Can I get standby status for 6 weeks between layoff and promised rehire date at same company?

Yes, this sounds like a perfect candidate for standby status! Since your employer has given you a specific return date that's less than 8 weeks from your layoff date, you should qualify. When filing your initial claim, make sure to request standby status and indicate your expected return-to-work date. You'll need documentation from your employer confirming the temporary layoff and return date - get that CEO letter on company letterhead and upload it when prompted during the application. While on standby, you'll still need to be able and available for work, but you won't have to do the usual job search activities. Just make sure to file your weekly claims on time!

i was on standby last yr for about 5 weeks when our project ended. jst make sure u get that letter!! esd denied me at first bc my boss just sent an email not formal company letterhead. had to appeal and it was a MESS. also make sure letter has 1) ur full name 2) last day worked 3) EXACT return date 4) reason for temporary layoff 5) signed by someone with hiring authority

I'm not convinced this is standby. My understanding was standby is only for temporary seasonal work interruptions like construction or fishing industries, not for companies that are having financial problems and doing layoffs. When I got laid off last year due to "restructuring" (which was just code for financial problems), ESD told me I had to do the full job search requirements even though my boss also promised to hire me back. It sounds more like you're being fully laid off with just a verbal promise of rehire, which sadly means nothing to ESD.

I ran into major frustration trying to reach ESD about my standby application last month. After two days of constant busy signals, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) and was connected to an ESD agent within 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent confirmed I qualified for standby and approved my request on the spot. Seriously saved me from pulling my hair out with the regular phone lines.

Watch out because standby rules changed recently!! My sister just went through this. The max standby period used to be 12 weeks but now it's only 8 weeks. And you have to submit a new request if you need an extension beyond your initial return date. Also make ABSOLUTELY SURE you answer "YES" when it asks if you're on standby for each weekly claim or they'll automatically convert you to regular UI with job search requirements!!

I HATE to be the downer here but PLEASE do not count on that Jan 15 return date!!!! I went through almost EXACT scenario in 2023. Company promised to bring 8 of us back "in just 6 weeks when funding comes through" - got the CEO letter, got approved for standby, then NO FUNDING EVER CAME and we were all permanently laid off!! Meanwhile we'd all been sitting around not seriously job searching for 2 months. Start looking for backup options NOW just in case. The job market SUCKS right now for devs with all the tech layoffs.

Curious what everyone thinks - is 6 weeks of unemployment even worth the hassle? After taxes and waiting week, OP might only get 5 weeks of actual benefits. With max WA benefit being like $1000/week, that's maybe $5k total? For a software dev job which probably pays way more? Maybe just take a vacation and skip the ESD bureaucracy altogether?

To address your follow-up question: For weekly claims while on standby, the process is mostly the same as regular UI, but you'll answer "Yes" to the question asking if you're on standby. You still need to be able and available for work, report any part-time earnings, etc. As for delays in your return date - if January 15th comes and your employer needs more time, they can request an extension of your standby status for up to a total of 8 weeks (so potentially 2 more weeks). For this, they would need to submit another letter explaining the circumstances. If it goes beyond 8 weeks total, you would need to begin fulfilling job search requirements. I recommend staying in touch with your employer as the return date approaches to have advance notice of any changes.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'm going to request standby status and make sure I get proper documentation on company letterhead with all the required details. I'll also keep my options open and maybe do some casual job searching just in case the return date falls through. I'll call ESD directly (with Claimyr if needed) to make sure everything is set up correctly. Really appreciate all your experiences and warnings - they've helped me prepare for potential pitfalls in the process!

Great plan! One additional tip - when you get that letter from your CEO, also ask HR to send a separate confirmation email or letter verifying the standby arrangement. Having documentation from both the CEO and HR can strengthen your case if there are any questions from ESD. Also, since you mentioned this is related to funding rounds, you might want to ask your employer to include language in the letter about the "temporary nature due to funding timeline" rather than just saying "layoff." ESD sometimes views funding-related separations more favorably when it's clear it's truly temporary and business-related rather than performance issues. Good luck!

Just want to echo what others have said about getting proper documentation - this is absolutely critical! I went through a similar situation last year when my startup ran out of runway. A few additional things to consider: 1. Make sure your employer includes their EIN (Employer Identification Number) on the letter - ESD sometimes requests this for verification 2. If possible, get the letter notarized - it's not required but can help if there are any disputes 3. Keep copies of EVERYTHING - the original layoff notice, the return-to-work letter, any emails about the situation Also, since you mentioned this is funding-related, be prepared for potential delays. My company's "6-week bridge" turned into 12 weeks when their Series A fell through. Having that backup job search plan is really smart. The good news is that if your standby gets extended or converted to regular UI, you won't lose any benefits - just be ready to start the job search requirements if needed. One last tip: if you do end up job searching during standby "just in case," don't report those activities on your weekly claims unless you actually get hired somewhere. Being on standby means you're excused from job search requirements, so reporting them could confuse the system.