How to change ESD claim from standby status to permanent layoff?

You need to report this change immediately. Log into your eServices account, and when you file your next weekly claim, answer "No" to the question asking if you're on standby. There should be a section where you can explain why - just state your employer informed you the closure is permanent. You'll then need to start fulfilling the regular job search requirements (3 activities per week) starting that week.

same thing happened 2 me last year. just say NO on the standby question next weekly claim. they might put u in adjudication but keep filing every week!! dont forget to do your job searches now, super important

Going from standby to regular UI isn't difficult, but timing matters. When you file your next weekly claim, select "no" for standby and start your job search activities immediately. Don't wait for ESD to contact you - they likely won't. The system automatically updates. However, I would recommend trying to get written confirmation from your employer about the permanent closure, even if it's just a text message. This helps if ESD questions the change later during any reviews. If you're worried about the transition or have issues with your claim, I managed to get through to an actual ESD agent using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me hours of busy signals and disconnects.

Just wondering - how long were you originally approved for standby? I thought ESD only does 8 weeks max for standby status these days unless your employer requested an extension?

What a crappy situation! Sorry your boss didn't even have the decency to tell you directly. Restaurant industry can be brutal sometimes.

I'm so confused about this whole standby vs. regular unemployment thing. I thought they were the same benefit, just with different job search requirements? Does your benefit amount change when you switch from standby to regular unemployment? Will this reset your claim year?

MAKE SURE YOU START YOUR JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIES THE SAME WEEK YOU REPORT THE CHANGE!! I cannot stress this enough! ESD is extremely strict about this. I thought I had a one-week grace period to start job searching after my standby ended, and they disqualified me for not meeting requirements. Had to appeal and it was a nightmare that took over 2 months to resolve.

hey did ur claim ever go into adjudication after changing from standby? mine did and took forever to get paid again

Pro tip from someone who went through this exact situation: Screenshot or save your current claim status page before making the change. If ESD puts you in adjudication (which they sometimes do for standby-to-regular transitions), having documentation of your original standby approval dates can help speed up the review process. Also, when you start job searching, include both online applications AND in-person inquiries - ESD considers face-to-face contact a stronger job search activity. Good luck, and sorry your boss handled this so poorly!

I went through this exact same thing with a small retail shop that was supposed to reopen after "inventory updates" - found out 6 weeks later they were just clearing out to close permanently! Here's what worked for me: When you file your weekly claim this week, answer "NO" to the standby question and in the comments section write something like "Employer informed me business closure is permanent, no longer on temporary layoff." Start doing your 3 job search activities immediately - don't wait! I used WorkSource's website, Indeed applications, and visited a few places in person. Document everything in your job search log. The transition was actually pretty smooth for me, no adjudication or delays. Just make sure you keep filing every single week even if something seems weird with your claim status. The most important thing is starting those job searches right away - ESD is super strict about that requirement once you're off standby.