How to change ESD claim from standby status to permanent layoff?
I've been on standby status with ESD for the past 7 weeks while my restaurant was supposedly doing renovations. Well, I just found out they're not reopening at all (thanks for the heads up, boss 🙄). I need to change my claim from standby to regular unemployment ASAP. Has anyone gone through this process? Do I need to call ESD or is there somewhere in the online system to update this? Really don't want to lose benefits while I figure this out since I've got rent due next week.
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PixelPrincess
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.
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Astrid Bergström
AuthorThanks! Will I need to provide any documentation from my employer about the permanent closure? They're not exactly being communicative right now.
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Omar Farouk
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
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Chloe Martin
THIS!!! I got DISQUALIFIED for 5 weeks because I didn't realize I needed to start job searching immediately after my standby ended. ESD does NOT mess around with this. Start your 3 job search activities immediately and document EVERYTHING!
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Diego Fernández
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.
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Astrid Bergström
AuthorI'll try to get something in writing, though my boss isn't returning calls. Having documentation sounds like a smart idea in case they question things later. And thanks for the Claimyr suggestion - might try that if I run into problems after changing my status.
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Anastasia Kuznetsov
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?
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PixelPrincess
Standard standby approval is 8 weeks for most industries, with potential extensions up to 12 weeks with employer request. For seasonal employers, it can be up to 12 weeks automatically. The OP mentioned 7 weeks so they were still within the initial approval period.
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Sean Fitzgerald
What a crappy situation! Sorry your boss didn't even have the decency to tell you directly. Restaurant industry can be brutal sometimes.
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Astrid Bergström
AuthorTell me about it! 5 years working there and I find out through a coworker who happened to run into the owner at Costco. Unbelievable.
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Zara Khan
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?
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Diego Fernández
They're the same benefit financially - your weekly benefit amount won't change when switching from standby to regular UI. The only difference is the job search requirement (waived for standby, required for regular UI). Your benefit year remains the same, and the weeks you've already collected still count toward your maximum benefit entitlement. Nothing resets except the job search requirement.
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Chloe Martin
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.
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Zara Khan
Wait do the job searches have to be in the same industry? I'm on standby right now but if it ends I don't want to go back to food service...
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PixelPrincess
No, your job search activities don't need to be in the same industry. You can look for work in any field for which you're qualified or interested. Just make sure you're documenting all activities properly in your job search log.
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Omar Farouk
hey did ur claim ever go into adjudication after changing from standby? mine did and took forever to get paid again
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Astrid Bergström
AuthorHaven't made the change yet - filing my weekly claim tomorrow. Now I'm worried about adjudication delays... how long did yours take to resolve?
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Omar Farouk
like 3 weeks but this was last year. keep filing every week even if ur in adjudication!!!
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Alexander Evans
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!
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