One last thought - if anyone else is struggling to get through to Washington ESD about their church employment questions, that Claimyr service at claimyr.com really is worth checking out. Sometimes you just need to actually talk to someone who can look up your specific employer's status instead of guessing.

I went through this exact situation two years ago when I lost my job at a small Lutheran church where I worked as a music director. Like others have said, the key is to file the claim anyway - you might be surprised. In my case, the church had actually opted into the system about 5 years earlier when they hired their first full-time pastor, but nobody on staff knew about it. I only found out when Washington ESD approved my claim. Even if you think there's only a 10% chance, it's worth the 20 minutes to file online. The worst case is you get a denial letter, but the best case is you get the benefits you've earned. Don't let assumptions stop you from trying!

Just wanted to add one more thing - when you do get through to ESD, ask if your CAT approval includes the Training Benefits extension. This is separate from regular UI and can provide additional weeks of benefits while you're in approved training. Not everyone qualifies for it, but it's worth asking about since you're in a healthcare program, which is often considered high-demand.

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Got my CAT approval for my medical assistant program but my initial claim is still pending after 4 weeks. From what I've learned lurking here, it seems like the training approval and benefit eligibility are handled by completely different teams at ESD. One thing that might help - when you file your appeal, make sure to emphasize that your clinical rotation has specific scheduling requirements that made it impossible to continue your previous job. I've been documenting everything my school has told me about mandatory attendance and clinical hour requirements. Also, if you haven't already, try to get a letter from your program coordinator stating that the clinical portion couldn't be completed while working your previous schedule. The waiting is brutal though - I feel you on the financial stress. Hang in there!

This has been a really useful thread. I'm bookmarking it in case I run into this question again. Sometimes you just need to hear from other people who've been in the same situation.

I went through this same situation a few months ago. Filed in February 2024, benefits ended in June when I found work, then had to answer this question on a rental application in October. Definitely answer yes - the question is specifically about filing within the 12-month period, not whether your claim is currently active. I was worried it might affect my rental application but the property manager said it was just standard disclosure and didn't impact their decision at all. Better to be transparent than risk them finding out later and wondering why you didn't mention it.

To answer your question about whether payments come individually or as a lump sum - it can actually be either! I've seen cases where all back payments come at once, and others where ESD processes each week separately, resulting in multiple deposits over a day or two. Also, important note: when they process your backpay, they'll withhold taxes if you elected for tax withholding on your initial application. You can verify or change this selection in your eServices account before payments are processed if needed.

Congrats on winning your appeal! Just wanted to add that you should also keep an eye on your online account for any "pending issues" that might pop up after the appeal decision. Sometimes ESD flags accounts for identity verification or other random checks even after a successful appeal, which can delay payments. If you see any new issues appear, address them immediately through your eServices account or you might face additional delays. Also, if your employer does file another appeal, don't stress too much - the vast majority of these secondary appeals are unsuccessful since the OAH judge already reviewed all the evidence thoroughly. Good luck and hope you get your payments soon!

I actually got approved for CATS for a data analytics bootcamp back in December! Took about 6 weeks to hear back, which was nerve-wracking but worth the wait. A few things that I think helped my application: 1) I included documentation showing the bootcamp was accredited and had partnerships with local employers, 2) I wrote a detailed explanation of how the skills would help me find work in my previous field (marketing) plus open up new opportunities, and 3) I made sure to emphasize that data analysis is listed as a high-demand occupation in Washington. The waiting period was stressful but my benefits continued normally while they reviewed everything. Once approved, not having to do job searches was such a relief since the bootcamp is pretty intensive. One thing to note - they do check in periodically to make sure you're making satisfactory progress, so keep your grades/completion records handy. Really hoping it works out for you too! The tech field definitely qualifies as in-demand so you should have a good shot.

I'm currently going through the CATS application process myself for a cybersecurity bootcamp! Applied about 3 weeks ago and still waiting to hear back. My adjudicator gave me the same 6-8 week timeline, which is honestly terrifying when you're trying to budget. One thing I learned from researching this extensively is that tech bootcamps actually have a pretty good approval rate for CATS as long as they meet the basic requirements. Washington state has been pushing hard to fill tech jobs, so coding/data/cybersecurity training programs are generally viewed favorably. The key seems to be demonstrating that your specific program leads to employment in high-demand occupations. I'd recommend calling your bootcamp's admissions or career services department and asking for any documentation they have about job placement rates, employer partnerships, or industry demand. Most reputable programs track this stuff and are happy to provide it for CATS applications. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you submitted the most detailed course curriculum/syllabus possible - they want to see exactly what skills you'll be learning. Keeping my fingers crossed for both of us! The wait is brutal but from what I've seen here, most people do get approved eventually.