Do I need to complete job searches while on standby status with ESD?

If you're officially on standby status that was approved by ESD, you don't have to do job searches. But here's the important part - you need to make sure ESD actually approved your standby status. Did you submit the standby request through your eServices account? Your employer can't just tell you you're on standby; ESD has to approve it officially. Check your claim details on the ESD website to confirm if you're actually coded as standby in their system.

I was in the same boat last year with construction work! If ur boss put u on standby u dont gotta do job searches but MAKE SURE its approved!!! my boss said he did it but didnt and i almost got in trouble!!

To clarify a few important points about standby status: 1. Standby must be requested and approved by ESD, not just arranged between you and your employer 2. Regular standby can last up to 8 weeks (might be different in your specific case) 3. When on approved standby, you ARE exempt from job search activities 4. You must still file your weekly claims and be able/available for work 5. If your employer calls you back, you must return to work Check your eServices account - there should be a clear indication if you're on approved standby status. If not, you need to contact ESD immediately and start doing your job searches until standby is approved.

I had this EXACT same problem last winter!!! My landscaping company put me on standby but when I checked my eServices it wasn't showing up as standby status! I kept trying to call ESD for DAYS and couldn't get through. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent and fixed it in one call. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Turns out my boss had sent in the wrong form. The agent was able to update my status right away so I didn't have to do the job searches. Definitely worth checking your status ASAP!

THE ESD SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! I was on standby last year and even though it was PROPERLY FILED and APPROVED they still flagged my account for "not doing job searches" and FROZE my benefits for THREE WEEKS while they "investigated"!!! Even when you do everything right they still find ways to deny you what you're entitled to!! Make sure you document EVERYTHING and take screenshots of your standby approval!!!

ya my cousin was on standby from his welding job and he didn't have to do job searches but he said you gotta make sure it says standby on ur account

I think u still need to do job searches even on standby. Better safe than sorry!

Update: I checked my eServices account and it doesn't show standby status at all! I called my boss and he said he "thought" HR had handled it but they apparently didn't. I'm going to start doing my job searches right away for this week, but not sure what to do about the past 3 weeks where I didn't do any job searches. Should I just be honest with ESD about the confusion?

When I had my standby issue I couldn't get through to ESD on the phone for nearly a week... every morning I'd call right when they opened and still couldn't get through. If you're having trouble, try that Claimyr service I mentioned - it saved me so much frustration and time. What I learned is that it's super important to deal with these issues fast before they turn into bigger problems with your claim!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I was able to get through to ESD this morning (after many attempts) and explained the situation. They were actually understanding about the confusion. I have to retroactively submit job search activities for the past weeks, but they're giving me time to do it. And I've started the proper standby request process now. Lesson learned - always verify everything in the ESD system and don't just take your employer's word for it!