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Bottom line: when you file for unemployment benefits in Washington, you get both the weekly payments AND access to reemployment assistance services. There's no separate application needed. The terminology is just different ways of referring to the same comprehensive program.
Perfect summary. Thanks everyone for clearing this up!
I went through this exact same confusion when I first filed! The Washington ESD really should make this clearer on their website. What helped me understand it was thinking of "reemployment assistance" as the umbrella term for the whole program - it includes both the monetary benefits (what most people call "unemployment") and all the job search support services. When you file your initial UI claim, you're automatically enrolled in everything. No separate applications needed. Just make sure you're keeping up with your weekly job search requirements since that's a big part of the reemployment assistance component.
That's a really good way to think about it - as an umbrella term! I was definitely overthinking this and worried I was missing some crucial step. It's reassuring to know that as long as I filed my UI claim properly, I'm automatically covered for all the services. I've been doing my job searches but wasn't sure if I needed to register somewhere else for the reemployment part. This thread has been incredibly helpful!
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This thread has been super helpful! I was worried I was doing something wrong with my direct deposit setup. Good to know KeyBank is handling everything correctly on Washington ESD's end.
Same here! I feel much better about my setup now. Thanks everyone for the helpful info.
Glad this thread helped. The Washington ESD system is confusing enough without having to worry about the banking side too.
One tip I learned the hard way - make sure to double check that your bank account is actually set up to receive ACH transfers. I had my direct deposit info entered correctly in the Washington ESD system but my small local bank had some restriction that blocked the KeyBank deposits. Had to call my bank and specifically request ACH transfers be enabled for government payments. Cost me two weeks of delayed payments while I figured that out!
That's a great point about ACH transfers! I never would have thought to check that with my bank. Did you have to do anything special to enable it or was it just a simple request?
I had a similar issue with my credit union! They required me to fill out a form specifically authorizing government ACH deposits. It was pretty straightforward once I knew what to ask for, but like you said, it delayed my payments while I figured it out. Definitely worth calling your bank ahead of time to make sure everything is set up properly.
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Good luck! Remember to be completely honest about your work situation and include every detail that shows you were treated like an employee.
I've been following this thread closely because I'm in a similar situation. Just wanted to add that if you do end up having to appeal a denial, consider getting help from a legal aid organization or employment attorney who specializes in worker classification issues. Many offer free consultations for unemployment cases. I know it's another step, but having someone who understands the legal nuances can really help present your case effectively. Also, while you're gathering documentation, don't forget things like how they handled your work assignments - did they give you projects directly or did you bid on them? Did they provide training or detailed instructions? These details can be crucial in proving employee vs contractor status. Wishing you the best of luck with your application!
This is really helpful advice about getting legal help! I hadn't thought about the difference between being assigned work directly vs bidding on projects. In my case, they definitely just assigned me projects and told me exactly what they wanted - there was never any bidding process. That seems like another point in favor of employee classification. Do you know if Washington state has any specific legal aid organizations that focus on employment issues like this?
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Just wanted to add that you should also check if your program qualifies for additional financial aid like Pell Grants or state grants. Even though you're getting training benefits, you might be eligible for extra help with tuition, books, and supplies. I combined TB with a Pell Grant for my nursing program and it made a huge difference financially. The financial aid office at your school can help you figure out what you qualify for.
That's really smart advice about combining financial aid! I hadn't thought about that possibility. Did you have to coordinate anything between Washington ESD and the financial aid office, or do they handle things separately? I'm looking at a medical assistant program and every bit of financial help would be useful.
They mostly handle things separately, which is actually pretty convenient! The financial aid office processes your Pell Grant application through FAFSA like normal, and Washington ESD handles the training benefits approval independently. Just make sure to mention to both that you're pursuing the other - sometimes the financial aid office wants to know about any other benefits you're receiving. The medical assistant program sounds like a great choice - those programs usually qualify easily for TB since healthcare is in such high demand.
I've been unemployed for about 3 months and just learned about training benefits from this thread - wish I had known sooner! I'm really interested in pursuing a healthcare program, maybe something like medical assistant or pharmacy tech. For those who've been through the TB process, do you recommend applying to multiple programs at once in case one doesn't get approved? Also, if I'm already halfway through my regular unemployment benefits, would I still have enough time to complete a 6-9 month program with the extensions? This seems like such a better option than just doing job searches that aren't leading anywhere.
Anna Stewart
Good luck with the backdating request. The fact that you filed as soon as you understood the process should work in your favor. Shows you weren't trying to delay or game the system.
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Samantha Hall
•That's what I'm hoping they'll see. I really did file as soon as I realized I should have done it earlier.
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AstroAdventurer
I work as a case worker with unemployment claims and see backdating requests regularly. Your situation with confusion about when to file is actually quite common and typically qualifies as good cause. The key is being able to clearly explain that you genuinely misunderstood the filing requirements rather than just procrastinating. When you call, be specific about what you thought the process was versus what it actually is. Washington ESD tends to be reasonable about these cases, especially for first-time filers who acted promptly once they understood the correct procedure. Document everything from your conversation and follow up in writing if they request additional information.
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