Filed initial ESD claim but wasn't prompted for job search activities - did I mess up?

You didn't do anything wrong! When you first open your claim, it only establishes your eligibility for benefits. The weekly claims process is separate - you'll need to log back in on Sunday (or any day next week) to file your first weekly claim. That's when you'll enter your job search activities. The first week of your claim is actually your "waiting week" where you won't receive benefits but still need to meet all eligibility requirements including job search. Make sure you keep track of those 3 job search activities for each week!

same happened to me when i filed in october... confusing system!! you gotta log back in to do the weekly claim part later. they dont tell u that clearly AT ALL

The ESD system is designed to trip people up and deny benefits! I lost two weeks of payments because I didn't realize you have to file weekly claims EVERY SINGLE WEEK even when your claim is in adjudication!!! And nobody at ESD bothered to tell me - just got a letter later saying I was disqualified for those weeks. Make sure you file every Sunday and DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!!

Job search requirements always confused me too! Just make sure you're doing at least 3 job search activities each week and documenting them (company name, position, date, how you applied, etc.). You'll enter them during your weekly claim.

To clarify the process: 1. Initial application: This establishes your claim and determines monetary eligibility. 2. Weekly claims: Starting after your initial application, you must file a claim each week to receive benefits. This is when you'll report job search activities. 3. Waiting week: Your first eligible week is a waiting week (no benefits paid, but you must meet all requirements including job searches). 4. Job search reporting: When you file your weekly claim, you'll need to report if you completed job search activities. You don't enter the details in the system, but you must keep records of them in case of an audit. You should be able to file your first weekly claim this Sunday. It will only ask if you completed the required activities, not for specific details of each job contact.

I've been through this process twice and it still confuses me!! One thing that really helped me was creating a calendar reminder every Sunday to file my weekly claim. If you miss filing for a week, it's a HUGE hassle to get it fixed.

If you're having trouble reaching ESD to get clarification on anything, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was stuck in endless phone queues until I found their service - they got me through to an actual ESD agent within about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 or visit claimyr.com. Saved me hours of redial frustration when I had questions about my job search requirements.

To answer your follow-up question - no, it won't ask for both weeks' job searches at once. Each weekly claim only covers the specific week you're filing for. So when you file this Sunday, you'll be reporting for the current week only. By the way, when the system asks if you completed your job search activities, it just asks yes/no. You don't actually enter the details into the ESD system unless you're selected for a job search review. But you absolutely must keep detailed records of all your job search activities (I use a spreadsheet).