I'm dealing with this same Training Benefits nightmare! Applied in late January for a cybersecurity program and just hit the 7-week mark with zero communication from ESD. My regular UI runs out in 5 weeks and the anxiety is real. What's really frustrating is that I'm in an accelerated program (30+ hours/week) but still have to waste time applying for IT jobs that want immediate start dates and full availability. I've applied to probably 40+ positions just to meet the weekly requirement, knowing I can't actually accept any of them while committed to this program. After reading everyone's experiences here, I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service and reach out to my state rep this week. At 7 weeks I figure I need to start being more proactive rather than just hoping they'll eventually get to my application. It's so backwards that the system makes it this hard for people who are actively trying to gain in-demand skills. Cybersecurity is literally one of the fastest growing fields but here I am stressing about losing benefits while training for it. Thanks to everyone sharing their timelines and tips - it really helps to know this is a systemic problem and not just me. Will definitely update if I make progress getting through to someone at ESD!

I'm going through almost the exact same situation! Applied for Training Benefits in mid-December for a healthcare administration program at Bellevue College and I'm still waiting at nearly 14 weeks now. My regular UI ran out 3 weeks ago and I've been living off savings and stress. A few things I've learned through this nightmare: 1. I finally got through using Claimyr after trying for weeks on my own - it really does work! Took about 45 minutes but I actually spoke to a human who could see my application status. 2. The ESD agent told me that December applications got caught in some kind of system backlog during their winter processing, which is why so many of us from that timeframe are still waiting. 3. She said to keep filing weekly claims even after regular benefits run out - apparently if/when TB gets approved, there can be retroactive payments back to when you started the program (as long as you kept filing). 4. My state rep's office (48th district) was actually really helpful - they have a constituent services person who specializes in ESD issues and she put in an inquiry for me. The restaurant job search while in school is absolutely brutal right now. I've had better luck applying for administrative assistant positions that explicitly mention "part-time" or "flexible schedule" - at least those feel more realistic given my class commitments. Hang in there - your program sounds like a great choice and culinary management is definitely growing. This system is broken but we'll get through it!

Just want to add that if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about your specific situation, that Claimyr service really does work. I used it last month when I needed to speak with someone about my claim history before filing a new application.

This has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation in construction where layoffs are pretty common. It's reassuring to know that as long as I work enough between claims, I can potentially file for new benefit periods without hitting some lifetime cap. The base period earnings requirement makes sense - keeps people from gaming the system while still providing a safety net for those who genuinely cycle through employment. Really appreciate everyone sharing their real experiences here!

Just to add onto what others have said - the tax withholding is typically 10% for federal taxes. There's no state income tax in Washington, so that's all they take for taxes. The healthcare premium will vary based on your previous plan. Do double-check that the base amount before deductions matches your monetary determination letter. If that number is wrong, then there's a different issue that would require contacting ESD. But if it's just the deductions causing the difference, then everything is probably working as intended.

Glad you got it figured out! This is such a common confusion - I wish ESD would make the deductions more clear upfront. For future reference, you can also adjust your tax withholding by filling out form ESD 1042 if you want to change the amount they take out (or stop it entirely). Just keep in mind you'll owe taxes on the full amount when you file your return if you reduce/eliminate the withholding.

If you filed your initial claim correctly and don't have any complicating factors, 2-3 weeks is typical. Keep filing your weekly claims and try not to stress too much. The system works, it's just slow.

I'm in a similar situation - applied about 6 days ago and seeing the same "claim processing" status. Reading through all these responses is really helpful! It sounds like the 2-3 week timeframe is pretty standard. I've been doing my weekly claims like everyone recommends, but I'm definitely feeling the financial pressure too. Has anyone had experience with Washington ESD processing claims faster during certain times of the year, or is it pretty consistent regardless of when you apply?

Bottom line for anyone reading this - document everything, try to resolve issues through proper channels first, and be prepared for a long adjudication process. Good cause quits are possible but Washington ESD makes you work for it.

Just went through this exact situation last month. I quit due to workplace harassment and got approved for benefits. The key things that helped me were: 1) Keep detailed records with dates/times of every incident, 2) Email yourself summaries after each incident so you have timestamps, 3) Save any text messages or emails from your supervisor, 4) Try to get witness contact info if coworkers saw the behavior. I also wrote a formal complaint to HR specifically stating that the harassment was creating an unsafe work environment and kept a copy. When I filed my UI claim, I submitted all this documentation upfront rather than waiting for them to ask. My adjudication took about 4 weeks but I was approved. The investigator told me the detailed timeline I provided really helped my case. Don't let them make you feel like you're asking for something you don't deserve - if you have legitimate good cause, fight for it.