ESD standby dates confusion - employer extended to 8 weeks but unsure how to request it

standby usually starts from the date u first file ur claim, not backwards from return date. so if u file today, u got 8 weeks from now

The standby period begins on the date ESD approves your standby request, not when you file your claim. You need to request standby status through your eServices account, and your employer needs to verify they've authorized the 8-week standby. Since your return date is August 19, 2025, I'd suggest requesting standby now if you're already laid off. If your layoff hasn't started yet, request standby on your first day of unemployment. The 8 weeks will start counting from the approval date, not from your return-to-work date. Make sure your employer has actually communicated with ESD about this extended standby period. The standard is 4 weeks, and extensions to 8 weeks need proper authorization that ESD can verify when reviewing your request.

To clarify what others have said - standby status runs from the date ESD approves it, and runs forward, not backward from your return date. Since your return date is August 19, 2025, and you need 8 weeks of standby, you'd ideally want your standby period to begin approximately June 24, 2025 (8 weeks before August 19). Since extended standby beyond 4 weeks requires special approval, you need to: 1. Verify your employer has actually notified ESD about the 8-week extension 2. Request standby through your eServices account 3. Include your return-to-work date (August 19, 2025) in your request 4. Mention that your employer has arranged for 8 weeks of standby If you're already on unemployment, apply for standby immediately. If you're planning ahead, try to time your standby request so the 8-week period aligns with your return date.

UGH I went through this EXACT same situation last year and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! My employer told us they "arranged" for extended standby but when I applied ESD had NO RECORD of it!!! I got denied standby after 4 weeks and had to do all those stupid job search activities for the last 3 weeks until I went back to work. DONT TRUST what your employer says - make them give you something in WRITING that confirms they actually talked to ESD!!!!!

I had a similar situation in January. What worked for me was getting the name of the person at my company who talked to ESD, and the date they spoke. I included that info in my standby request comments. Also make sure your employer's correct phone number is listed in your claim so ESD can verify everything.

When I was struggling with getting through to ESD about my standby status last year, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach a real ESD agent without waiting for hours. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It was worth it for me because I needed to confirm my standby status was properly recorded in their system. The agent was able to verify everything and make notes on my account about the extended standby period my employer had arranged. Saved me a ton of stress wondering if things were set up correctly.

One more thing to be aware of - even while on standby, you still need to be "able and available" for work. This means you need to be able to accept suitable work if your employer calls you back early. You also need to file your weekly claims on time, every week, even while on standby. Missing a weekly claim can disrupt your benefits and potentially your standby status as well.

my cousin said standby is 12 weeks now not 8 fyi

UPDATE: I spoke with HR and they confirmed they've arranged the 8-week standby with ESD. They gave me the name of their contact person and the date they spoke, which I'll include in my standby request as suggested. Thanks everyone for your help! I'm going to submit my request today.

Great! Make sure to save copies of all communication with your HR department about this, just in case ESD has questions later. Once your standby is approved, you can check your claim status on eServices to confirm the correct end date is showing. If anything looks wrong, address it immediately rather than waiting.

Just want to add from my experience - when you submit your standby request through eServices, make sure to be very specific in the comments section. I included my exact return date, mentioned that my employer had pre-arranged the extended 8-week period, and provided the HR contact name and date they spoke with ESD. The more details you can provide upfront, the smoother the approval process tends to go. Also, don't panic if it takes a few days to get approved - mine took about 5 business days but was backdated to when I first requested it. Good luck!