Job offer signed but don't start until September - ESD adjudication and job search requirements question

First, congratulations on the new job! But yes, you MUST continue doing your required job search activities until you actually start working. Having a job offer doesn't exempt you from the job search requirements - you're only exempt when you're actually employed and working (or on approved standby status). You need to do at least 3 job search activities each week until your first day of actual work.

You definitely need to keep doing your job search activities until you're actually working and reporting wages. Getting a job offer doesn't change your requirements. The good news is that the job search activities don't necessarily have to be actual job applications - you can also count things like updating your resume, attending WorkSource workshops, or networking events. But you absolutely need 3 activities each week or your benefits for that week can be denied.

Sounds like your main issue right now is the adjudication process and getting paid though - that's separate from your job search mistake. Since you've been waiting 4+ weeks in adjudication, you should definitely try calling ESD directly to find out what's causing the delay. Could be identity verification, employer response issue, or something else entirely. I was stuck in adjudication for 5 weeks earlier this year, and the only way I got it resolved was using Claimyr to get through to an actual ESD agent (claimyr.com). They have a system that calls ESD for you and gets you in the queue without you having to redial constantly. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Honestly was worth it for me to finally talk to someone who could tell me what was going on and fix the issue.

ugh this EXACT thing happened to my boyfriend!!! got job in July but didn't start till september and ESD was like "sorry you needed to keep doing job search" and he lost like $2400 in benefits!!! the system is BROKEN! why would anyone look for jobs when they already HAVE ONE????? makes no sense!!!

One thing no one has mentioned - you can actually apply for standby status in this situation! If you have a definite return-to-work date within 12 weeks, you might qualify for standby which exempts you from job search requirements. You'd need to submit the standby application through your eServices account and provide proof of your job offer with the start date. Worth looking into since your start date is within that timeframe. Just remember, standby isn't automatically approved - ESD has to review and approve it.

im kinda confused why ur claim is in adjudication tho? thats separate from job search issue right? have u tried calling the unemployment office? sometimes they can fix things right away if u actually get through

So let me tell you about my experience with this EXACT situation last year. Had a job lined up but didn't start for 2 months. I thought I was fine not doing job search activities but then got hit with a notice saying I was denied benefits for those weeks! Had to go through a whole appeal process with a judge and everything! What a pain. Just do the bare minimum 3 activities each week - even if it's just filling out online applications for jobs you don't want. Trust me, not worth the hassle otherwise.

when i was on unemployment they never checked my job search logs even once lol

To follow up on my earlier comment about standby status - if your start date is September 30, 2025, and you apply for standby now, you should be within the 12-week window. Make sure you upload your job offer letter with the specific start date clearly shown when you apply for standby. While waiting for standby approval, continue doing your job search activities just to be safe. Regarding the week you missed, you might be able to file an appeal for that specific week if it gets denied, explaining your misunderstanding of the requirements.