ESD questioning job searches during unpaid out-of-town week - how to respond?

Even tho u didn't get paid, they still want u to account for ALL weeks. They're super picky about this stuff. Just write exactly what u said - "I was out of town from X to Y dates and only completed 1 job search activity as noted on my claim." I'd also include where u were and why, just to cover all bases. They can flag ur account if they think ur trying to hide something.

This is a standard verification letter. ESD routinely audits job search activities, even for weeks when benefits weren't paid. You need to respond completely to avoid potential issues with your claim. Here's what you should do: 1. Write a clear explanation that you were out of town and only able to complete one activity 2. Provide documentation of that one activity 3. Note the dates you were unavailable 4. Return the letter by the deadline indicated Failing to respond could result in having to pay back benefits from other weeks or even disqualification from future benefits. Job search verification is separate from weekly claim payment processing.

i got the exact same thing last year when i went to my cousins wedding!! so annoying. i just wrote 'OUT OF TOWN - NO JOB SEARCH CONDUCTED' for those spots and never heard anything more about it. esd just has these automatic systems that trigger letters no matter what i think

They're doing this because they need to verify that you actually were looking for work during your benefit year. ESD can go back and audit ANY week within your claim year, even if they didn't pay you for it. They're making sure you're not claiming to be out of town just to avoid job search requirements while secretly collecting benefits. I'd respond with a brief explanation about being out of town, where you were, and why. Keep it factual. And make sure you follow up! If they don't get a response, they can make your life miserable by putting your claim under review or even demanding repayment of benefits from weeks they DID pay you for.

If you're having trouble getting through to ESD to explain this situation, I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent when I had a similar issue. Instead of waiting on hold for hours, they got me connected to an ESD representative within about 20 minutes. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. It was worth it for me to get my job search verification issues resolved quickly.

Let me clarify something important: ESD requires you to be actively seeking work during all weeks claimed, even if you know you're going to be disqualified for other reasons. The fact that you reported being out of town (which made you unavailable for work) correctly resulted in non-payment, but doesn't eliminate the job search audit process. Your response should include: - The dates you were out of town - The reason for travel - Documentation of the one job search activity you completed - A clear statement that you understand the requirement is normally three activities per week This is standard procedure and won't affect your benefits as long as you respond promptly and honestly. They're just closing the loop on their documentation requirements.

this same thing happened to my brother BUT he ignored the letter cause he figured same thing - why bother if they didn't pay him??? BIG MISTAKE!! they ended up putting his whole claim on hold for like 6 weeks while they "investigated" and he had to do a phone interview and everything. don't ignore it!!!!!!

One additional recommendation: Keep a copy of your response and any documentation you send to ESD. Take a photo or make a photocopy before mailing. If you can submit online through your eServices account, that's even better as it creates an electronic record. Having documentation of your timely response can be crucial if there's any follow-up required.

update us after u hear back! curious what happens cuz i might be going out of town next month too