Can I count job search activities if I decline jobs due to low wages? ESD requirements explained

This is actually a really important question about "suitable work" rules. Here's what you need to know: For your weekly job search activities, applying for a job DOES count as a valid activity regardless of whether you ultimately accept it. You're fulfilling the requirement by applying. HOWEVER, if you're offered a job and decline it, that's where things get tricky. ESD considers several factors for "suitable work" including: - Your previous experience/training - The degree of risk to your health/safety/morals - Your physical fitness for the work - AND IMPORTANTLY: The wage offered compared to your previous wage In your case, a job paying $18/hr when you previously made $28/hr might be considered too big a pay cut, especially early in your claim. Generally, you can refuse work that pays less than 90% of your previous wage in the first 10 weeks, and less than 75% after that. Document everything carefully. If you decline a job, note the wage offered and your reason for declining. If ESD questions you, explain that the wage reduction would cause financial hardship.

I got in TROUBLE for this exact thing last year!!! ESD flagged my claim after I turned down a job that was paying $6 less per hour than my previous job! They put me in adjudication for like 3 weeks and I had to FIGHT to keep my benefits. Had to send them my budget showing I couldn't pay my mortgage with that salary. Such BS!!!

job search activities and turning down work are 2 different things in ESD system. you can list all the jobs you applied for and that counts for your 3 activities but be careful about declining actual offers that might be "suitable work"

I went thru something similar last yr. Started putting the salary requirements in my cover letters and on applications to avoid wasting time with lowball offers. Saved me a lot of headache!

When I was on unemployment in 2024, I had the WORST time trying to reach ESD to ask this exact question. I kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. The agent explained that applying to jobs absolutely counts for your job search requirements regardless of wage, but turning down offers is different and depends on how long you've been on unemployment and how much less the pay is. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - totally worth it when you need answers directly from ESD instead of guessing.

Just to add some important context here - there's another factor that affects this situation: your customary occupation and labor market. If you've been working in a specialized field where the standard wage is generally higher (like certain tech positions or specialized trades), ESD is more likely to allow you to decline lower-paying positions outside your field, especially early in your claim. Keep documenting everything. I recommend creating a detailed log showing: 1. Each job you apply for (date, position, company, method of application) 2. Any jobs you decline (with the reason being wage disparity clearly noted) 3. Your previous wage and job title If you get called for an adjudication interview about refusing work, have this documentation ready. Also, make sure you're checking WorkSource events - attending workshops counts toward your 3 weekly activities and doesn't come with the risk of job offers you might need to decline.

i had a question about this too but was to afraid to ask lol. ive been applying to jobs i know i wont take just to meet the 3 per week. glad to hear thats allowed

The whole ESD system is rigged to force people into taking garbage pay!! They want us desperate so we'll take ANY job no matter how much of a pay cut. That's why they make these rules so complicated - so they can deny you when you stand up for yourself! My friend got completely DENIED because she wouldn't take a job paying 40% less than her previous job!! THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!

Thanks everyone for the advice! To summarize what I've learned: 1. Applying to jobs counts toward my 3 weekly activities regardless of the wage 2. I can legally decline offers paying less than 90% of my previous wage during the first 10 weeks 3. After 10 weeks, I can decline offers paying less than 75% of my previous wage 4. Documentation is critical - keep records of everything 5. WorkSource workshops are a good alternative activity that won't lead to job offers I might need to decline This helps a lot with my strategy going forward. I'll keep applying to meet my requirements but focus my serious efforts on positions closer to my previous wage.