Don't listen to these ppl saying its normal. It's NOT normal! You need to call ESD asap bc they might have sent ur backpay to the wrong account or a ReliaCard. This happened 2 my friend n she never got her money bc she waited 2 long to report it. The system is totally broken n they make these "mistakes" on purpose hoping ppl don't notice!!! The govt doesn't want to pay us what they owe!!

Just wanted to update you all - my backpay finally hit my account this morning! It came as one lump sum for all 4 weeks. Exactly 6 business days after showing 'paid' in the system. Such a relief! Thanks for all the reassurance that this was normal - saved me a lot of stress.

I check eServices obsessively - multiple times a day. There are no alerts, action items, or new correspondence. The last thing in my correspondence folder is the confirmation that they received my additional documentation back in March. That's part of what's so frustrating - there's literally nothing for me to respond to or act on.

just wanna say im sorry ur going thru this. the system is totally broken. i hope u get it resolved soon. dont give up!!!

Here's the exact process you need to follow: 1. Have your employer submit the standby extension request ASAP (they can do this through their employer account) 2. Continue filing your weekly claims exactly as before, answering "yes" to the standby question 3. If your standby expires before the extension is processed, you'll temporarily need to conduct and document 3 job search activities per week 4. Once the extension is approved, you'll go back to standby status and the job search requirement will be waived again Also, make sure your employer provides an accurate return-to-work date. If that date changes again, they'll need to update ESD. The maximum standby period for construction workers is 12 weeks in a 12-month period, so plan accordingly if you think this project might face further delays.

Yes, you still need to answer the "able and available" questions each week. Even on standby, you must be physically able to work and available to return to your job if called back. The only requirement that's waived during standby is the job search activities. Make sure you answer all the weekly claim questions accurately to avoid any issues with your benefits.

wait did u answer all the questions right on the phone? sometimes i accidentally press the wrong button and it seems like it went thru but it didnt actually file. make sure when u call that u stay on until it says "thank you your claim has been filed" or someting like that at the very end

Just checking back - did your claim update in the system yet? It should show as filed by now if you did it yesterday morning.

THE AGENCIES ARE ALL SCAMS!!!! They take 40-60% of what clients pay for your work and then try to keep you trapped with these BS "bench pay" schemes. I went through THREE AGENCIES before finding a direct-hire position. They'll fight your unemployment claim no matter what because their business model depends on desperate contractors. The whole system is rigged against workers!!

Based on everything shared here, it seems like your best options are: 1. After your contract ends, accept the bench pay temporarily while applying for partial unemployment benefits AND searching for jobs independently 2. Document everything - the contract end date, communications about assignments, your job search efforts 3. If you do decide to quit later, focus on the substantial pay reduction as your "good cause" reason 4. Keep the relationship professional with the agency - don't mention unemployment to them if possible This approach gives you some income while job searching and potentially preserves the relationship if you need to go back later.