrating but it's strictly enforced) 5. Once you begin working (even training), you must report any hours and earnings. The key thing ESD looks at is whether you're currently earning wages, not whether you've accepted future employment. As long as you accurately report your situation, you should be able to receive benefits until your actual start date.

My daughter just went through this exact situation last month! She got a job at Boeing but her start date was 6 weeks out. ESD told her she could keep claiming until her actual start date as long as she reported the job acceptance and future start date. But the job search requirements were still in effect which was annoying because what's the point? But whatever I guess those are the rules.

I think what everyone is missing here is that the original poster said their 'previous unemployment claim ran out a few months ago' and they're 'eligible to reapply today.' This sounds like they're filing a new claim, not continuing an existing one. That might change some of the answers here because starting a new claim has different questions than weekly claims on an existing claim. I remember the application asking about future employment differently than the weekly claims do.

Since you're filing a new claim, the process is slightly different. On the initial application: 1. When asked about employment status, select "unemployed" 2. There will be a question about whether you have a definite return to work date - answer "yes" and provide your future start date 3. You'll need to explain your situation in the comments/additional information section 4. After approval, you'll still need to complete job search requirements until you start working For a new claim, ESD will also verify your quarters of employment and earnings from the previous 18 months to determine eligibility and benefit amount. Make sure you have accurate information about your previous employers ready.