Can I pause job search requirements when relocating for spouse's work? ESD standby status question
Just lost my job last month and my husband and I have decided this is actually good timing to relocate closer to his workplace (he's commuting 65 miles each way right now). The problem is, we need to fix up our house to sell it, and that could take 6-8 weeks of work. I'm confused about my unemployment obligations during this transition period. Do I have to keep doing 3 job search activities each week for positions I know I can't accept because we're moving? Is there some kind of temporary exemption I can request from ESD while we're in this limbo period? I don't want to waste employers' time or risk losing my benefits for turning down suitable work. Has anyone dealt with relocation while on unemployment?
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CosmicCowboy
What you're looking for is called "standby status" with ESD. It allows you to temporarily pause job search requirements in certain situations. Relocating for a spouse's employment might qualify you, especially if it's over 50 miles away. You'll need to submit a request through your eServices account and explain your situation. Be aware that standby is typically only approved for 4-8 weeks, so it might not cover your entire transition period. Also, make sure you keep filing your weekly claims during this time - just answer "no" to the job search question if you're approved for standby.
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Oliver Becker
•Thank you! I had no idea standby status was even a thing. I'll definitely look into this right away. Do you know if I need any kind of documentation to prove we're relocating for my husband's job? And what if the standby period expires before we actually move?
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Natasha Orlova
I went through something similar last year! You definitely want to apply for standby status through your eServices account. Go to the "Add or View Standby Information" section. Make sure to clearly explain that you're relocating for your spouse's work and include the distance (65 miles is definitely significant). Be specific about your timeline for preparing the house, selling, and moving. In my experience, ESD is pretty reasonable about these situations as long as you're transparent. If they approve you, you'll see a message in your account and can stop doing job searches while maintaining benefits.
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Oliver Becker
•This is super helpful! I'll check out that section in eServices today. Did you have to provide any proof of the move or your spouse's employment? I'm worried about the documentation they might require.
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Javier Cruz
you can also look into Commisioner Approved Training if ur planning on taking any classes in the new area, lets u skip job search too
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Oliver Becker
•Interesting! I hadn't thought about taking classes, but that might actually be a good option since I was thinking about updating my skills anyway. I'll look into this as a backup plan if standby doesn't work out. Thanks!
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Emma Thompson
ESD IS A NIGHTMARE TO DEAL WITH ON THIS!!! I tried getting standby when we moved for my husband's new job and they DENIED me saying I didn't have "good enough reasons" even though we were moving 200 MILES away!!! Then they wanted to know why I wasn't applying to jobs in our old area!!! RIDICULOUS!!! I ended up having to appeal and it took FOREVER to resolve. Just be prepared for them to make everything 10x harder than it needs to be!!!
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Malik Jackson
•Same experience here. They denied my standby request twice before approving it. Make sure you're super detailed in your explanation and follow up constantly.
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Isabella Costa
When I needed to talk to ESD about my standby request for a similar situation, I used Claimyr to get through to an actual agent. Saved me hours of waiting on hold or getting disconnected. They got me connected to an ESD rep in about 25 minutes who approved my standby request on the spot. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Much better than trying to call ESD directly, especially for something like standby that can be complex to explain through the online system alone.
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Oliver Becker
•Thanks for the tip! I've been trying to call ESD directly and keep getting the "high call volume" message. I'll check out this service if I keep having trouble getting through.
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StarSurfer
wait i'm confused, why not just apply for jobs in the new area? thats what i did when i moved. you can put on applications that your moving date is whenever your planning to be there. then you wont need the standby thing at all
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CosmicCowboy
•That's actually not a bad suggestion, but there are a few potential issues. If OP gets an offer before they're ready to relocate, they might have to turn it down, which could jeopardize their benefits (refusing suitable work). Also, some employers want local candidates who can start immediately. But you're right that applying for jobs in the new area could be part of the strategy, especially as the move date gets closer.
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Natasha Orlova
One more thing - if your standby request gets denied, don't panic. You can still do your required job searches by: 1) Looking at remote positions you could do from anywhere, 2) Attending WorkSource workshops (virtual ones count), 3) Updating your resume and posting it on WorkSourceWA (counts as one activity), or 4) Researching companies in your new location (document it properly). The key is making sure each activity is something you can honestly do given your circumstances.
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Oliver Becker
•These are excellent suggestions! I'll definitely use these if my standby request doesn't go through. Really appreciate the practical workarounds that keep me in compliance while we're in this transition phase.
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Ravi Malhotra
my cousin moved to oregon n kept getting washington unemployment for like 3 months without telling them lol but she got caught eventually and had to pay it all back plus penalties so dont do that!!
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CosmicCowboy
•This is absolutely correct - you must notify ESD about any change of address, especially if moving out of state. Interstate claims are possible, but must be properly transferred. Failing to report your move could result in fraud charges and having to repay benefits with penalties.
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