ESD standby confusion - return to work date past standby end date - still need to job search?
I'm super confused about my standby status and whether I need to do job search activities this week. My standby approval letter says I'm approved through August 10, 2025, but it ALSO says if I don't return to work by August 5, I have to start looking for work. Here's where it gets weird - my boss just called me ON August 5 saying they have work starting August 12. So I'll definitely be back to work, but not until 2 days after my standby period ends. Do I seriously need to do 3 job search activities for just that one week (August 4-10) even though I'm confirmed returning to work on August 12? The timing is so frustrating! Anyone dealt with this ridiculous situation before? I don't want to get disqualified over something this minor, but also don't want to waste time job searching when I'm literally starting work 2 days later.
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Freya Nielsen
Yes u need to do the job search. ESD is super strict about the dates. I got dinged for something similar last year. If ur standby ends the 10th, u need to start job searching after the 5th - even if its just for a few days. It's dumb but thats how they roll.
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Ravi Kapoor
•Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. So even with confirmation that I'm going back to work, I still have to do the job search activities? Seems like a waste of everyone's time.
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Omar Mahmoud
Wait wait wait...did your employer file the standby request or did you? Cuz I think if THEY filed it and then they're telling you to come back on the 12th, you might be able to get an extension? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure the employer can update the standby dates if they're the ones who filed it originally.
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Ravi Kapoor
•I filed the standby request myself after my supervisor told me to. They didn't do it directly through the employer portal or anything. I'm starting to think I should just do the job searches to be safe.
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Chloe Harris
This hapnd to me!! I was on standby till july 15 but my boss said come back july 20 and i didnt do job search for that week. ESD sent me a letter saying i was disqualified for that week!!! had to appeal and everything and still lost. just do the stupid job search
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Diego Vargas
•This is the correct answer. When standby ends - either on the date specified OR on the "if not returned to work by" date (whichever comes first), you MUST begin job search activities. There's no grace period even if you have a firm return-to-work date. The system is very black and white on this requirement.
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NeonNinja
According to ESD regulations, you need to begin job search activities immediately after your standby period ends or after the "must return to work by" date, whichever comes first. In your case, since you didn't return to work by August 5, you must begin conducting job search activities for the remainder of that week (August 5-10) even though your standby approval technically runs through August 10. This is one of those situations where the timing is unfortunate but the rules are strictly enforced. Since you have documented proof that you'll be returning to work on August 12, make sure you save any communication from your employer about this. While you still need to do the job search activities, having this documentation may help if there are any questions later. Make sure you document all three required job search activities for that week in your job search log. The activities don't have to be actual job applications - they can include things like updating your resume, attending a WorkSource workshop, or networking with industry contacts.
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Ravi Kapoor
•Thanks for laying it out so clearly. I guess I'll just do some quick and easy job search activities like updating my LinkedIn and maybe a resume review. At least it's only for one week!
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Anastasia Popov
another option is to ask ur boss if they can move ur start date to the 10th instead of 12th? even if just on paper? that way u don't have to do the job search stuff at all. worth asking maybe
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Ravi Kapoor
•That's a creative solution! Unfortunately, I already asked and they're firm on the 12th because that's when the new project kicks off. Guess I'm stuck with the job searches.
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Sean Murphy
I had this EXACT same problem trying to reach someone at ESD to clarify my standby status last month. Tried calling for THREE DAYS with no luck. Ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Agent confirmed I needed to do job searches until my actual return to work date. Annoying but better than fighting a disqualification later. Might be worth calling to get an official answer for your specific situation if you're worried.
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Diego Vargas
•This is good advice. Getting an official determination from ESD regarding your specific situation is always the safest approach. Documenting that you sought clarification can also help if there are issues later.
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Freya Nielsen
BTW for ez job searches just go on indeed and apply for 3 random jobs. takes like 10 mins and ur covered. thats what i always do when im between standby periods lol
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NeonNinja
•I should point out that job searches should be legitimate efforts to find work. ESD can audit your job search log and if they determine you weren't making genuine efforts, it could potentially lead to disqualification. While the situation is frustrating, I'd recommend making legitimate (if simple) job search activities like attending a virtual WorkSource workshop, updating your resume, or applying for positions you would actually consider if your return to work fell through.
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Ravi Kapoor
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the advice! I went ahead and did 3 job search activities yesterday - updated my resume, attended an online WorkSource workshop, and applied for a position similar to mine (just in case my return to work falls through). I've documented everything properly in my job search log. Frustrating to jump through these hoops when I'm returning to work in a week, but better safe than sorry!
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Omar Mahmoud
•Smart move! Better to do a few job searches than deal with trying to appeal a disqualification. The ESD system is so frustrating sometimes but you did exactly what you needed to do.
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Chloe Harris
thxs for posting this!! i might be in a similar situation next month so now i know what to do. esd rules are so confusing!!!
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Diego Vargas
•Just to clarify for anyone else reading this thread: the key takeaway is that standby status ends either on the standby end date OR on the "must return to work by" date, whichever comes first. Once either date passes, you must begin job search activities immediately, even if you have a confirmed return-to-work date that's only a few days later.
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