Got offered my old job back while on ESD unemployment - do I still file weekly and report job searches?

Yes, you should continue filing your weekly claims right up until you actually start working again. When you file your weekly claim, there should be a question asking if you've accepted an offer of work - answer 'yes' to that and provide the details they ask for (employer name, start date, etc.). As for job searches, technically you still need to complete and document your 3 job search activities each week until you actually return to work. The fact that you have a job lined up doesn't exempt you from the job search requirements while still collecting benefits.

congrats on getting ur job back!! when i was on unemployment last year i stopped filing as soon as i got hired but that was a mistake!! definitely keep filing until u actually start working those hours. u dont get paid for the weeks u dont file even if ur eligible

THE SYSTEM IS RIDICULOUS!! They make you apply for jobs even when you ALREADY HAVE A JOB! Total waste of everyone's time. I was in a similar situation and ESD told me I still had to do the job search activities even though I was starting a new job in 3 weeks. So I had to go apply for random positions knowing 100% I wouldn't take them. Such bureaucratic nonsense!!!

Just to add a bit more information: When you do your weekly filing, you'll need to answer "yes" to the question about whether you've accepted an offer of future work. You'll need to enter the employer information, the date you're starting, and expected hours/wages. This lets ESD know you have work lined up but haven't started yet. As for job search activities, yes, you technically still need to complete them. However, attending WorkSource workshops can count as job search activities, and those might be more appropriate than applying for jobs you won't take. Career counseling appointments, resume reviews, or employer information sessions also count as valid activities, even if you already have a job lined up.

I thought i read somewhere that if you have a definite return to work date you might be eligible for standby status where you don't have to do job searches? maybe thats just for temporary layoffs tho. anyways congrats on getting ur job back!

When I had trouble reaching ESD about a similar situation (had a job offer but wasn't starting for a month), I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent. They have a system that keeps redialing for you until you get through. Saved me hours of frustration! They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The ESD agent was able to explain exactly what I needed to do with my weekly claims and job search activities given my situation. Gave me peace of mind knowing I was doing everything correctly.

last time i was on unemployment i forgot to report that i got a job offer until after i actually started working and nothing bad happened??? but maybe i just got lucky lol

Had a similar situation back in January. Make sure when you file your last claim (the week before you start work) that you indicate you've returned to full-time work. That way they know to stop your claim. I didn't do this and got an overpayment notice because the system kept filing automatically. What a headache that was to fix!

One more thing to consider - once you start your job, you'll file one more weekly claim for your last week of unemployment (the partial week before starting work). If you start mid-week, you can report your earnings for the days you worked, and potentially get partial benefits for the days you didn't work. Just be honest about your hours and earnings when you file that final claim.