Resuming ESD benefits after temp job ends - will my remaining $4k still be available?
I stopped claiming unemployment at the end of July when I had roughly $4,000 left in my benefit balance. Got a temporary position that runs August through October (about 3 months total). Once this temp job wraps up, can I just pick up where I left off with my claim? Will those remaining benefits still be accessible, or am I looking at another waiting period? Also wondering if working these 3 months (over 300 hours) will actually increase my total benefit amount when I reapply? Haven't dealt with a break in claiming before and really need to plan ahead for when this position ends.
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Kingston Bellamy
Yes, you can reopen your existing claim as long as your benefit year hasn't expired. Your benefit year runs for 12 months from when you first applied, regardless of whether you're claiming or not. The remaining $4k should still be available if you're within that year. You'll need to reopen your claim through your eServices account and there might be a one-week waiting period, depending on your situation.
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Morita Montoya
•Thanks! My original claim started in March 2025, so I should still be within the benefit year when the temp job ends. Do you know if I need any special documentation from my employer about the temp position ending?
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Joy Olmedo
your benifit amount wont increase until your current claim expires. the 300 hours can help for a NEW claim but not ur existing one. i just went through the same thing with seasonal work.
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Isaiah Cross
•This is correct! Your current benefit amount is fixed for the entire benefit year. But those 300+ hours will definitely help establish a new claim when your current benefit year expires. Make sure you keep good records of your temp job (pay stubs, etc).
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Kiara Greene
When I had to restart my claim after a short job, ESD wanted to know EXACTLY why the job ended and needed documentation. Got stuck in adjudication for weeks because the employer was slow sending verification. Make sure you get something in writing from them!
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Evelyn Kelly
•The ESD system is TERRIBLE at handling temp jobs that end as scheduled. They automatically treat every job separation like it might be a quit or firing, even when it's just a temporary assignment ending as planned. Had the same issue and was left without benefits for almost a month while they "investigated" a perfectly normal temp job ending. RIDICULOUS waste of taxpayer money!
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Paloma Clark
I tried calling ESD when I was in a similar situation and couldn't get through for DAYS. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an ESD agent in under an hour. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent explained that I could reopen my claim online, but I needed to report my temp earnings correctly to avoid an overpayment issue later. Definitely worth getting specific guidance for your situation.
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Joy Olmedo
•does that service actually work? ive spent like 2 weeks trying to reach someone at esd!!!
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Paloma Clark
•It worked for me! Got through to an actual person who could access my claim info. Way better than being on hold forever or getting disconnected.
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Heather Tyson
To directly address your questions: 1. Yes, you can resume claiming your remaining benefits if you're still within your benefit year (12 months from initial claim date) 2. There will likely be a one-week waiting period when you reopen the claim 3. Your current benefit amount will NOT increase based on the temp work 4. However, those 300+ hours will help establish a new claim when your current benefit year expires When reopening, be prepared to provide: - Last day of work at the temp job - Reason for separation (in your case, temporary position ended) - Documentation showing the temp nature of the position Be very clear that this was a temporary position with a predetermined end date to avoid unnecessary adjudication.
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Morita Montoya
•Thank you for the detailed breakdown! This really helps me understand what to expect. I'll make sure to get documentation from my employer showing the predetermined end date of the temp assignment.
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Kiara Greene
anyone know if theyre still requiring the 3 job search activities per week? i heard they might have changed it but the ESD website is so confusing
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Isaiah Cross
•Yes, the requirement is still 3 job search activities per week for regular UI claims. They haven't changed that. Make sure you're logging all your activities in your job search log because ESD does random audits!
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Kiara Greene
•thx! good to know
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Evelyn Kelly
Just be aware that sometimes when you reopen a claim they automatically put you back in adjudication even if nothing's wrong. Happened to me TWICE. First time took 4 weeks to resolve, second time took 6 WEEKS!!! The ESD system seems designed to make people give up.
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Heather Tyson
•While adjudication can happen, it's not automatic for everyone reopening a claim. Having clear documentation about why your temp job ended (a letter from the employer stating it was a temporary position with a predetermined end date) significantly reduces this risk. The key is being proactive with documentation rather than waiting for ESD to request it.
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