How to apply for job attached unemployment benefits in Washington

You're talking about standby status! It's when your employer temporarily reduces your hours or lays you off but plans to bring you back. You still file through the regular Washington ESD system at esd.wa.gov, but you'll select 'standby' when it asks about your employment status. The key difference is you don't have to do job searches since you're expected to return to your current employer.

Oh that makes so much more sense! So I don't have to worry about the job search requirements then?

Exactly! That's the main benefit of standby status - no job search log required. Just make sure your employer files the proper paperwork on their end.

wait is this the same as partial unemployment? my hours got cut to 20 per week but im still working

That's partial unemployment, different from standby. With partial, you're still working reduced hours. Standby is when you're completely off work but your employer plans to recall you.

ok thanks for clarifying. this stuff is so confusing

I was on standby last year during the slow season. The application process is the same as regular UI, but make sure your employer knows they need to provide Washington ESD with a recall date. Without that, they might deny your claim or make you do job searches anyway.

What happens if the recall date changes? My supervisor said it might be 4-6 weeks but they're not totally sure.

Your employer can update the recall date with Washington ESD if things change. Just make sure they communicate any changes promptly or you could get stuck in adjudication.

How do you even reach Washington ESD to check on stuff like this? I've been trying to call for weeks about my regular claim and can never get through.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to actual Washington ESD agents. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - they basically handle the calling and waiting for you. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get answers about my standby status.

Been through this twice with my seasonal job. The Washington ESD system doesn't always make it clear how to select standby status when you're filing. Look for 'temporary layoff with definite recall date' or similar wording. If you accidentally file as regular unemployment, you'll have to do job searches which defeats the purpose.

That's exactly what I was worried about! What if I already started a regular claim - can I change it to standby?

You'll need to contact Washington ESD to change your claim type. That's where having a way to actually reach them becomes crucial.

This is why I always recommend Claimyr to people dealing with Washington ESD issues. Their website is claimyr.com and they can help you get through to fix claim problems like this. Way better than sitting on hold forever.

Does your employer have to approve the standby status or is it automatic once they file the paperwork?

The employer has to actively participate by providing Washington ESD with the recall information and confirming the temporary nature of the layoff. It's not automatic - they have specific forms to complete.

Got it, so I need to make sure HR knows what they're doing on their end too.

I'm on standby right now actually! Filed 3 weeks ago and getting benefits normally. The weird part is I still have to file weekly claims even though I'm not looking for work. Just make sure you answer the questions correctly - specifically the one about being available for work. Since you're on standby, you're only available for recall to your specific employer.

That's really helpful! How do you answer the available for work question then?

I answer yes to being available for work, but when it asks about job search activities I select the option that indicates I'm on standby/waiting for recall. The system recognizes this and doesn't require job search entries.

Be careful with that available for work question though. I've heard of people getting disqualified because they answered it wrong on standby claims.

The Washington ESD website has gotten better about explaining standby status but it's still buried in their FAQ section. Make sure you understand the difference between standby and regular UI before you file. Once you start filing weekly claims, it's harder to change your claim type without calling them.

Where exactly on their site do they explain this? I looked everywhere and couldn't find clear instructions.

It's under 'Types of Unemployment Benefits' but honestly their site organization is terrible. Sometimes you have to search for 'standby' or 'temporary layoff' to find the right pages.

One thing to watch out for - if your recall date keeps getting pushed back, Washington ESD might eventually require you to start looking for other work. I think it's after 8-10 weeks but I'm not totally sure on the exact timeframe.

I think it depends on your industry and what your employer reports to them. Some seasonal businesses have longer standby periods that are accepted.

This is getting complicated. Maybe I should just call Washington ESD directly to ask about my specific situation.

Good luck getting through! I tried calling for two weeks straight. Eventually used Claimyr and got connected to someone in about 20 minutes. Worth checking out at claimyr.com if you get frustrated with the phone system.

Make sure your employer knows about the recall requirements too. Some smaller companies don't realize they have ongoing obligations to update Washington ESD if the recall date changes. I've seen people lose benefits because their employer dropped the ball on communication.

What kind of ongoing obligations? Should I give my HR department specific information?

They need to notify Washington ESD if the recall date changes, if the layoff becomes permanent, or if business conditions change significantly. Give them the Washington ESD employer hotline number.

Most HR departments have dealt with this before, especially in seasonal industries. Just make sure they file the initial standby paperwork promptly after your layoff starts.

been on standby 3 times over the years, usually goes pretty smooth once everything is set up right. the key is getting your employer to do their part correctly from the beginning

Any tips for making sure they do it right? I don't want to be pushy but I also can't afford delays in benefits.

just ask them to confirm they've submitted the standby paperwork to washington esd and get a timeline from them. most companies that do seasonal layoffs have the process down pat

The benefit amount calculation is the same as regular unemployment - based on your wages over the base period. The only difference is the job search requirement waiver. Don't expect any special processing time though, initial claims still take 2-3 weeks to process even for standby.

That's good to know about the processing time. I was hoping standby claims might be faster since there's less verification needed.

Nope, they still have to verify your wage history and employment separation details. Same waiting period as any other new claim unfortunately.

Quick question - do you still get the waiting week with standby status or is that waived?

You still have the waiting week. Standby status only affects job search requirements, not the basic claim structure or waiting periods.

Thanks, figured it was worth asking since everything else about standby seems different.

I went through this whole process last spring and the most confusing part was understanding what happens when you go back to work. Do you just stop filing weekly claims or is there a special process for closing a standby claim?

You stop filing weekly claims once you return to work full-time. If you're only returning part-time initially, you might still be eligible for partial benefits until you're back to full hours.

That makes sense. I guess the key is being honest about your work status on the weekly claims.

Exactly! Always report any work and wages accurately. Washington ESD will figure out if you're still eligible for partial benefits based on what you report.