ESD claim after job offer - still need UI benefits during 2-week gap before start date

Congratulations on the job offer! You're still eligible for unemployment until your actual start date. When filing your weekly claim, you'll answer 'No' to the question about working during that week (since you haven't started yet). However, there should be a question about whether you've obtained work that will start in the future - answer 'Yes' to that and provide the details they request about your future employment. As long as you're truthful about your situation, you're still eligible for benefits until you actually start working.

got same situation last month, just make sure u say YES when they ask if u got future work lined up. they still pay u until u actually start the job 👍

The specific question on the weekly claim form is: "Do you have a definite date to return to full-time work?" This is where you would answer YES and then provide the start date for your new position. You remain eligible for benefits until your actual start date, provided you continue to meet all other eligibility requirements. Keep in mind that you must still complete your three job search activities each week until you actually begin working, even though you've already accepted an offer. Congratulations on the new position!

I was in THE EXACT same spot 2 months ago!!! Had a 3 week gap between getting hired and starting. ESD still DENIED my last 2 claims after I reported the future job!!! Said I wasn't "available for work" because I had accepted another position even though I wasn't getting paid yet!!! Had to appeal and it was a NIGHTMARE. Took 6 weeks to resolve and I almost got evicted waiting for it!!!

been on UI three times in last 10 years and always had this same situation. never had a problem getting paid up until my start date as long as i was honest about everything. just be super clear with the dates and stuff

I went through this exact scenario in January. If you're having trouble getting clarification from ESD directly, I recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an ESD agent in under 30 minutes after I'd spent days trying to get through on my own. Their video demo (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) shows how it works. The agent confirmed I was eligible during my two-week gap and explained exactly how to fill out the weekly claim form. Worth it for the peace of mind before your job starts!

Remember that you still gotta be "able and available" for work during those two weeks. If they ask you in for training or paperwork before your official start date, make sure you report those hours! I almost got in trouble for not reporting a 2-hour orientation that happened before my official start date.

My daughter just went through this last month! The ESD office told her that as long as she wasn't actually working hours or getting paid, she was still eligible. But they also said something about standby status? Maybe that's different though. Anyway, congratulations on the new job!!

Update: Just filed my claim for this week and found the question about having a definite date to return to work. I answered YES and provided my start date. The system accepted it and shows I should receive payment as normal! Thanks everyone for the help and advice. Will update again if there are any issues with payment.