Do I need to notify ESD when I find work? How to properly exit unemployment benefits

Congrats on the job! You actually don't need to formally

Thank you so much for the clear explanation! So I'll need to report my earnings on my next weekly claim even if I don't want to receive benefits anymore? I just want to make sure I don't accidentally commit fraud or something by doing this wrong.

THE SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING!!! I stopped claiming when I got work and then 8 MONTHS LATER got a letter saying I was overpaid because I didn't report my new employment!! Had to send in paystubs and wait FOREVER for them to fix it. Make sure you do that last claim and REPORT YOUR EARNINGS!!! Don't just stop filing or they might think you're still unemployed but not claiming.

Wow that sounds like a nightmare! I just started a job too and didn't know I had to do anything special. I just stopped filing. Should I go back and try to fix that somehow?

I work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate unemployment. Here's what you need to know:\n\n1. Always file your weekly claim for any week you worked part-time and report those earnings accurately\n2. The ESD formula is: Weekly benefit - (earnings - $5) = partial benefit\n3. If your earnings after the $5 deduction exceed your weekly benefit, you'll get $0 that week\n4. After 4 consecutive weeks of no benefits due to excess earnings, ESD typically stops your claim\n\nAt 25 hours per week, whether you'll get partial benefits depends on your hourly rate compared to your weekly benefit amount. Example: If your benefit is $400 and you earn $15/hr x 25 hrs = $375, you'd get $30 in partial benefits ($400 - ($375-$5)).\n\nIf you want to completely exit the system, file one more claim reporting your new job, then stop filing. If you become fully unemployed again within your benefit year, you can restart your existing claim.

That formula is so helpful, thank you! My benefit is $504 and I'll be making $18/hour, so that's $450 per week. So if I calculate correctly, I'd get $504 - ($450 - $5) = $59 in partial benefits? That seems worth continuing to file for!

same thing happened to me back in january i got a job and just stopped filing claims but then in march i got laid off again and when i tried to restart my claim they said i needed to submit all these forms showing when i worked and why i stopped claiming... huge headache wish i had just reported my work properly the first time

This is exactly why filing that last claim with your employment information is so important. It creates a clear record in the system that you found work. Otherwise, when you try to restart benefits later (if needed), you'll face additional verification requirements and delays.

Just wanted to add that when you report your work on your weekly claim, make sure to answer

Oh that's a good catch! I probably would have missed that second question honestly. I'll make sure to mark both as yes.

btw if ur trying to reach ESD to ask questions about this, good luck lol. i spent 3 days calling nonstop and couldn't get through. ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 min. they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. definitely worth it if u need specific answers for ur situation.

Thanks for the tip! I might need to try that if I run into any issues with the partial benefits. The hold times are ridiculous!

Make sure you keep track of the date you stop claiming! I stopped when I got a job in October but got laid off again in January, and when I went to restart my claim they asked for the exact date I stopped filing. I couldn't remember and it caused all kinds of verification issues.

Great point! The ESD system tracks this automatically on their end, but it's always good practice to keep your own records. Screenshot or print the confirmation page of your last claim where you report starting work.

does anyone know if you have to update your address with ESD if you move after you stop claiming? im still getting mail from them at my old place

Yes, you should update your address even after stopping claims. ESD may still send important tax documents (like 1099-G forms) or notifications about your claim to your address on file. You can update your address through your eServices account or by calling them.

Update: I filed my weekly claim and reported my work hours as everyone suggested. The system calculated that I'm eligible for $59 in partial benefits! Going to keep filing as long as I'm part-time. Thanks everyone for the advice - definitely helped me avoid potential problems down the road!

Glad it worked out! Just remember that if your hours increase or you get a raise that pushes you over the threshold, make sure to keep reporting accurately. The partial benefits can be really helpful while you're transitioning back to full employment.