ESD flagged my claim for 'inadequate job search' but won't explain what's wrong - help!
I'm seriously frustrated with ESD right now. My claim was approved for $892/week, and I've been filing my weekly claims with all the required job search activities (at least 3 per week as required). But I just got a notification on my eServices account saying 'inadequate job search' for my first week with no explanation whatsoever about what's wrong with my documentation! I've tried everything to get answers: • Called the claims center repeatedly but keep getting the 'high call volume' message • Tried scheduling a callback which never happens - just get disconnected • Submitted 3 different questions through their message system with zero response after 9 days I'm trying to do everything right but how am I supposed to fix whatever I did wrong if they won't tell me what the problem is? I'm worried they're going to keep denying my weekly benefits and I really need this money for rent next month. Anyone know how to actually talk to a human being at ESD? Or what specifically might trigger an 'inadequate job search' flag? I listed 4 job applications with company names, position details, and application dates - thought that was more than enough!
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Jamal Wilson
The same thing happened to me back in January. The 'inadequate job search' flag usually means they think you didn't provide enough details about your job contacts. For each job search activity, you need company name, contact info (phone or website), position, application method, AND the result/outcome. If you're missing any of those, they'll flag it.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•Thanks for the info! I definitely included the company name, position, and date - but I don't think I added the outcome for all of them since some were just 'waiting to hear back'. Do you know if there's a way to update the info I already submitted?
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Jamal Wilson
•Unfortunately, once it's flagged you cant edit it. You'll need to make sure all your future weekly claims have complete details. And honestly, for the flagged week, you really need to talk to a claims specialist to fix it.
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Mei Lin
Former ESD employee here. 'Inadequate job search' typically means one of these issues: 1. You didn't list all required details for each job contact (must include company name, specific position, contact method, date, AND result) 2. One or more activities weren't qualifying job search activities (networking events count but only with proper documentation) 3. You didn't meet the 3 required activities for that week The most common mistake I saw was people not specifying the outcome/result of each contact. Even if you're waiting to hear back, you need to write "Pending response" or "Application submitted, awaiting interview" etc. Unfortunately, once it's flagged, you need to speak with a claims specialist to resolve it. Keep trying the phone line first thing in the morning (7:00-7:15am) when they first open.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•Do u have 2 keep filing weekly claims while waiting for them to resolve the issue?? Or should i wait until its fixed
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Mei Lin
•DEFINITELY continue filing weekly claims on time, even while issues are being resolved. You can't be paid for weeks you don't claim, even if you're later found eligible. Make sure your new claims have complete information for all job search activities. Document everything carefully going forward.
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GalacticGuru
i had this exact problem last month!! ESD is imposible to reach by phone, I tried for TWO WEEKS straight calling over and over. what finally worked for me was using claimyr.com - they got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 30 mins when I'd been trying for days with no luck. they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 the agent explained that my job search activities didn't have enough details (needed exact contact info for each employer and specific outcome). she helped clear the flag on my account right away.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•Thanks for the tip! I've never heard of Claimyr before. Did you have to provide all your ESD account info to them? A bit nervous about using third-party services for something like unemployment.
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GalacticGuru
•no they dont need access to ur esd account at all! they just help get u in the phone queue to talk directly with ESD. you still talk to the actual unemployment people yourself. it was seriously the only thing that worked after trying to call on my own for weeks
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Amara Nnamani
Everyone saying to call ESD is right, but also make sure your future weekly claims include EXTREMELY detailed job search documentation to avoid the same problem. Here's what you need for EACH job search activity: • Complete company name (no abbreviations) • Full address or website URL • Contact person name and title (if applicable) • Method of contact (online application, email, phone, in-person) • Specific position title you applied for • Date of contact (exact date, not just week) • Detailed outcome/status (pending, interview scheduled, rejected, etc.) I'd also recommend saving screenshots of all your online applications as backup in case you get audited. If you're using WorkSource activities as part of your job search, make sure you're getting the proper verification from WorkSource staff.
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Giovanni Mancini
•This is such BS. How r people supposed to remember all that info for every single application??? I must apply to 20+ jobs a week. No way im writing down every single detail 🙄
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Amara Nnamani
•You don't need to document all 20+ applications - just the minimum 3 per week that ESD requires. But yes, for those 3, you absolutely need all these details. I keep a simple spreadsheet with columns for all the required info and fill it out immediately after each application. It only takes a minute but saves tons of headaches later.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
THIS SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I had the same problem twice and never got a straight answer. They expect us to provide NASA-level documentation for every minimum wage job application but then they can't even answer a simple phone call or message??? The hypocrisy is unreal. One time I got the same flag because I put "online application" instead of the SPECIFIC website URL where I applied. Another time it was because I didn't list the full street address of a business I applied to IN PERSON. They should have to clearly explain these ridiculous requirements instead of just denying benefits with no explanation!
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•I agree it's super frustrating - especially when they don't tell you what specific documentation is missing. I just want to fix whatever the issue is but can't without talking to someone!
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Liam Fitzgerald
ur making this 2 complicated. just call the WorkSource office near u and ask them to look at ur claim. they have access to the same system but answer their phones. thats what i did.
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Jamal Wilson
•That's not entirely accurate. WorkSource staff can see some parts of your claim but they CAN'T fix adjudication issues or remove flags. They're a separate department from ESD claims specialists. They might be able to give general advice but can't actually fix the problem.
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Dylan Cooper
My cousin works at ESD (dont worry I never ask her to look at my stuff lol) but she says they are SUPER understaffed right now bc of budget cuts, especially in the claims dept. Thats why nobody answers the phone. Doesnt help u now but explains why its so hard to get thru
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•That's ALWAYS their excuse! "Understaffed" for the past 5 years straight? Maybe they should stop denying claims over tiny technicalities if they don't have enough staff to actually explain the issues to people.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
Update: I finally got through to someone at ESD! Used the Claimyr service that someone suggested and got connected to an agent in about 45 mins. The issue was that I didn't include contact information for two of my job applications (needed the company phone number or website URL in addition to the name). The agent was able to update my claim while on the phone and remove the flag. My payment should be processed in 48 hours! For anyone else with this issue - make sure you list EVERY detail for your job search activities, even things that seem obvious. And if you need to actually talk to ESD, using Claimyr was definitely worth it after wasting days trying to call on my own.
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