Just to add one important point that hasn't been mentioned: If you stop claiming UI because you found work, but then lose that job and need to reopen your claim within the same benefit year, you'll need to re-engage with WorkSource requirements. The benefit year typically lasts 52 weeks from when you first applied, even if you stop claiming for a while in between.

To summarize what everyone's said and add clarity (I'm an employment counselor): 1. WorkSource requirements ONLY apply when actively claiming UI benefits 2. Once you stop filing weekly claims, requirements end immediately 3. You may continue receiving automated emails/calls for a while (systems take time to update) 4. You can still voluntarily use WorkSource services even when not on UI 5. If you reopen your claim in the same benefit year, requirements resume Also worth noting - in 2025, all UI claimants must complete 3 documented job search activities each week. WorkSource participation counts toward these activities but isn't always required depending on your situation.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE PEOPLE FAIL!!! I went through worker retraining in 2024 and they cut my benefits with 2 months left in my program. When I called they said I "should have known" about the TB program and that it was "too late" to apply. Had to take out loans to finish my training. Watch out for the fine print they don't tell you about!!!!!

Update: We submitted the Training Benefits application today through eServices! Also uploaded his training plan and enrollment verification from the college. His WorkSource counselor called me back and confirmed the program is CAT-approved. Now we're just hoping there's not a big gap between benefits. Thanks everyone for your help - I'll update when we hear back from ESD.

One important piece of advice - whatever you do, keep filing your weekly claims even though you're not receiving any money. If your waiver is approved, they'll pay all those weeks retroactively, but only if you've been consistently filing each week. Also, be aware that overpayment waivers are currently taking 8-12 weeks to process according to what an ESD rep told me last week (I work with unemployment cases). So you'll need a plan to manage financially during this time.

UPDATE: I filled out the hardship form and cited WAC 192-230-100 as someone suggested. It took three phone calls (using Claimyr to get through), but they finally reduced my recoupment rate to 40%! Not ideal but at least I'll get some money while waiting for the waiver decision. Thanks everyone for your help! I'll update again when I hear about my waiver.

I'm an employment attorney (though not YOUR attorney, so this isn't formal legal advice). For your unemployment appeal hearing, the legal standard to focus on is whether there was "misconduct" that would disqualify you from benefits. Insubordination can be misconduct, but refusing a schedule change with only 4 days' notice when you have legitimate childcare constraints is generally NOT considered misconduct under Washington unemployment law. Key points for your hearing: 1. Emphasize that you were willing to work with them on a solution but needed reasonable accommodation and time to arrange childcare 2. Note that you had a consistent schedule for 3 years that was suddenly changed 3. Explain specifically WHY 4 days wasn't enough time (childcare contracts, provider availability, etc.) 4. Frame it as an impossible choice, not insubordination Under WAC 192-150-120, a substantial involuntary change to your work agreement can constitute good cause for leaving employment, especially with inadequate notice. Stay calm, stick to facts, and don't get baited into criticizing your former employer.

UPDATE: I had my appeal hearing this morning and I think it went well! I stayed calm and focused on the facts about the schedule change giving me inadequate notice for childcare arrangements. I mentioned WAC 192-150-120 which seemed to impress the judge, and I had all my documentation ready. The judge said I should receive a decision within 2-3 weeks. Thank you all SO MUCH for your advice - it made me much more prepared and confident!

One more important thing to note - this payment may have tax implications. Even though the claim is from 2021, if you received the payment in 2025, it counts as income for your 2025 taxes. ESD should send you a 1099-G form next January that you'll need to include with your tax return. Make sure your address is updated in the ESD system so you receive this form.

My advice is to call ESD directly to verify this payment is legitimate and get documentation. Yes, it might be legitimate back pay, but it could also be a system error. Either way, you want this documented in case questions arise later.