ESD no longer shows job search log in weekly claim - forced to use separate log now?

Yeah this happened to me last week too!! Was totally caught off guard. I think its a permanent change cause the ESD rep told me when I FINALLY got through that they're moving to the \

Thanks for confirming! At least I'm not the only one. Did the ESD rep say anything about how we're supposed to submit the job log? Do we upload it somewhere or just keep it in case they audit us?

This is actually a return to the pre-pandemic system. Before COVID, ESD always required claimants to maintain a separate job search log rather than entering activities directly during weekly claims. The integrated system was a temporary measure implemented during high claim volumes. \n\nThe current process requires you to:\n1. Download the official job search log from the ESD website\n2. Record all required activities (still 3 per week)\n3. Keep this log for your records\n4. Only submit it if specifically requested during an audit\n\nThey made this change about two weeks ago. The benefit is that you can record more detailed information about each job search activity than the limited fields in the weekly claim system allowed.

wait so do we need to like mail this in every week or something??? seems dum

Just had my claim denied because I didn't know about this change and didn't keep detailed enough records!! I thought checking the box that I did my job searches was enough. Now I'm having to appeal and it's a NIGHTMARE. Make sure you download their official form and fill it out completely for each activity. I wish they would have sent a clearer notification about this change instead of just removing the section with barely any explanation.

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! I'm sorry that happened to you. Did they give you any chance to recreate your job search log after the fact?

I went through this change too and was initially confused, but it's actually not that bad once you get used to it. The key points everyone needs to know:\n\n- You still need 3 job search activities per week\n- Download the official form here: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/job-search-requirements\n- You DON'T submit it weekly - just keep it for your records\n- ESD randomly audits about 10% of claimants, and only then would you need to provide it\n- The form lets you record MUCH more detail which actually helps if you get audited\n\nIf you're having trouble getting through to ESD to ask questions about this, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) last week when I was confused about the same issue. They got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days calling. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

is that service actually legit? seems sketchy that you have to pay to talk to esd when its a government agency we should be able to reach anyway

This change is SO ANNOYING!!! Before I could just quickly enter everything while doing my weekly claim. now I gotta keep track of a separate document AND remember to update it each time I do a job search activity. I bet they're just hoping people mess up so they can deny claims. classic esd making everything harder on purpose. 😠

While it does require an additional step, maintaining a separate log actually provides better protection for claimants. The previous system had very limited space for details, which often led to denials during audits. The separate form allows you to document much more information about each contact, which helps validate your activities if questioned.

@OP - one other thing to be aware of. Make sure you're recording the correct TYPE of job search activity. Some people get confused about what counts. Remember these all qualify:\n- Applying for jobs (online or in person)\n- Having job interviews\n- Attending WorkSource workshops\n- Creating profiles on job sites\n- Meeting with career counselors\n- Attending job fairs\n\nJust make sure you record ALL the required details for each one (date, employer/service, contact info, position, method of contact, and results/outcome).

This is really helpful, thank you! I wasn't sure if the WorkSource workshops still counted, so that's good to know.

Has anyone figured out if there's a way to upload the job search log proactively? I'd rather just submit it every week instead of waiting for them to audit me and potentially have issues later.

I asked about that specifically! The rep said theres NO WAY to upload it unless they specifically request it during an audit. They dont want everyone sending them in - they just spot check random people. its weird but thats what she told me

lol i didnt even notice they changed it i just hit yes on the did u look for work question and move on. nobody ever checks that stuff anyway

They absolutely DO check! That's how I got my claim denied. They do random audits and if you get selected and don't have proper documentation, you'll have to pay back benefits and might be disqualified for a period of time.

For anyone still confused, here's a step-by-step guide for the new process:\n\n1. Download the official job search log from: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/job-search-requirements\n2. Record all 3 required job search activities each week\n3. When filing your weekly claim, you'll still answer \

Thank you for laying it out so clearly! One last question - do you know how long we need to keep these logs? The entire time we're on unemployment or longer?

@OP - You should keep your job search logs for at least one year after your benefit year ends. ESD can audit your job search activities for quite some time after you receive benefits, so it's better to be safe.