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Thank you everyone for all the information! Based on all your advice, I'm going to: 1. Apply for CAT first and continue job searches until I get written approval 2. Make sure I have documentation showing nursing is in-demand 3. Wait until I have CAT approval before starting any classes 4. Then apply for the Training Benefits extension 5. Keep detailed records of all communication with ESD I'll update this thread when I have news about my application process in case it helps others.
Sounds like a solid plan! The most important thing is to keep filing your weekly claims throughout the entire process, even during the waiting periods. Good luck with your nursing program!
I'm planning to apply for the Training Benefits Program for a cybersecurity certification program starting this fall. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - especially the distinction between CAT and Training Benefits that Alice explained. One question I haven't seen addressed: does anyone know if there's a limit to how many times you can use the Training Benefits Program? I used regular unemployment benefits about 3 years ago for a different layoff, but this would be my first time applying for any training programs through ESD. Also, for those who got approved - did you need to submit quarterly progress reports or just when ESD requested them? Want to make sure I'm prepared for all the ongoing requirements.
Great question about limits! From what I understand, there's no specific lifetime limit on Training Benefits Program usage, but you can only use it once per benefit year. Since you used regular UI 3 years ago (not Training Benefits), you should be eligible. For progress reports, in my experience they were requested quarterly, but it seemed somewhat random. Some people got asked every quarter, others only once or twice during their entire program. I'd recommend keeping all your grades and attendance records organized from the start - makes it much easier when they do ask. Cybersecurity is definitely in-demand, so that should work in your favor for approval! Make sure you have documentation of job placement rates from your training provider if possible.
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I went through this exact same thing last year - got laid off from a retail job with full documentation from my employer, but still ended up in adjudication for 6 weeks. The "separation issue" flag is automatic for most claims now, even when everything looks straightforward. A few things that helped me during the wait: - Called 211 for local emergency assistance programs (got help with utilities) - Many churches and community centers have emergency food pantries even if you're not a member - Some credit unions offer small emergency loans if you have an account with them - Gig work apps like DoorDash can provide some quick cash while you wait The hardest part is just the uncertainty and stress. But keep filing those weekly claims religiously - when your approval comes through, you'll get all that back pay. Hang in there, this really is just bureaucratic process, not a reflection of your claim's validity.
This is really helpful, thank you! I didn't know about calling 211 - that sounds like exactly what I need right now. The gig work idea is smart too, I could probably do some food delivery while I wait for this to resolve. It's reassuring to hear from someone who went through the same thing and came out okay on the other side.
I'm going through this exact situation right now too! Filed my claim 2 weeks ago after being laid off from my office job, submitted all the paperwork from HR, and just got the same form letter from Pamela. It's so stressful not knowing how long this will take. One thing I learned from calling around is that you can also reach out to your state representative's office - they sometimes have staff who can help with ESD issues. I called mine yesterday and they said they'd make an inquiry on my behalf. Not sure if it'll speed things up but at least someone else is advocating for me now. Also, if you have any friends or family who can lend you money for rent, don't be too proud to ask. I had to swallow my pride and ask my parents for help, but it's better than getting evicted while waiting for bureaucracy to sort itself out. This whole system is so broken - you shouldn't have to choose between paying bills and following their endless processes.
That's a great idea about contacting your state representative - I never would have thought of that! I'm definitely going to look up who mine is and give their office a call tomorrow. And you're absolutely right about asking for help from family/friends. I've been hesitating to reach out because I feel embarrassed about the situation, but you're right that it's better than risking eviction. Thanks for sharing what you're going through too - it helps to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess right now.
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Have you tried tweeting at Washington ESD? Sometimes social media pressure gets faster responses.
I don't really use Twitter but that's an interesting idea. Do they actually respond to tweets?
Hit or miss, but I've seen them respond to public complaints sometimes.
I'm dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim that's been stuck in "pending" status. The phone system is completely broken - either busy signals or getting disconnected after hours on hold. I've tried calling at different times, using the callback request feature, even visited a local WorkSource office but they said they can't directly help with claim issues. It's incredibly stressful when you're depending on these benefits to pay rent and bills. Really considering trying one of those callback services people mentioned here since the free methods aren't working. Has anyone had luck with contacting state representatives about this issue? Seems like the system needs serious attention from higher up.
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I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. My benefits ran out and I was terrified, but here's what I learned: First, don't wait - start applying for everything you can think of RIGHT NOW. I applied for SNAP benefits, got on the waitlist for rental assistance, and registered with every temp agency in my area. Second, take any work you can get, even if it's not ideal. I did gig work, part-time retail, whatever I could find. After about 3 months of piecing together income, I had enough wages to file a new UI claim when that work ended. It was scary but I made it through. You can too - just don't give up and start taking action today.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for sharing your experience - it gives me hope that there's a way through this. I'm going to start applying for SNAP and other assistance programs today, and I'll stop being picky about jobs. Even gig work is better than nothing at this point. Did you have to wait long for the SNAP benefits to kick in?
SNAP benefits in Washington usually take about 30 days to process if you apply online, but you might be able to get expedited processing if you're in an emergency situation (like having less than $100 and no income). When I applied, they processed mine in about 2 weeks because my UI was ending. Make sure you have all your documents ready - bank statements, ID, proof of expenses. The application process was actually easier than I expected. Also, don't forget about WIC if you qualify, and look into local food banks while you're waiting for benefits to start.
I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful. One thing I want to add is that you should also check if your previous employer offers any kind of outplacement services or job search assistance - sometimes companies provide this even after layoffs and it can include access to job boards, resume help, or networking events. Also, if you have any professional licenses or certifications, make sure they're current because some employers are more likely to hire people with up-to-date credentials, even for temporary positions. The gig economy apps like Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart can provide immediate income while you're building up wages for a new claim. It's not glamorous work but it's flexible and you can start earning right away. Don't lose hope - this situation feels overwhelming but there are paths forward.
This is really comprehensive advice, thank you! I hadn't thought about checking with my old employer about outplacement services - I was laid off from a mid-sized company so they might have something. The gig work idea makes a lot of sense too, especially since I could start immediately while I'm applying for other assistance programs. I'm feeling more hopeful after reading everyone's suggestions. It's scary not knowing what comes next, but at least now I have a plan of action instead of just panicking about the deadline.
Amaya Watson
If anyone is still having trouble reaching Washington ESD about severance questions, I used Claimyr a few weeks ago and finally got my questions answered. Their video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.
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Grant Vikers
•I might have to try that. I've been calling Washington ESD for two weeks straight with no luck.
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Amaya Watson
•It's definitely worth it if you need to actually speak with someone. The automated system can only tell you so much.
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Diego Vargas
Just went through this exact situation myself! Got laid off in March with a $6,000 severance paid over 3 months. Washington ESD was actually pretty straightforward about it - you're definitely eligible for unemployment benefits. The severance gets reported as "other income" each week you receive it, not as wages. So if your weekly UI benefit is $500 and you get $500 in severance that week, you'd get $0 from unemployment but you're still in the system. The weeks where your severance is less than your benefit amount, you get the difference. Just make sure to report it accurately on every weekly claim - they will catch unreported income eventually through tax cross-referencing. Good luck with your claim!
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Arjun Kurti
•This is super helpful Diego! I'm in almost the exact same boat - got laid off with an $8k severance over 4 months. It's reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through the process successfully. Did you have any issues with the weekly reporting, or was the online system pretty straightforward for entering the severance payments?
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