ESD weekly claim question - out of state vacation while on unemployment?

You still need to file your weekly claim but mark that you were NOT able and available to work. ESD rules require you to be able, available, and actively seeking work each week you claim benefits. When you're on vacation, you're technically not available even if you're job searching online. I've done this before - you just won't get paid for those weeks, but your claim stays active and you can resume benefits when you return. Be honest - they can check travel records if they audit you.

jst make sure u answer truthfully! my cousin got in big trouble for sayin he was available when he went to mexico last year

Actually I disagree with the first comment. Don't file at all for weeks you're not claiming benefits. Why create extra paperwork and potential confusion? I've been on and off unemployment for years and just skip filing when I'm out of town. When you get back, start filing again. No issues. That's my experience anyway.

Wait I'm confused...if you can't get benefits while on vacation why would you even bother filing? Seems pointless tbh

Professional advice: Always file your weekly claims even when you're going to be temporarily unavailable. Mark the specific days you were not available for work. Be precise - if you're gone for 9 days that span two claim weeks, you'll need to note the exact dates of unavailability in each weekly claim. If you're going to be unavailable for more than 3 weeks, you might want to call ESD directly to explain the situation. Their call center is notoriously difficult to reach, but I've had clients use a service called Claimyr to get through (claimyr.com). They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The important thing is maintaining complete honesty in your claims to avoid future overpayment issues or fraud accusations.

Just to add one important detail - make sure your job search activities for the weeks you're gone still meet requirements for the days you WERE available. If your vacation is Thursday-Friday-Saturday in a week, you still need to do your 3 job search activities for Sunday-Wednesday. I got tripped up on this last year and had a week disqualified even though I was only gone for the weekend.

For the most accurate information, check the ESD handbook or website. The official guidance is to file your weekly claim and report any days you weren't available for work. You won't receive benefits for those days/weeks, but this keeps your claim active. Missing 4 consecutive weekly claims will make your claim inactive. Regarding job search: You must still complete your job search requirements for any week you're claiming, even partially. If you're unavailable for the entire week, you still need to file but you won't need job search activities since you won't be eligible for that week anyway. Be 100% truthful - ESD does cross-check travel records during fraud investigations.