When calling in weekly claim to ESD, do I need job application details ready?

When you call in your weekly claim, you only need to answer the basic questions (if you worked, if you were available, etc). They WON'T ask for specific details about your job applications during the phone call. You still need to keep track of all your job search activities though - employer names, dates, contact info, application method, etc. ESD can request your job search log at any time for review, and you'll have 48 hours to provide it if they ask. I'd recommend tracking everything in a notebook or spreadsheet so you have it ready if they audit you. But for the phone call itself, don't worry - just have your social security number and PIN ready.

just did this last week cuz my laptop died!! they DONT ask for job search stuff on the phone just if you did them or not. keep ur records tho!!!

I've had to call in my weekly claim several times and it's pretty straightforward. Like others said, the automated system just asks you the yes/no questions. It will ask if you completed your job search requirements but doesn't ask for details during the call. BUT BEWARE - I've been audited TWICE in the last 6 months where they suddenly requested my job search records. They only give you 48 hours to submit everything once they request it, so keep detailed records even though you don't need them for the weekly call. I almost lost benefits because I wasn't keeping good enough records the first time! The real pain is trying to get through to ESD by phone. It took me 47 attempts one day before I could even reach the automated system to file my claim. The phone lines are completely jammed most days.

I think it depends on WHICH number you call. There's a special job search review department that will ask for all your job contacts but that's different from the regular weekly claim filing line. I learned that the hard way and had a mini panic attack when I called the wrong line once lol.

I've been on unemployment since January, and I can clarify how the job search reporting works in 2025: 1. When filing by phone, the automated system only asks if you completed your required job search activities (3 per week). You answer yes/no. 2. You DO NOT provide job search details during the weekly phone claim. 3. You MUST keep records of all job search activities using the ESD job search log or something similar. 4. ESD randomly selects claims for job search review - if selected, you'll receive a notice and have to submit your detailed log. 5. If you can't provide adequate documentation when requested, they can deny benefits and possibly create an overpayment situation. The phone system is just a basic reporting mechanism - the detailed tracking is your responsibility. I recommend using the official ESD job search log form from their website, which has all the fields they require if you get reviewed.

THE PHONE SYSTEM IS HORRIBLE!!! I tried calling last week and it hung up on me FOUR TIMES before I could file my claim!!! ESD doesn't care that people can't get through. I don't know why they can't hire more people to answer phones when we're REQUIRED to file weekly. And don't get me started on their ridiculous job search requirements - 3 activities a week is excessive when there are barely any jobs in my field. The whole system is designed to make people give up!!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! I just successfully filed by phone and you were all right - they only asked if I completed my job search activities without asking for details. I'm going to make sure my job search log is more detailed though, especially adding the job titles I was missing. Sounds like those random audits are pretty common.