Do notary public training & application count as ESD job search activities?

Yes, activities toward self-employment can count for job search requirements! According to ESD guidelines, if you're taking concrete steps toward establishing self-employment, these can count as job search activities. The key is documenting everything properly in your job search log. Make sure you write detailed descriptions for each activity including: - The specific action taken (application submitted, training completed) - Date and time spent - How it directly relates to establishing your business I successfully used activities related to starting my freelance business last year while on UI. ESD approved them without issues.

idk i tried to count some online courses for my side hustle and got a letter saying they didn't qualify. something about how they weren't "employer directed" whatever that means. ended up having to do more applications that week to catch up

I was in a similar situation last year - started a bookkeeping business while on UI. Here's my experience: activities directly related to establishing your business DO count, but only if you document them properly! ESD actually has a Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) for people looking to start their own businesses while on unemployment. You might want to look into that as well - it waives the job search requirements entirely if you're approved. BUT be careful - if you start making money from your notary work, you MUST report it on your weekly claims. Even small amounts can reduce your benefits, and not reporting income is the fastest way to get hit with an overpayment notice.

I'd actually recommend calling ESD directly to confirm this. You don't want to risk your benefits based on forum advice. Unfortunately, getting through to ESD is notoriously difficult right now. I recently used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an ESD agent quickly after spending days trying to reach someone. They have a system that connects you with an ESD agent usually within 2 hours versus the days of redialing on your own. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with was really helpful and clarified exactly what self-employment activities would qualify for my situation. Worth getting the official word so you don't have issues down the road.

WATCH OUT with self-employment!! My cousin tried starting a lawn care biz on unemployment and ESD came after him SIX MONTHS LATER saying he wasn't "available for work" because he was "self-employed" even though he was still applying for jobs!!! They made him pay back $6,400!!! The whole system is designed to SCREW YOU OVER!!!

I became a notary last year! Totally off topic but if u need advice on getting started let me know. Mobile notary can be good money especially if u do loan signings. I didn't try to count it as job search stuff when i was on UI tho so cant help with that part sorry!

One more thing to be aware of - ESD has specific requirements about what counts as a "job search activity" for self-employment. According to their guidelines, these typically need to be: 1. Specific actions that directly establish your business (like your notary application, getting business licenses, etc.) 2. Activities that would reasonably lead to income-producing opportunities 3. Properly documented with dates, time spent, and outcomes General research probably won't count, but completing required notary training, submitting your application to become commissioned, and setting up your business license should all qualify as concrete steps toward establishing self-employment. Also look into WorkSource's self-employment resources - attending one of their small business workshops definitely counts as a job search activity and they can give you additional guidance.

wait so ur saying i could have been counting stuff for my etsy shop this whole time??? ive been doing random job applications i dont even want just to keep my benefits going