ESD weekly claim by phone (IVR) not asking for job search activities - normal?
Had to file my weekly claim over the phone today since my internet was down. I've always filed online before and the system prompts me to enter my 3 job search activities each week. But when I used the phone system (IVR), it never asked me about any job search activities at all! Just asked the usual yes/no questions about availability and looking for work. Now my eServices account shows my claim as "processing - ivr" but I'm freaking out that I'll get disqualified for not reporting my job search activities. Is this normal when filing by phone? Do I need to call ESD back and somehow report my job search activities separately? Really confused about this process!
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Oliver Fischer
This is completely normal! The phone system doesn't collect your job search activities when you file. You still need to track them, but you'll report them differently. Keep detailed records of your 3 weekly job search activities in your job search log (employer name, contact info, date, method of contact, etc.). ESD may request to see this log at any time, especially if you get selected for a job search review. The system just works differently than the online portal.
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Amina Sy
•Whew, thank you!! I was so worried I'd done something wrong. So I won't get penalized as long as I have the activities documented in my job search log? I definitely have them all written down.
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Natasha Petrova
yep no probs man... i always do my claims by phone its way faster! online makes u enter all that job search stuff but phone doesn't. just keep records on your own
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Javier Morales
•Please be careful with this advice. While the phone system doesn't collect job search information at the time of filing, you are still legally required to conduct and document your job search activities each week. If you're selected for a job search review and cannot provide documentation of your activities, you could face disqualification and potentially have to repay benefits.
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Emma Davis
I had the EXACT same panic attack first time I filed by phone!!! The automated system is SO confusing and I was sure I'd messed up my claim. But it went through fine. Just make super sure you keep your job search log up to date because they randomly audit people and if you get picked and don't have documentation, they can make you pay EVERYTHING back. I use a spreadsheet to track mine with all the details.
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Amina Sy
•That makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one who freaked out about this! Do you know if there's any way to see if I'm being audited? Or do they just contact you out of the blue?
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Emma Davis
•They send you a notice in your eServices message center and by mail if you get selected for a job search review. It's totally random as far as I know. I've been on UI for 4 months and haven't been audited yet! *knocks on wood*
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GalaxyGlider
This is why I HATE the ESD system. They have different rules for different filing methods and don't explain ANY of it clearly. The phone system is from like 1995 and the online system constantly crashes. I finally got tired of waiting hours on hold and used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual ESD agent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Totally worth it to get my questions answered directly instead of stressing for days.
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Amina Sy
•Thanks for the tip! I might try that service if I have more questions about this process. Did they explain to you why the phone system is so different from the online system?
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GalaxyGlider
•The agent told me the phone system was designed way before the job search requirements were added, and they never updated it. Something about it being too expensive to reprogram the whole IVR system. So they just kept it as-is and expect people to track job searches separately. Makes zero sense to me but that's government efficiency for ya.
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Malik Robinson
me too!!! first time i did phone i was like wait what about my job search stuff??? lol
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Javier Morales
To clarify what others have said: The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone system doesn't collect job search information during weekly claims, but you are still required to conduct and document 3 job search activities each week. Important points: 1. Your claim status showing "processing - ivr" is normal 2. Keep detailed records of all job search activities in your job search log 3. If selected for a JSR (Job Search Review), you'll need to provide documentation of your activities 4. The phone system is perfectly valid for filing claims Your benefits won't be affected as long as you're actually completing your required activities, even though the phone system doesn't ask about them during filing.
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Amina Sy
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! One more question - is there any advantage to using one method over the other? Like is it better to use the online system since it actually records my job search activities in their system?
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Javier Morales
•There are pros and cons to each method: Online filing: - Creates electronic record of job search activities in ESD's system - Provides confirmation that activities were reported - Better for those who prefer documentation trail Phone filing: - Often faster to complete - Works when internet is down or website is having issues - May be easier for those not comfortable with computers Both are equally valid. Some people alternate between methods depending on their situation that week. Just ensure you're maintaining your own job search log regardless of filing method.
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Isabella Silva
The PHONE SYSTEM IS A TRAP!!! I filed by phone for 2 months and never had to enter job search info. Then suddenly got selected for a job search review and COULDN'T PROVE I'd been looking for work because I didn't keep good records!!! Had to pay back $4,800 in benefits!!! DONT MAKE MY MISTAKE!!!
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Oliver Fischer
•I'm sorry you had that experience, but it wasn't because the phone system is a "trap." The requirement to conduct and document job search activities applies regardless of how you file your weekly claim. ESD is clear in their materials that you must maintain a job search log. The phone system not collecting this information doesn't exempt anyone from the requirement.
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Ravi Choudhury
When I filed for unemployment back in 2020, I remember they temporarily waived the job search requirements during the pandemic. Have those all been reinstated now? Just curious as I might need to file again soon.
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Javier Morales
•Yes, job search requirements were fully reinstated in July 2021. Currently in 2025, you must complete and document 3 job search activities each week to remain eligible for benefits. This requirement applies to all regular unemployment insurance claimants except those with employer-approved standby status or in certain approved training programs.
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