Standby approval timeline with job starting in 2 weeks - urgent help needed

Congratulations on your new job! For standby approval, it typically takes 5-7 business days under normal circumstances. Since you have 16 days, you should be okay if you apply right away. Go to your eServices account, select your claim, and look for the "Request Standby Status" option. Make sure you have your employer's contact info and exact start date ready when filling out the form. One important thing - continue doing and documenting your job search activities until you actually see the standby approval in your account. Better safe than sorry!

they took 3 weeks to approve mine back in february so dont count on it being fast. keep doing ur job searches till u see the approval or u might get disqualified

The standby approval process depends on ESD's current workload, but I can share what worked for me in February 2025. I had a 3-week window before my new job started. First, I applied for standby through eServices, selecting "Return to Work" as my reason. I uploaded my employment offer letter showing the start date. What really helped was calling ESD directly to explain my timeline concerns. Unfortunately, it took me two full days of constant redialing to finally get through to an agent. When I did reach someone, they flagged my standby request for expedited review, and it was approved 3 days later. Without that call, I suspect it would have taken the full 3 weeks or longer based on what the agent told me about their current backlog.

my roommate just went through this whole standby thing last month... its such a headache!!! the esd website said one thing but when she finally got someone on the phone they told her something completely different. she was supposed to keep doing job searches even AFTER she requested standby until it actually showed approved in her account. she didn't know that and almost lost her final weeks of benefits!!

After trying for DAYS to reach ESD about my standby status (kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours), I finally used Claimyr to get through to an agent. It was a lifesaver! The service connects you with an ESD agent usually within 30 minutes instead of waiting forever. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 to see how it works. The agent I spoke with was able to expedite my standby request since my start date was approaching quickly. Worth it since I was about to lose my mind trying to get through on my own. Their website is claimyr.com if you're interested.

The whole standby system is a JOKE!!! ESD knows exactly how long it takes them to process these requests (WEEKS) but they still expect us to follow their arbitrary rules perfectly. I requested standby when I got a job offer in March, and guess what? They DENIED it initially because they said I didn't provide enough documentation - even though I uploaded EXACTLY what their website asked for!!! I had to file an appeal and wait ANOTHER two weeks before someone fixed their mistake. By that time I was already working at my new job! The system is DESIGNED to make you fail so they can avoid paying benefits. Keep doing your job searches no matter what they tell you!!!

i got standby approved in like 4 days in january. i think it depends on how busy they are. def keep doing job search stuff until u see it change in ur account tho

Update: I submitted my standby request yesterday through eServices and uploaded my offer letter. After reading everyone's advice, I'm definitely going to keep doing my job search activities until I see an approval. I tried calling ESD again today but still couldn't get through after waiting on hold for almost 2 hours. Starting to panic a bit since my start date is coming up fast. I might try that Claimyr service if I can't get through tomorrow. Will update when I hear something!

Why is everyone making this so complicated? Just keep filing your weekly claims normally until you start working. If you get your standby approved, great! If not, who cares? You're starting work in 2 weeks anyway. The job search activities take like 30 min to do and log. Not worth all this stress imo.

Final advice based on my experience working with unemployment claims: 1. Your standby request should be processed within 10 business days, which should be just in time for your start date 2. Always continue job search activities until you see the standby approval in your account 3. When you file your weekly claims, answer 'yes' to having a definite return-to-work date 4. If you haven't heard anything after 7 business days, try to contact ESD 5. On your last weekly claim before starting work, make sure to report your return to full-time work Congratulations again on your new position, and best of luck with the transition!

I went through a similar situation last year and wanted to share what worked for me. I had exactly 2 weeks between getting my offer and start date, just like you! Here's what I did: I submitted my standby request immediately and then called ESD every single day starting day 3. I know it's frustrating, but persistence pays off. Try calling right when they open at 8 AM - that's when I had the most success getting through. When I finally reached an agent on day 5, they expedited my request and I got approval 2 days later. The key things that helped: - Had my offer letter ready with clear start date - Emphasized the urgent timeline when I spoke to the agent - Kept doing job searches until I saw "APPROVED" in my account - Filed my weekly claims normally and answered YES to having a return-to-work date You've got this! The timing should work out if you stay on top of it. And honestly, even if the approval comes through after you start work, at least you'll have those final benefit payments coming your way.

Just wanted to add another data point - I went through standby approval in December 2024 and it took exactly 8 business days. I submitted on a Monday and got approved the following Tuesday. One thing I learned that might help: when you submit your standby request, make sure to select "Return to Work - Definite Date" as your reason (not just "Return to Work"). The agent I spoke with mentioned this helps flag it properly in their system. Also, don't panic if you don't hear anything for the first week - that seems to be pretty normal based on what I've seen. Just keep doing your job search activities and filing your weekly claims. The system will backdate everything once your standby gets approved. Good luck with your new job! Retail management can be really rewarding if you enjoy working with people and problem-solving.