ESD demanding work search appointment after retiring during standby period - Why wait for another letter?

You've got to follow their process unfortunately, even when it seems redundant. When you retire while on UI, you need to formally report that you're no longer able and available for work. Since you were on standby, the system automatically starts tracking work search requirements once that expires, which is why you're getting these notices. The agent is correct - you'll need to respond to the formal inquiry letter explaining your retirement. This creates the proper documentation in their system. Make sure to keep copies of all your previous notifications too, just in case.

same thing happend to me last year when i decided to go back to school instead of looking for work. had to wait for like 3 different letters before everything got sorted out. esd is so slow with everything!!

This is EXACTLY why I hate dealing with ESD!!! Their whole system is designed to be as difficult and confusing as possible. I bet if you don't respond to their stupid letter they'll try to claim you owe them all the money back too. They did that to my cousin when he moved out of state - demanded $7,200 back because he didn't jump through all their hoops in exactly the right order. The system is BROKEN!!

I had SO much trouble reaching ESD by phone when I had a similar issue (though I was starting my own business, not retiring). After days of calling and getting disconnected, I used Claimyr and got through to an agent in about 15 minutes. They have a service that helps you get past the ESD phone system and connects you with an actual human. Check out their video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 or their website claimyr.com. Saved me so much frustration and the agent I spoke with was able to add notes to my account about my situation.

To actually address your question - the reason they want you to wait for the letter is because that letter will have a specific format for you to respond with the exact information they need to properly code your claim as closed due to retirement. When you just call or send messages, those often don't get properly documented in their system. The letter response goes directly to the adjudication team that handles these specific situations.

ugh i kno how u feel ESD is the WORST with ther stupid letters. my mailbox was overflowing with them when i was on unemployment last winter!!

To answer your question about them trying to get back money from your standby period - they shouldn't do that as long as you were eligible during that time. Your eligibility during standby was legitimate. It's only going forward from when you decided to retire that you become ineligible (since you're no longer able and available for work, which is a requirement for UI). Make sure when you respond to their letter that you clearly state the exact date you retired, so they know when to properly end your claim.

I'm a former WorkSource specialist, and I can confirm what others have said. The specific letter you'll receive is called a "Request for Information" or sometimes a "Missed Appointment Inquiry." This document is specifically coded in their system to properly process claim closures due to retirement or other special circumstances. When you respond to this specific form, it routes directly to the appropriate department rather than going into the general message queue. If you want to be proactive, you could try visiting your local WorkSource office in person with documentation of your retirement decision, but honestly, waiting for the letter is usually faster.