How to report job search activities when filing weekly claim by phone with ESD?

When you file by phone, you don't actually report your job search activities during the call. The automated system doesn't have a way to collect that information. Instead, you need to keep track of all your job search activities in your job search log. ESD may request to see your job search log at any time, so make sure you're documenting everything properly (date, employer contact info, position, application method, etc). Even though you don't report the activities by phone, you still need to be doing your 3 required activities each week. If ESD randomly selects you for a job search review, you'll need to provide your log showing you've been meeting the requirements.

yea i file by fone sometimes and theres no way to tell them about job searchs when u do. just keep ur log updated n theyll ask for it if they want it. been on UI since january n they havent asked for mine yet lol

Let me clarify how this works since there seems to be some confusion: 1. When filing by phone, the automated system doesn't collect job search details 2. You're still required to complete 3 job search activities each week (unless you have an approved standby status) 3. You must maintain a detailed job search log with all required information 4. ESD conducts random reviews of job search logs - approximately 10% of claimants get selected each month 5. If selected, you'll receive a letter requesting your job search log for specific weeks 6. If you can't provide documentation or didn't complete the required activities, you can be disqualified and have to pay back benefits The online system is definitely more convenient since it lets you report activities as you go. If your internet issues continue, consider using a public library computer or the WorkSource center to file online.

I had the same confusion last year when my laptop died! I actually went to a WorkSource office to ask about this and they confirmed what others are saying - you don't report job searches by phone, but you definitely need to keep doing them and documenting them properly. The WorkSource advisor said they do random audits and if you get caught without proper documentation, you could lose benefits and potentially have to pay back money from weeks where you didn't meet the requirements. Just keep good records and you'll be fine!

The ESD phone system is SO frustrating in general. I spent 4 weeks trying to reach someone about an adjudication issue and couldn't get through. The wait times are ridiculous and half the time it just disconnects you. I finally used Claimyr to get through to a real person (claimyr.com). They have this system that helps you skip the ESD phone queue and get connected to an agent. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 While you're waiting for your internet to come back, this might help if you need to talk to someone about your claim or job search questions. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked for me after weeks of frustration.

Wait I'm confused now. Are we supposed to be doing 3 or 4 job searches per week? I thought it changed to 4 recently? I've been doing 4 just to be safe but now I'm wondering if I misunderstood something.

The entire ESD system is DELIBERATELY DESIGNED to be confusing and trip people up so they can deny benefits!!! I went through this exact situation last year and ended up getting disqualified because I didn't know I still needed to do job searches when filing by phone. No one told me! The automated system doesn't tell you! They sent me a letter MONTHS later saying I owed $4,800 in overpayments because I failed a job search review. The system is RIGGED against claimants. They don't want to pay benefits so they make the process as complicated as possible hoping people will make mistakes.

When I had to file by phone once during a power outage, I actually used my neighbor's internet the next day to log into my eServices account and add my job search activities after I'd already filed by phone. There's a section where you can view and edit your job search activities separate from filing your weekly claim. Not sure if that's still possible in 2025, but might be worth checking once your internet is back!