Weekly claim submission missing job search section - did I mess up my ESD claim?

Don't panic! This probably means you're on 'job search standby' status. Check your determination letter or account homepage - it should indicate if you have an active job search requirement or if you're temporarily exempt. Some industries or situations qualify for standby, which means you don't have to search for work but remain available to your employer. If you did select something wrong when you first applied, you can call ESD to correct it, but standby is legitimate if you qualify.

samee thing happend to me last month! i was all worried and stuff. found out im on standby bc my employer said ill be back in 8 weeks. if u check ur notice of application it tells u ur status. u prob just didnt notice it when it came thru

The ESD system is SO FRUSTRATING!!! They should make it crystal clear when you're on standby instead of making people guess. I spent HOURS on the phone last year because of confusion like this. My claim got messed up because I didn't understand the standby rules properly, and I ended up with an overpayment notice for $2,800 that took MONTHS to resolve. Make sure you screenshot EVERYTHING in your account for documentation in case they try to say you didn't follow the rules later.

Just to clarify some confusion: If you're on standby status (which it appears you are), you do NOT need to conduct job searches during the approved standby period. The system didn't ask for job search activities because you're not required to perform them. When your standby period ends (5/15/2025 according to your comment), you'll then need to begin conducting and documenting your 3 job search activities per week. However, ESD recommends keeping your own job search log even during standby periods, just in case your status changes unexpectedly or if your standby is not extended. You won't enter these in the system while on standby, but having documentation is always helpful.

If you're having trouble reaching ESD to confirm your status or ask questions (their phone lines are notoriously jammed), I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual ESD agent in about 30 minutes instead of spending days calling. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. I used them when I was completely confused about my standby status ending and couldn't get through on the regular line.

I've been on unemployment for 6 months now and I still get confused sometimes lol. The ESD website changes so much it's hard to keep track. Standby is nice though, enjoy it while it lasts!

One important thing to remember: even though you're on standby, you still must be physically able to work and available for work each week. If your employer calls you back early, you need to be ready to return. If you're unavailable during your standby period (like taking a vacation where you couldn't return to work if called), you need to report that during your weekly claim. This is sometimes where people get confused and end up with overpayments.

When you return to work, you'll simply report your hours and earnings on your weekly claim. If your earnings exceed your weekly benefit amount, you won't receive benefits for that week, and your claim will essentially become inactive (though still open during your benefit year). You don't need to do anything special to 'turn off' the standby status when you return to work - just accurately report your work and earnings each week.