Do I still need to complete job search activities while my ESD claim is pending approval?
I submitted my unemployment claim about 10 days ago and it's still showing as 'pending' in the ESD system. I'm confused about whether I need to be applying for jobs and doing the job search activities while waiting for my claim to be approved. If I don't do the 3 job search activities each week, will that mess up my claim? Or should I wait until it's actually approved before starting the job search stuff? My previous employer said they might bring me back in a few weeks, but nothing's guaranteed with the economy right now. Any advice would be really appreciated!
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Sofia Morales
YES!!! You absolutely need to do your job search activities EVERY week you claim, even if your claim is still pending. Leaned this the hard way when my claim took 5 weeks to process and I didn't bother job searching the first 2 weeks. Ended up losing those weeks of benefits because ESD said I didn't meet eligibility requirements. Don't make my mistake!!
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Dylan Cooper
•Oh no! Thanks for the warning. I had no idea they'd deny benefits for weeks where the claim wasn't even approved yet. That seems so unfair. I better start applying right away then.
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StarSailor
The previous comment is correct. According to ESD regulations, you must complete and document at least 3 job search activities for each week you claim benefits, regardless of your claim status. This includes weeks when your claim is pending initial approval. If your former employer mentioned bringing you back, you might qualify for Standby status which reduces or eliminates job search requirements, but you'd need to specifically apply for that and have your employer verify it. Until then, continue with regular job search activities to ensure you remain eligible.
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Dmitry Ivanov
•I had standby last year and it was great not having to do the job search stuff! but my employer had to submit something confirming they were bringing me back by a specific date. Just having them say 'maybe' probly wont qualify u for standby
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Ava Garcia
YES - do your job searches while pending! Document everything VERY carefully too. I recommend creating a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, position, contact info, application method (online, in-person, etc), and any follow-up. ESD can audit your job search records for up to a year, and if they find you haven't been meeting requirements, they'll hit you with an overpayment notice that includes penalties and interest. Been there, and it's a nightmare to resolve.
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Dylan Cooper
•Thank you for the detailed advice. I'll start a spreadsheet today to track everything. Do you know if networking events or online job search workshops count toward the 3 activities?
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Ava Garcia
•Yes, workshops and networking events can count! ESD recognizes many activities beyond just submitting applications. Here's what counts: - Job applications - Creating profiles on job sites - WorkSource workshops (virtual or in-person) - Job fairs - Networking events - Informational interviews - Creating/updating your resume Just make sure you document the date, time, and what you did for each activity.
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Miguel Silva
can i just write down fake job searches? ESD never actually checks that stuff right??
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StarSailor
•Absolutely not. ESD conducts random audits of job search activities and can verify your applications with employers. Providing false information is fraud and can result in disqualification from benefits, requirement to repay all benefits received plus penalties, and even criminal charges in severe cases. It's not worth the risk.
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Zainab Ismail
The whole system is ridiculous! They make you jump through all these hoops even when you don't know if you'll get approved. I had to wait SEVEN WEEKS for approval last year and did all the stupid job searches even though I knew my company was bringing me back. Then I had to turn down interviews because I went back to my old job! Total waste of everyone's time.
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Connor O'Neill
•I feel your frustration! The waiting is horrible. When my claim got stuck in adjudication for over a month, I was going crazy trying to get through to ESD. I finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me actually reach a live agent after weeks of busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. My issue got resolved in a single call once I actually got through to someone who could help. Might be worth checking out if your claim stays pending for too long.
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QuantumQuester
im in the same boat! applied 2 weeks ago, still pending. been doing job search but honestly its hard to stay motivated when i dont even know if ill get benefits. this whole process is so stressfull
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Dylan Cooper
•It really is stressful! Are you documenting your job searches in the ESD system or just keeping track separately?
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QuantumQuester
•both! i put them in the esd system when i do my weekly claim but also keep screenshots of everything in case they ask for proof later. better safe than sorry
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Ava Garcia
One important thing nobody mentioned yet - if your former employer did say they might bring you back, you should ask them about applying for Standby status. If approved, it can reduce or eliminate your job search requirements. You'd need to apply for it separately, and your employer would need to provide a specific return-to-work date (within 4 weeks for regular standby, up to 8 weeks for employer-requested standby). It's worth asking about if there's a real possibility of recall.
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Dylan Cooper
•I'll definitely ask my employer about this tomorrow. They said it would be 3-4 weeks before they know if they can bring me back, so maybe standby would work. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Dmitry Ivanov
my claim took 6 weeks to get approved last time but i still got paid for all those weeks once it went thru. just keep filing weekly and doing job search until u hear back
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Dylan Cooper
•Thanks, that's reassuring to hear that you eventually got paid for those weeks. I'll keep filing and doing my job searches.
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