Starting new job but confused about when to stop filing ESD weekly claims?
Hi everyone! I just got a job offer (finally!) and I'm starting in March. I'm a bit confused about how to handle my unemployment claims now. Do I still need to file a weekly claim during my first week of work? Or should I stop filing as soon as I get my first day on the job? I'm worried about accidentally committing fraud or getting an overpayment notice if I do this wrong. Also wondering if I should call ESD to let them know I found employment or if the system automatically updates when I report wages? Thanks for any help!
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Marcelle Drum
congrats on the job! you actually need to keep filing until you earn more than your weekly benefit amount. just make sure you report ALL hours and wages earned for the week your claiming, even if you haven't been paid yet.
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Collins Angel
•Thanks! So even if I work 40 hours that first week, I should still file and just report the hours/wages? I'm going to be making more than my benefit amount right away.
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Tate Jensen
Congratulations on your new position! The previous commenter is correct - you should continue filing your weekly claims during any week you worked but haven't yet exceeded your weekly benefit amount in earnings. Make sure to accurately report your hours and gross wages (before taxes) for the week you're claiming, even if you haven't received your first paycheck yet. Once your weekly earnings exceed your weekly benefit amount, ESD will show your claim as "excess earnings" and won't pay benefits for that week. After 4 consecutive weeks of excess earnings, your claim becomes inactive automatically. You don't need to call ESD specifically to tell them you found a job - just accurately report your work and earnings on your weekly claims until the system automatically deactivates your claim.
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Collins Angel
•This makes so much sense now, thank you! So I don't have to worry about calling them directly, just keep reporting accurately. That's a relief!
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Adaline Wong
Just to add - if your first week is partial (like you start on a Wednesday), you might still qualify for partial benefits if your earnings that week are less than your weekly benefit amount. The system will calculate this automatically based on what you report.
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Gabriel Ruiz
I made a mistake with this last year and got hit with an overpayment notice!!! MAKE SURE you report even if you think you don't need to. And don't forget to include ALL wages even if you haven't been paid - it's when you EARNED the money not when you get paid that matters!
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Collins Angel
•Oh no! That sounds stressful. Did you have to pay back a lot? I definitely don't want that to happen to me.
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Gabriel Ruiz
•Yeah had to pay back almost $1,200! It was a nightmare trying to get through to ESD to set up a payment plan. Took me WEEKS of calling.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
what about job search requirements during your last week? do u still have to do the 3 job search activities even tho u already have a job?
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Tate Jensen
•Good question! Technically, you're required to complete your job search activities for any week you're claiming benefits, even if it's your final week. However, if you've already accepted a firm job offer with a definite start date, you can request "standby" status which would exempt you from job search requirements. For a short period, though, many people find it easier to just do the three quick job search activities rather than requesting the standby status change.
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Peyton Clarke
The ESD system is such garbage. It's deliberately confusing about when to stop filing so they can catch people in "fraud" later. I stopped filing as soon as I got my job offer last year and then got a nasty letter saying I potentially left benefits on the table. Then when my friend kept filing during training at her new job, she got an overpayment notice! You literally can't win with them.
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Adaline Wong
•While the system can definitely be frustrating, the rules are actually consistent. You should continue filing until you earn more than your weekly benefit amount, while accurately reporting all hours and earnings. Your friend likely either reported incorrectly or misunderstood how to report wages. The system isn't designed to trap people, but it does require careful attention to the reporting requirements.
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Vince Eh
Something else to consider - if your new job doesn't work out during the first few weeks (hopefully that won't happen!), your claim will still be active as long as it's been less than 4 weeks of excess earnings. That's why it's important to keep filing - it protects your claim status just in case. Once you've had 4 weeks of excess earnings, then your claim becomes inactive and you'd need to reopen it if you needed benefits again.
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Marcelle Drum
my sister had a part time job and was still getting partial unemployment so it really depends on how much u make compared to ur benefit amount.
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Collins Angel
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! Just to recap what I've learned in case it helps someone else: 1. Keep filing weekly claims until I've had 4 consecutive weeks of earnings above my benefit amount 2. Report all hours and wages earned in the week I'm claiming, even if I haven't been paid yet 3. ESD will automatically mark my claim as "excess earnings" when I earn more than my benefit amount 4. I still need to do job search activities for any week I'm claiming benefits (unless I get standby status) 5. The system will automatically deactivate my claim after 4 weeks of excess earnings This makes so much more sense now. I'll definitely keep filing and reporting accurately. Thanks again everyone!
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Tate Jensen
•Excellent summary! You've got it exactly right. Best of luck with your new position!
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