ESD job search logging confusion - phone claims vs online system
Super confused about reporting my job search activities!! I usually file my weekly claims online no problem, but my internet was down all weekend so I had to call in yesterday. When I used the automated phone system, it didn't ask me anything about my job search activities for the week! Now I'm worried because I know we need to document 3 job search activities each week. Does anyone know how this works? Do I need to log into eServices separately to record these? Will my claim be denied because I didn't report my job search activities over the phone? Help!!
12 comments
Join the conversation
Nia Johnson
The phone system doesn't allow you to report your job search activities like the online system does. When you file by phone, you still need to keep track of your job searches and be ready to provide them if ESD requests them. You should log into your eServices account and add your job search activities there, separate from the weekly claim. Go to "Add job search log" in your account and enter the info for the correct week.
0 coins
Luca Conti
•Oh thank goodness! I was panicking thinking my claim would get denied. I'll log in tonight and add them. Is there a deadline for when I need to have them entered by?
0 coins
CyberNinja
same thing happend to me last month! freaked me out too lol
0 coins
Mateo Lopez
•The whole ESD system is RIDICULOUS! They make everything so complicated on purpose. Why can't the phone system just let you report job searches? I had to fight for MONTHS to get my benefits because of some stupid job search misunderstanding. The system is designed to deny people their benefits!!!
0 coins
Aisha Abdullah
I've used both systems and they're completely different. When you file by phone, the system just asks basic questions about your availability and earnings, but NOT your job search activities. However, you're still required to do them and document them. You have two options: 1. Log into eServices and add your job search activities in the job search log section 2. Keep a paper record using the official ESD job search log form (can download from their website) Either way, you need to have records of 3 job search activities per week. If you're selected for a job search review, you'll need to provide this documentation. I recommend always using the online system to log them since it's easier to track everything in one place.
0 coins
Luca Conti
•This is really helpful, thank you! I didn't know there was a paper form option too. I'm definitely going to use the online system from now on. Do you know if there's a deadline for entering the job search info after filing by phone?
0 coins
Ethan Davis
Just adding my experience - I filed by phone for like 3 weeks when my computer was broken and didn't enter any job search stuff online. Then I got selected for review and almost lost my benefits! I had to scramble to recreate all my job contacts from memory. It was super stressful. Definitely log those job searches asap!
0 coins
CyberNinja
•yikes thats scary!! did u get it resolved?
0 coins
Yuki Tanaka
When I was on unemployment last year, I always wrote down my job searches in a notebook before entering them anywhere. Saved me a couple times when the website crashed or I had to use the phone. Just a tip!
0 coins
Carmen Ortiz
•I've been dealing with this exact issue and getting nowhere with ESD. I've called over 20 times trying to speak with someone about my job search documentation and either get disconnected or wait forever. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person yesterday. Totally worth it after weeks of frustration. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent I spoke with confirmed there's no specific deadline for entering job search activities after filing by phone, but you should do it as soon as possible. If you're selected for review, they typically give you a deadline to submit documentation.
0 coins
Nia Johnson
To answer your question about deadlines - there's no hard deadline for entering job searches after filing by phone, but you should do it as soon as possible. If you're selected for a job search review (which can happen randomly), you'll typically be given a deadline to provide documentation. Pro tip: ESD recommends that you maintain your job search records for at least 60 days after the week you're claiming. So even if you enter them online, keep your own backup records with all the details (company name, contact info, position, application date, etc).
0 coins
Luca Conti
•Thanks everyone! I just logged in and added all my job search activities for last week. Definitely learned my lesson about keeping better records. Going to start a dedicated notebook for tracking everything just to be safe. Really appreciate all the help!
0 coins