Denied benefits for skipping job search first week - didn't know it was required!

Unfortunately thats how the system works now. They got stricter in 2024. No grace period anymore - you gotta do 3 job search activities EVERY week, even the first one. I made the same mistake and lost a week of benefits too. You can try appealing but honestly its probably not worth the hassle for one week. Just make sure you do your 3 activities every week going forward.

This is a very common misunderstanding. The job search requirement applies from the very first week you claim benefits - there's no grace period. Per ESD regulations, you must complete and document at least three approved job search activities each week you claim benefits. You have two options: 1. File an appeal if you believe there was a good reason you couldn't conduct job searches (like being told by an ESD rep you didn't need to) 2. Accept the denial for that week and continue filing with proper job search activities for future weeks The good news is this won't affect future weeks as long as you meet the requirements going forward. Each week is evaluated independently.

i didnt look for work my 1st week either cuz i thought id get called back to my old job. same thing happened - denied! its BS cuz nobody tells u this stuff until AFTER they deny u!!!! 😡

If you really need to talk to someone at ESD about this or have other questions, I wasted three days trying to get through on the phone before I found Claimyr. They got me connected to an ESD agent in under 30 minutes. Worth checking out their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website at claimyr.com if you're stuck in the phone queue hell like I was. The agent I spoke with was actually super helpful and explained all the job search requirements to me.

I'd like to clarify a couple points about job search requirements that might help others avoid this issue: 1. The requirement for 3 job search activities applies from your very first week claiming benefits (some people confuse this with the waiting week, which is different) 2. If you're on standby status (approved to return to your employer within 8 weeks), you're exempt from job search requirements, but you must apply for and be approved for standby status first 3. If you have a definite return-to-work date with your employer within 8 weeks, you should apply for standby status when you first file your claim 4. Union members with dispatch halls have different requirements For your specific situation, I recommend continuing to file weekly claims with proper job search documentation going forward. The denial only affects that one week.

lol welcome to the wonderful world of unemployment where they look for ANY reason to deny you benefits. This exact thing happened to me in November. Wait till they start auditing your job search logs - make sure you keep detailed records!

To answer your question about applying for different positions at the same company - yes, those can count as separate activities as long as they're genuinely different positions requiring separate applications. Regarding job search logs, make sure you record: - Date of the activity - Company name and contact information - Position applied for - Method of application (online, in-person, etc.) - Any follow-up actions - Name of contact person if applicable Keep copies of confirmation emails for online applications as additional documentation. ESD randomly audits job search activities, and having detailed records makes this process much smoother.

Btw job searches can also include going to WorkSource workshops and those count as activities too! Thats what I do when Im running low on jobs to apply for that week. They have resume help and interview practice stuff. Just make sure you get documentation that you attended.