Laid off Thursday - filed immediately - no job search info on first weekly claim - will I still get approved?

You should be fine. ESD actually has a one-week waiting period before benefits begin (you don't get paid for the first week you're eligible). Additionally, you can request standby status since your layoff just happened, which temporarily waives job search requirements. Log back into your eServices account, go to your dashboard, and look for the option to request standby status. As long as you intend to return to your previous employer within 8 weeks, or are in a high-demand occupation and expect new employment soon, you can qualify for up to 8 weeks of standby.

dont worry about it!! i got laid off last year and didnt do job search stuff for like 2 weeks and still got my money. first week is waiting week anyways so u dont get paid for that one. just make sure u do the job search activities next week.

I'm so sorry about your layoff. That really sucks. I got laid off in January and it was awful. Took me forever to find a new job.

I've been through this exact situation. Here's what you need to know: 1. Your first week is the "waiting week" (you don't get paid but must file a claim) 2. You DO need job search activities for every week including the waiting week UNLESS you're on standby or have an approved job search exemption 3. You can request standby status if you expect to return to your employer within 8 weeks OR work in a high-demand field 4. Software development definitely qualifies as high-demand Log into eServices, go to your dashboard, and request standby status ASAP. If approved, you won't need job search activities while on standby. If denied, you'll need to go back and update your claim with job search information. Don't panic - ESD usually gives you some time to correct issues before denying benefits completely. Just make sure you address this quickly.

THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY YOU BENEFITS!!!! I made ONE small mistake on my claim and they made me pay back $5,200!!!! Always document EVERYTHING and take screenshots of your weekly claims. ESD will find ANY reason to disqualify you!!!

I went through something similar last month and spent THREE DAYS trying to reach ESD by phone to ask about the job search requirements. Kept getting disconnected after 2+ hours on hold. Finally I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in 25 minutes. They explained that I needed to request standby status, which temporarily waives the job search requirements. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Totally worth it because the agent helped me correct the issue before I got a denial notice. With how backed up the phone lines are right now, I wouldn't have gotten through otherwise.

One more thing - make absolutely sure you correctly answer the "able and available" question each week. Many people confuse this with standby status. Even on standby, you must be physically able to work and available to accept work if offered. If you say no to this question, you'll be denied regardless of standby status.

UPDATE: I applied for standby status yesterday and just got approved today! It's good for 4 weeks, which gives me some breathing room. I'm already applying for jobs anyway, but it's a relief to know I won't get denied for the first week when I was still in shock from the layoff. Thanks everyone for your help!

my cousin works at ESD and says they have a huge backlog rn so even if theres an issue with your claim youll prrbaly get approved with how short staffed they are lol