FAQ: What does standby mean and how do I get it?

FAQ: What does standby mean and how do I get it?

Standby is a status available to unemployment benefit claimants who have been temporarily laid off by an employer but expect to return to work within 12 weeks, during the pandemic. Normally standby status, which must be verified by the employer, is available only when the worker expects to return to work within 4 weeks. The advantage of standby is that the worker does not need to search for a different job while receiving benefits. However, since the job search requirement is suspended for all benefit recipients during the pandemic emergency, standby status is not necessary in order to not have to look for other work.