ESD not requiring job search activities this week - system glitch or policy change?

This happened to me too! I thought maybe I clicked something wrong, so I backed out and tried again, but same result - no job search reporting section. I've been claiming for about 6 months now and this is the first time. I'm worried we'll get hit with an overpayment notice later if we were actually supposed to report somehow.

omg i just noticed this 2 and was freakin out!! thot i did something wrong but glad its not just me. does anyone kno if this means we dont have to do job search this week at all or we still need to do it but just not report it??

THIS IS A TRAP!!!! They're doing random checks to see who's actually looking for work! My neighbor got caught in one of these last year - they didn't ask for job search info for two weeks and he thought he was off the hook. Then BAM! Got a letter saying he was disqualified and had to pay everything back. ESD is looking for ways to deny benefits and this is one of their tactics. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and keep applying for jobs no matter what!!

When I had this happen last year, I called ESD to make sure everything was okay. Waited on hold for 4 HOURS and then got disconnected! Typical ESD nonsense. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through - they have this system that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Anyway, the agent confirmed it was a temporary suspension week and nothing to worry about, but said to keep doing job searches anyway.

Official answer: ESD occasionally has scheduled weeks where they don't require reporting of job search activities in the weekly claim. However, the requirement to conduct job searches is still in effect. According to WAC 192-180-010, you must still complete your 3 job search activities each week. This is typically done during system maintenance periods or sometimes at the end of quarters when they're processing large volumes of employer data. You should have received an alert about this in your ESD account messages, but they don't always send clear notifications. Keep documenting your job searches in your personal records. ESD can still request your job search log at any time.

I just checked my ESD message center and there actually is a notice about this! It was posted last Friday but I completely missed it. It says "Job search reporting temporarily suspended for claim week ending 5/15/2025 due to system maintenance. Job search requirements remain in effect." So mystery solved! Thanks everyone for your help.

this happened to me last quarter too.. they do this sometimes but dont tell anyone in advance which is super annoying. my cousin works at a call center and said they get FLOODED with calls whenever this happens because everyone panics lol. definitely just keep doing ur job searches even tho they arent asking for them right now!!!

Just for everyone's future reference, here's what you need to know about these job search suspension weeks: 1. They typically happen 1-2 times per quarter 2. The system will not ask for job search details during these weeks 3. You are still required to perform your 3 job search activities each week 4. Keep your job search log updated even during suspension weeks 5. ESD can audit your job search records for up to a year 6. Notifications about suspension weeks are posted in your ESD message center Hope this helps clear up any confusion!