ESD part-time work and job search requirements - do I still need 3 job searches while working?

Yes, you absolutely still need to complete 3 job search activities each week, even if you're working part-time. Your current part-time work does NOT count toward your job search requirements. ESD wants to see that you're actively looking for full-time employment or additional part-time work to become fully employed. Make sure you're documenting all your job search activities properly in your weekly claim or on the job search log. If you don't meet the requirements, you could be denied benefits for that week.

im in the exact same boat!! been working 18-22 hrs at starbucks and still doing all my job searches every week. its exhausting but ESD doesnt care lol. ive been doing mostly those quick apply jobs on indeed so its not too time consuming

Yep, you gotta keep doing those 3 job searches no matter what. It's dumb because your already WORKING but whatever. I got audited last year and they made me send in all my job search logs and I almost lost benefits because I thought working part-time would count. DON'T RISK IT!! Just do the stupid searches and keep your claim active.

The requirement to perform three job search activities applies regardless of whether you're working part-time or not. However, here's something that might help: attending approved WorkSource workshops can count as job search activities. This might be easier to schedule around your work hours than applying for jobs or going to interviews. Also, documenting contacts with previous employers about additional hours can count too. Just make sure you're recording everything properly on your job search log.

Don't forget that "job search activities" isn't just limited to applying for jobs. You can also count: attending job fairs, creating and uploading resumes to job boards, registering with employment agencies, taking skills assessments, and participating in WorkSource workshops. This might give you more flexibility with your part-time schedule. Also, make sure you're reporting your part-time earnings correctly each week - you need to report gross earnings for the hours worked that week, even if you haven't been paid yet.

I had to call ESD about this EXACT question last month when I started my part-time gig. Took me FOREVER to get through to them though. Kept getting hung up on after waiting for hours.

To answer your follow-up question about calculating partial benefits: ESD uses what they call the "earnings deduction." They deduct 75% of your gross earnings from your weekly benefit amount. So if your weekly benefit is $500 and you earn $200 in a week, they'll deduct $150 (75% of $200), leaving you with a partial benefit of $350. However, if your earnings exceed your weekly benefit amount, you won't receive benefits for that week even though you still need to file and do job searches to keep your claim active.

ive been on partial unemplyment for 4 months and trust me DO NOT SKIP THE JOB SEARCHES!!!! they will audit you randomly and if you cant prove you did them youll have to pay everything back. happened to my roomate and now hes in debt to esd for like $5000

One important thing no one has mentioned yet: if you consistently work part-time but want to maintain your claim until it expires, make sure you're not turning down any opportunities for full-time work. If ESD determines you're restricting your availability or turning down suitable work, they can disqualify you from benefits. When you're on unemployment, you're expected to be seeking and available for full-time work, even if you're currently working part-time.

Based on everyone's feedback, here's a summary for you: 1. Yes, you must complete 3 job search activities weekly while working part-time 2. Your part-time work doesn't count toward job search requirements 3. Various activities count: applications, workshops, job fairs, etc. 4. Report gross earnings for hours worked each week, even if not paid yet 5. Partial benefits = Weekly Benefit Amount minus 75% of your earnings 6. Keep detailed records of all job search activities in case of audit 7. You must remain available for and accept suitable full-time work Hope this helps clarify everything!