Remember that even with training benefits, you usually have to maintain satisfactory progress in your program and might have to pay back benefits if you don't complete it. Just something to keep in mind.

I went through a similar situation a few years ago when I wanted to transition into healthcare. What saved me was finding out about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding through my local American Job Center. It's different from regular unemployment but can provide financial support while you're in approved training programs. The key is that nursing is often considered a high-demand occupation, so you might have better luck with WIOA than trying to get unemployment after quitting. I'd suggest visiting your local WorkSource office in person - they can walk you through all the different funding options available and help you apply before you leave your current job. Don't give up on your nursing dreams!

I'm in week 3 of adjudication hell and this thread is both reassuring and terrifying! Mine got flagged because I'm taking a weekend photography workshop (literally just Saturdays 10am-2pm for 6 weeks). The fact that something so minimal can trigger weeks of review is insane. What's really frustrating is the complete lack of transparency. At least when you're waiting for a medical appointment you get an estimated timeframe, but ESD just says "additional processing time needed" which could mean anything from 2 days to 2 months apparently. I've been following everyone's advice here - continuing weekly claims, uploaded my workshop schedule showing it's only weekends, and checking eServices obsessively. Seriously considering Claimyr at this point since the success stories here make it sound like the only way to actually reach a human. The regular phone line is completely useless - I've tried calling probably 50+ times and either get busy signals or sit on hold for hours before getting disconnected. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences and timelines. It helps to know others have made it through this process, even if the wait times are all over the place!

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now - day 8 of adjudication for answering yes to the school question about my online coding bootcamp that's only evenings and weekends. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both helpful and anxiety-inducing! The range of wait times from 10 days to 3+ months is absolutely wild. What really gets me is how they flag something like evening classes that clearly don't interfere with normal work hours, then leave you in limbo for weeks without any real communication. I've been doing everything mentioned here - filing weekly claims religiously, uploaded my class schedule showing it's only 6-9pm Mon/Wed, checking eServices daily for updates. The Claimyr success stories are really tempting me at this point. I've tried calling ESD directly probably 30+ times and either get busy signals or sit on hold for 2+ hours before getting disconnected. If it's really just $20-30 to actually reach a human who can look at your case, that seems worth it when you're potentially facing weeks more of uncertainty. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and what worked - it helps so much to hear real experiences instead of just the vague "additional processing time" message from ESD!

Make sure you call in EARLY for your hearing!!!! I was literally 2 minutes late calling in and the judge marked me as a no-show. Had to appeal AGAIN and wait another month. The system is totally against us.

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago and won my appeal! A few additional tips that really helped me: 1. Have water nearby - phone hearings can be long and your mouth gets dry 2. Find a quiet space where you won't be interrupted (I used my car in a parking lot) 3. Test your phone connection beforehand - bad reception can hurt your case 4. Write down the main points you want to make and check them off as you cover them The fact that you have documented communication with your boss about each incident is HUGE in your favor. Most people don't have that evidence. You're actually in a really strong position here. One more thing - if your former manager tries to say you were chronically late or had other issues, stick to the facts about just these three documented incidents. Don't let them expand the scope beyond what you were actually fired for. You've got this! The preparation you're doing shows you're taking it seriously, which the judge will notice.

I'm so sorry about your father's stroke and the difficult position you're in. As someone who works in social services, I want to emphasize that Washington state does recognize family caregiving as potential "good cause" for voluntary separation. The key is documentation and showing that you exhausted other reasonable alternatives. Beyond what others have mentioned, also gather any written communication with your employer about your situation - emails discussing your need for time off, their response about FMLA eligibility, etc. This creates a paper trail showing you tried to work with them first. Also, if possible, get a statement from your father's medical team specifically addressing why he requires family care rather than just professional services - sometimes family members can provide continuity and emotional support that's medically beneficial. The adjudicator will be looking for evidence that a reasonable person in your situation would have made the same choice. Stay strong - you're doing the right thing for your dad.

I went through a very similar situation when my mother had a severe heart attack and needed round-the-clock care. Washington ESD did approve my claim, but it took about 6 weeks and required extensive documentation. Here's what really helped my case: I got a detailed letter from her cardiologist explaining not just her medical needs, but specifically why family supervision was medically necessary for her recovery and mental health. I also documented every attempt I made to find alternative care - I got quotes from three home health agencies and two assisted living facilities to show they were either unavailable immediately or financially impossible on my salary. The adjudicator told me later that showing I had genuinely explored all other options before quitting was crucial. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - start applying for your dad's Medicare/Medicaid benefits now if you haven't already, as some of those services can take months to kick in. Also keep detailed records of his daily care needs and your caregiving activities, as this helps demonstrate the full-time nature of the care required. The financial stress is real, but don't give up on the claim - caregivers deserve support too.

Does anyone know if the phone lines are open during lunch time? I can only call during my lunch break at work.

Final update: Got my adjudication resolved! Turns out there was just a missing piece of paperwork from my previous employer. Thanks everyone for the timing tips and especially whoever mentioned Claimyr - that really saved me.