ESD Standby vs. Regular Claim - Will 8 week standby delay my benefits or cause problems?

I've been on standby twice in the last few years and it actually made my claim process FASTER not slower. ESD doesn't have to verify you're looking for work, so there's one less thing to review. When the 8 weeks runs out, you just start doing and reporting your job searches (3 per week) like normal. Your claim continues with no interruptions as long as you keep filing weekly. The transition is pretty seamless.

stand by is a pain the butt dont do it!!! i had it last year and they denied me after 4 weeks saying my employer didnt actually plan to rehire me but they DID!!!!! took 6 weeks to get it all fixed and i almost got evicted

The 8-week standby period can actually be extended in certain circumstances to 12 weeks, which would cover your seasonal job's typical downtime. However, the extension isn't automatic - your employer has to specifically request it and provide justification. They would need to submit this request before your initial 8-week standby period expires. If they don't request an extension and the 8 weeks run out, you'll simply need to start conducting and reporting 3 job search activities each week to continue receiving benefits. Your claim doesn't end - just the standby status changes. Standby generally doesn't delay processing times. In fact, it can make things go smoother since you're exempt from job search requirements during that period.

I had SUCH a nightmare with ESD last year trying to get through to fix my standby situation. My employer filled out something wrong and I couldn't get anyone on the phone for THREE WEEKS. My advice - if you need to reach ESD about anything standby related, use Claimyr (claimyr.com). Saved me so much frustration. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Basically it holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Way better than spending all day getting busy signals.

One thing to consider: if you're 100% certain they'll bring you back but maybe not within exactly 8 weeks, standby is still your best option. Start with standby, then if it goes beyond 8 weeks, you just start doing job searches. But you should clarify with your employer about that potential extension to 12 weeks that someone mentioned above. Also, make sure your employer puts the correct return-to-work date on their standby authorization. If they put the wrong date, it could cause problems later.

my cousins been on unemployment like 3 times and he says standby is always better if u can get it. why do job searches if u dont have to lol

I think ur overthinking this!! just do what ur boss says and file for standby. if they say theyll bring u back they probably will!!! and if not u just start looking for jobs after 8 weeks. not a big deal.

After reading through all the responses, here's a summary of what you should do: 1. Apply for unemployment with standby status since your employer has indicated they plan to rehire you 2. Make sure your employer knows they need to confirm the standby request when ESD contacts them 3. Ask your employer about requesting the extension to 12 weeks since you're a seasonal worker 4. If they can't/don't get the extension and you reach the 8-week mark without being rehired, simply begin conducting and reporting 3 job search activities per week 5. Your benefits will continue uninterrupted as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements Standby won't delay your initial claim processing, and in fact may make it smoother since there's one less eligibility factor to verify initially.

One more thing to keep in mind - if you do go with standby, make sure you still file your weekly claims on time even though you're not job searching. I've seen people think standby means they don't have to do anything at all, but you still need to certify weekly to receive your benefits. The only difference is you won't have to report job search activities during those first 8 weeks (or 12 if your employer gets the extension). Missing weekly certifications will stop your payments regardless of standby status.

Just wanted to add from personal experience - I was in almost the exact same situation last winter with a seasonal retail job. Went with standby and it was definitely the right choice. The key things that made it work smoothly for me: 1. My manager filled out the standby paperwork correctly with accurate dates 2. They responded immediately when ESD contacted them to verify 3. I kept filing my weekly claims religiously even though no job searches were required When my 8 weeks were up and they still weren't ready to bring me back, the transition to regular unemployment with job search requirements was seamless - literally just started reporting 3 job searches per week on my next weekly claim. No interruption in benefits at all. The peace of mind of not having to stress about job searches while knowing I had a job waiting was worth it, especially during the holidays when finding temp work would have been tough anyway. Go with standby if your employer is on board!