Need help with ESD standby denial while on weather-related layoff - also dealing with ID fraud delay

I went through something similar last year when I got laid off from construction during those heavy rains. For the standby denial - they probably want you doing job searches now. ESD only allows so many weeks of standby and they're pretty strict about it these days. You'll need to start doing your 3 job search activities each week while you wait for your regular work to pick back up. For the identity verification, unfortunately, that timeline sounds right. My cousin had the same problem and waited 8 weeks to get paid. It's ridiculous but there's not much you can do except keep filing your weekly claims so when they finally verify you, you'll get all the backpay at once.

the whole system is RIGGED against seasonal workers!!!! i dealt with this EXACT SAME THING last year and had to wait 11 WEEKS for my identity thing to clear. they dont care that we have bills!!! did u try uploading ur ID and social security card in the secure message portal? sometimes that helps speed things up. but probably not cause ESD IS THE WORST

Former WorkSource employee here. Let me clarify a few things: 1. Standby extensions beyond the initial period are not automatic. In 2025, standby is typically limited to 4 weeks during non-disaster periods. Additional standby requires special approval and your employer needs to provide specific return-to-work dates with supporting documentation. 2. For seasonal weather-related layoffs, standby extensions are harder to get approved because the return date is uncertain. This is why you were denied. 3. Since your standby was denied, you MUST begin completing 3 job search activities each week and document them. Failure to do this will result in benefit denials. 4. For the identity verification issue: Yes, 7-9 weeks is unfortunately the current timeline. The fraud prevention measures have created significant backlog. Keep filing weekly claims while you wait. 5. You can appeal the standby denial, but you'd need your employer to submit documentation showing a definite return-to-work date (not just "when weather improves"). Hope this helps clarify your situation.

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, you must complete job search activities even if you have a job you're returning to. However, you don't necessarily have to apply for jobs that would conflict with your return to your regular employer. Job search activities can include: 1. Attending WorkSource workshops (online options available) 2. Creating/updating your resume on WorkSourceWA.com 3. Researching occupations on Career Bridge 4. Attending job fairs 5. Meeting with career counselors If you do receive a job offer while doing your searches, you need to evaluate if it's suitable work. If it is suitable (comparable pay and conditions to your previous work), refusing it could jeopardize your benefits. But mostly, people in your situation focus on job search activities that don't lead to immediate employment offers.

Has anyone had any luck getting through to ESD about identity verification issues? I'm in the same boat as the original poster but I've been waiting 5 weeks already and my landlord is about to evict me!

I'm confudded about somthing - can u still claim benefits if ur doing the job search but don't actually want another job? cuz ur situation sounds like mine where im GOING back to my regular job when they call me but esd makes me look for work? isnt that like lying or somthing?

For the ID verification issue - make sure you're responding to ALL communications from ESD. Sometimes they need additional verification that they request through the secure message portal, and if you miss those messages, it further delays your claim. Check your spam folder for emails from ESD too. Regarding standby - the rules changed significantly in 2024. Weather-related layoffs now have stricter requirements for standby extensions. Your employer needs to file additional paperwork certifying that: 1. Your layoff is temporary 2. You have a history of returning to work after similar layoffs 3. There's a specific expected return date (within 8 weeks) If they haven't done this, your standby will be denied. Contact your employer's HR department to make sure they've submitted this documentation.

I know this doesn't help with your current situation but my brother has been roofing for 12 years and he got tired of the winter layoffs so he now works for a company that does interior renovations during winter months. Maybe look into something like that for next year so you don't have to deal with ESD's ridiculous standby rules? Just a thought... good luck either way!

Just wanted to check back - did you get any resolution to your issues? Were you able to get the standby extended or get your identity verification processed?