ESD job search logs - Do I still need to submit paper logs when not required in portal?
So confused about the job search requirements right now! I've been filing my weekly claims as usual, but suddenly the ESD portal stopped asking me to enter my job contacts directly into the system. Instead, it just gave me a form to track my job search activities outside the website. I've been keeping these paper logs by week (doing my 3 activities each week), but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be submitting them somewhere? The portal doesn't give me any option to upload them. Am I missing something obvious here? Don't want to get hit with an overpayment later because I wasn't submitting these logs properly!
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Amara Okafor
You're doing it correctly! ESD changed their system last year and you don't need to submit the logs unless they specifically request them during an audit. Keep those paper logs in a safe place for at least 3 years though - ESD can audit your job search activities anytime during that period. Make sure you're still recording all the required information for each activity (company name, contact method, person contacted, date, position, action taken, etc).
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Liam Murphy
•Thank you so much! That's a relief. I've been stressing about this for weeks thinking I was doing something wrong. I'll definitely keep all my logs organized and safe. Is there anything specific that tends to trigger an audit that I should be aware of?
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CaptainAwesome
I had the same thing happen last month! I just keep filling out the paper logs and saving them but havent sent them anywhere. Nobody has said anything to me yet so I guess its ok??
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Yuki Tanaka
•Former ESD employee here. Yes, this is correct. You're both doing exactly what you should be. The system changed to reduce paperwork burden but maintain accountability. Keep your logs for 3 years minimum in case of audit. Consider scanning them too as backup.
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Esmeralda Gómez
DONT TRUST THE SYSTEM!!!! I went through this last fall and didn't submit anything because the portal didn't ask for it. Then BAM - got hit with an "audit" and they wanted ALL my job search logs for 6 months. When I couldn't provide all of them (lost a few weeks) they disqualified me and now I owe $4,300 in overpayments!!! The system is DESIGNED to trick people!!
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Amara Okafor
•That's frustrating, but not typical. Most people won't face audits if they're keeping good records. For your overpayment situation, you should definitely appeal that decision if you haven't already. You can request a waiver if the overpayment wasn't your fault.
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Klaus Schmidt
same thing here my portal stopped asking for the contacts but i still enter them anyway by going to the job search log section on the left menu. not sure if im doing extra work for nothing lol
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Aisha Patel
•I've been through this process too. The change is confusing but intentional. You're only required to keep the logs and provide them if requested. However, if you're having any issues with your claim or need to speak with someone at ESD, I recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was stuck in a similar situation and couldn't get through on the phones for weeks, but they got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent I spoke with confirmed I just needed to keep my logs, not submit them.
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Liam Murphy
Thank you all for the responses! This is really helpful. I'll keep my logs organized and make sure I'm documenting everything properly. I might scan them too just to be safe - good suggestion. Feeling much better about this now!
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LilMama23
•one more thing make sure ur still doing the right TYPE of activities each week. my buddy got in trouble cuz he was only doing job applications but ESD wants you to mix it up with things like workshops at WorkSource and informational interviews too. the rules say you need 'varied activities' or something like that
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Amara Okafor
Just to confirm what's been said - the current requirement is 3 job search activities per week, and you need to keep your own records but don't submit unless asked. ESD moved away from requiring weekly submission to reduce their administrative burden, but they still expect you to maintain detailed logs. And yes, mixing up your activity types is wise - applications, interviews, WorkSource workshops, networking events, etc. all count.
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Liam Murphy
•This is really helpful, thank you! I've been doing a mix of activities but I'll make sure to keep it varied. I'm going to organize my logs by week and scan them tonight just to be safe.
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