Do you have to look for a job while on unemployment in Washington ESD?

What counts as a job search activity? Does browsing job sites count or do you actually have to apply?

Just browsing doesn't count. You need to actually apply for jobs, contact employers directly, attend interviews, go to job fairs, do informational interviews, or participate in reemployment services. Keep detailed records with dates, company names, and what you did.

I had the same problem! Couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD for weeks.

Actually found something that helped - there's a service called Claimyr that gets you through to Washington ESD agents without the wait. Check out claimyr.com, they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Helped me get answers about job search requirements pretty quickly.

Never heard of that but might be worth trying. I've been hanging up after 2+ hours on hold multiple times.

How do you know if you qualify for standby status? My employer said they might call me back but nothing definite.

Standby has to be arranged through your employer before you file for unemployment. If you're not sure, assume you need to do job searches to avoid any issues with your claim.

Yes, if Washington ESD audits your claim and finds you haven't been doing required job searches, they can disqualify you and even create an overpayment that you'd have to pay back.

omg this is stressing me out. how often do they check this stuff?

It's random but they do audit claims. Better to just do the job searches from the start than risk it.

How long did the audit take? Did it affect your payments while they reviewed?

About 3 weeks total. My payments continued while they reviewed my documentation, but I know some people get their benefits stopped during the audit process.

Same here! Their website is terrible and trying to call is pointless.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Way easier than dealing with their broken phone system.

This is super helpful! Do you have to use WorkSourceWA or can you use other job sites?

You can use any legitimate job search method. Indeed, LinkedIn, company websites, WorkSourceWA - they all count as long as you're actually applying for suitable work.

What counts as 'suitable work' though? Do I have to apply for any job or can I stick to my field?

Generally suitable work means jobs that match your skills, experience, and pay within a reasonable range of your previous job. But the longer you're unemployed, the broader the definition becomes.

What kind of details do you track in your spreadsheet?

Date, company name, job title, how I found the job, method of application, contact person if any, and follow-up actions. Basically everything that proves I actually did the search activity.

Oh no! How did they find out you weren't doing enough searches?

Random audit. They asked for my job search log and I only had like 1-2 activities per week instead of 3. Don't make my mistake - do the full requirements from day one.

Did you get back pay for those 6 weeks after you won the appeal?

Eventually yes, but it took another month after the hearing to actually get the money. The whole thing was super stressful.

Definitely start keeping better records now. Even if you haven't been perfect before, having good documentation going forward will help if you ever get audited.

Thanks. Going to set up a spreadsheet tonight and start tracking everything properly.

Volunteer work itself doesn't count as a job search activity, but networking contacts you make while volunteering could count if they lead to actual job opportunities or referrals.

Good to know. I'll make sure to focus on the networking aspect and document any job leads that come from it.

I feel this so much. Sometimes it feels like busy work when there just aren't that many openings in my field.

I understand the frustration, but the requirement exists to encourage active job searching and ensure benefits go to people who are genuinely trying to find work.

You can count them separately! The initial application is one activity, and attending the interview is another. Both are legitimate job search activities.

Awesome, that's really helpful to know. Thanks!

Really? What did they tell you about the job search requirements?

Basically confirmed what others have said here - 3 activities minimum per week, keep detailed records, and online applications count the same as in-person ones. The agent was actually pretty helpful once I got through.

Most people never get audited. It's random and they don't audit everyone. Just keep doing your job searches and maintaining records in case you're selected.

That's reassuring. I'll keep doing what I'm doing then.

This whole thread has been super educational. I feel much more confident about what I need to do now. Thanks everyone!

Glad we could help! The most important thing is just to stay compliant with the requirements and keep good records.

That's smart advice. I've been too picky about location and probably limiting myself unnecessarily.

Exactly. You can always turn down a job offer if it's not right, but you need to show you're actively searching to keep your benefits.

Same here! I was so confused when I started this thread but now I know exactly what I need to do.

Happy to help! Remember - when in doubt, it's always better to do more than the minimum rather than risk your benefits.