ESD standby status for 10-day out-of-state trip - will it affect my claim?

You need to request standby status through your eServices account. Go to your homepage, click on "Apply for Standby" in the menu options. You'll need to provide the dates you'll be away and the reason. For a 10-day absence, ESD might approve it since it's relatively short, especially if it's for a family event. Make sure to apply at least a week before you leave. Just know that standby status isn't guaranteed - ESD has to approve it based on your circumstances and how long you've been receiving benefits. If approved, you'll still need to file your weekly claims while away, but you're temporarily exempt from job search requirements.

just put 'out of area' when you file your weekly claim for those weeks. thats what i did when i went to my cousins graduation. still got paid no problem.

I went through this exact situation in January! I needed to go to my mom's surgery in Texas for 2 weeks. I called ESD to ask about standby and they told me I didn't qualify because I hadn't worked enough for my most recent employer (some rule about 7 out of 12 months or something). So instead, I had to keep doing my job searches while away. I ended up applying for remote positions and doing some virtual networking events that counted toward my activities. It was stressful but worked out. Definitely call them directly to check your specific situation though!!!

Anyone else notice how the rules for standby status changed after covid? I swear it used to be easier to get approved, but now they're super strict about it. My neighbor got denied even though she had to leave for a funeral.

Important clarification: Standby status is primarily designed for workers who have a definite return-to-work date with their previous employer, not for temporary travel. For a 10-day trip, your best options are: 1. Apply for standby if you meet the eligibility requirements (worked for your last employer at least 7 of the last 12 months before your layoff AND have a return-to-work date) 2. Continue job search activities remotely while traveling (online applications, virtual job fairs, WorkSource workshops online) 3. Time your trip between weekly claim filing periods to minimize the impact To request standby status, you need to call the ESD claims center directly at 800-318-6022. There isn't an online option to apply for standby through eServices as someone suggested above. Remember that if you can't complete your job search requirements for any week and don't have approved standby, you should answer the weekly claim questions truthfully. This might make you ineligible for that specific week, but won't impact your overall claim once you resume job search activities.

Good luck getting through to ESD on the phone to ask about this! I've been trying for WEEKS to talk to someone about my adjudication issue. Always get the "high call volume" message and disconnected. So frustrating when you need to ask a specific question like this and can't get through.

Update: I called ESD this morning (finally got through after trying for 2 days) and they confirmed I don't qualify for standby since I don't have a definite return date with my previous employer. The agent suggested I try to complete my job search activities online while traveling - applying for jobs through my phone or laptop will still count. She also mentioned that if I absolutely cannot complete the required activities during my trip, I should answer honestly on my weekly claim and understand I might not receive benefits for that week, but can resume normally when I return. Thanks everyone for your help!