ESD job search requirements: When do they start with a new claim & can I skip online entry?

You need to start doing job search activities from the very first week you claim benefits, even during your waiting week. The only exception is if you're approved for standby or in a commissioner-approved training program. As for logging your activities, technically you're supposed to enter them in the online system when filing weekly claims. However, many people just maintain detailed paper logs. The important thing is that if ESD audits you, you must be able to provide documentation of your activities. If you say yes to conducting job searches but don't enter the details online, your weekly claim will still process, but you're taking a risk if you get selected for a job search review and don't have proper documentation.

When I filed last year, I didn't do job searches until AFTER my claim was approved... and I got in trouble!!! They actually denied my benefits for those first two weeks because I couldn't prove job searches. DON'T make my mistake!! Start immediately, even during waiting week.

i just keep a notebook with my job searches and check yes on the online form. been doing it that way for years and never had problems. esd only asks for the actual logs if they audit you which is pretty rare tbh

To answer your questions directly: 1. Job search requirements begin immediately with your first week claiming benefits (including the waiting week). You must complete 3 qualifying job search activities each week. 2. Regarding documentation: While ESD's official guidance states you should enter job search details when filing weekly claims online, their primary concern is that you maintain accurate records that you can provide if requested. Many claimants do keep paper logs instead of entering everything online. However, I recommend entering at least some basic information online and keeping detailed records separately. This demonstrates compliance while saving you time. If you're selected for a job search review (which happens randomly), you'll need to provide complete documentation of all activities. Also, make sure you understand what qualifies as an acceptable job search activity. In addition to applying for jobs, activities can include attending job fairs, creating profiles on job search websites, and attending WorkSource workshops.

The ESD website is so confusing!!!! I thought I only had to do job searches after I got my first payment. Nobody explains this stuff clearly 😠

If you're having trouble reaching ESD to get clear answers on this, try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was stuck on hold forever trying to get clarification about job search requirements after my claim was flagged for review. Used their service and got through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me hours of frustration!

DONT SKIP entering the job search info online!!! My cousin did that and got audited and they disqualified 3 weeks of benefits because his paper log didn't match exactly what the employer said when ESD called to verify!!! The online form makes you enter all the right info they need!!!

One clarification on the job search documentation: When you check "Yes" that you completed job search activities but don't enter the details online, your claim will still process. However, this does flag your account in the ESD system as having "minimal documentation." While this doesn't guarantee you'll be selected for review, accounts with this flag are statistically more likely to be chosen for job search review audits. If you're concerned about the time it takes to enter everything online, consider using the WorkSource WA job search tools which can automatically link to your unemployment claim and count as documented activities.