ESD asking about job searches after my standby ended and I returned part-time - What should I answer?

You actually DO still need to do job searches if you're working part-time and collecting partial unemployment. The rule is that if you're receiving ANY benefits at all, you need to complete your 3 job search activities each week. Since you're only working 22 hours, you're probably still eligible for partial benefits, which means you need to be doing the job search requirements.

The previous person is right. I went through the same thing last year. Even if you're working part time, as long as you're claiming ANY benefits, you need to do job searches. It's confusing because with standby you don't need them, but once standby ends, even if you go back to the same employer, if it's part-time, the job search requirements kick in.

If you've already filed without reporting job searches, you should contact ESD immediately to explain your misunderstanding. You might be able to get a one-time waiver if you can prove good cause for not completing the activities. Being confused about the requirements after transitioning from standby to part-time is a common issue, but don't wait - call them ASAP.

when i was on part time last yr they made me do job searches even tho i was already working again. its stupid but thats how it is. you have to do the 3 activities every week until your not claiming benefits anymore. if ur making too much at part time to get benefits then u dont need searches

I had this exact situation in January 2025. Try using Claimyr to get through to ESD quickly - it's the only way I could actually talk to someone. They connect you directly to an ESD agent instead of waiting on hold forever. I used their service at claimyr.com and watched their demo (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) to see how it works. The agent I spoke with gave me a one-time hardship waiver for my missed job searches because I genuinely misunderstood the requirements after coming off standby. Don't wait though - contact them before they make a determination on your claim.

To clarify what everyone is saying: Under Washington ESD rules, if you're working part-time and still claiming partial unemployment benefits, you MUST complete 3 job search activities each week. The only exceptions are: 1. You're on approved standby (which you're not anymore) 2. You're in an approved training program 3. You're a member of a full-referral union If you don't meet one of these exceptions, then you need to complete and document your job searches. Not doing so can result in a denial of benefits for that week. For your previous weeks, you should immediately contact ESD and explain the situation. They sometimes grant good faith exceptions for genuine confusion about requirements.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD! You all were right - I should have been doing job searches even though I returned part-time. The agent was actually understanding and said this happens a lot when people transition from standby to partial employment. Since I didn't know and it was my first time making this mistake, they granted me a one-time hardship waiver for the past two weeks. Going forward, I need to do my 3 job searches every week as long as I'm collecting any amount of benefits. Thank you all for your help!

I dealt with the SAME EXACT garbage last year! The standby rules are different from regular UI rules and ESD does a terrible job explaining the transition. My claim got denied for two weeks and I had to appeal and wait THREE MONTHS to get my money back. This system is designed to make people fail, I swear. Just be super careful about documenting EVERYTHING from now on.

For those following this thread: here's what counts as a job search activity for part-time workers still receiving benefits: 1. Applying for a job 2. Attending a job fair 3. Creating a profile on a professional job-matching site 4. Taking a civil service exam 5. Participating in WorkSource workshops 6. Interviewing with potential employers Remember that WorkSource now offers virtual workshops that count toward your activities. This can be easier to fit around a part-time work schedule.