Anyone try ESD's Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP)? Worth applying?

I went thru SEAP about 9 months ago and overall it was SO worth it for me. Instead of applying for jobs I didn't want, I could focus 100% on starting my bookkeeping service. The application itself wasn't hard, but there are specific requirements: 1. You need to be "profiled" as likely to exhaust benefits - this happens automatically in their system, you can't request it 2. You MUST complete an approved entrepreneurial training (cost me $375 but was tax deductible) 3. You have to submit a solid business plan that they approve 4. Weekly reports showing 40hrs of business development activities (not optional) I believe only 5% of claimants get selected as "likely to exhaust benefits" so that's the biggest hurdle. I'd recommend calling ESD directly to see if you qualify before getting your hopes up.

I completed the SEAP program in 2023 and it was a game-changer for me. Just to clarify some points: - The "likely to exhaust benefits" determination is based on an algorithm ESD uses that considers your work history, industry, age, and other factors. You can't apply for this designation - it's automatically assigned when you file your initial claim. - If you qualify, you'll see a notification in your eServices account AND they'll mail you a letter about SEAP eligibility. - The approved training programs vary in cost ($250-800) but you MUST complete one to stay in the program. - You still have to complete weekly claims, but instead of listing job searches, you report your business startup activities. - You get your full UI benefit amount for the entire benefit year (or until you start making money). Honestly, it's an awesome program if you qualify, but most people don't get the "likely to exhaust" designation. I'd recommend calling ESD to check your status.

i tried to get into the SEAP program last yr but wasnt eligible. something about not being "likely to exhuast benifits" whatever that means. ended up just doing regular unemplyment and working on my side business anyway. just had to do the stupid job search requirements which was annoying but whatever.

Hi there - I work with unemployment claimants regularly as a career counselor. The SEAP program is excellent but EXTREMELY competitive. A few important notes: 1. The "likely to exhaust benefits" designation is determined by ESD's WPRS (Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services) system at the time of your initial claim. Only about 5-8% of claimants receive this designation. 2. You cannot apply for SEAP unless you receive this designation first. 3. In addition to completing the entrepreneurial training, you must submit a comprehensive business plan and financial projections. 4. You must be within the first 13 weeks of your claim to be eligible. If you're having trouble reaching ESD to check your status (which is common), you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that can connect you to an ESD agent quickly instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. This can save you a lot of time when trying to determine if you're eligible for specialized programs like SEAP.

THE SEAP PROGRAM IS A JOKE!!! Don't waste your time. I applied in 2025 and was told I qualified, spent $500 on their required "training program" and then they suddenly decided I wasn't eligible anymore!!! Had to fight for months to get reimbursed for the training. The whole thing is a scam to funnel money to their approved training providers IMO. Just start your business and do the minimum job search requirements to keep getting benefits. That's what I did and my business is doing fine now no thanks to ESD!!!

I'm in SEAP right now (3rd month) and it's been pretty good. The weekly reporting is kind of a pain - you literally have to document 40 hours of business-building activities EVERY week. Some weeks that's easy, other weeks I'm stretching to find stuff that counts. One thing to know - if your business starts making money while you're in SEAP, you still have to report earnings just like regular unemployment, and your benefits get reduced accordingly. So it's not like you can be profitable AND collect full benefits. Also, I found out you can't be in standby status AND in SEAP, so if you have any chance of being recalled to your old job, you might have to choose between that possibility and doing SEAP.

Has anyone here done SEAP for a consulting business? I'm wondering if that type of business qualifies or if they're looking for more traditional startups with physical products. I was laid off from management consulting and thinking about going independent.

To answer some of the questions that have come up in this thread: 1. The 40 hours of activities can include: market research, website development, networking, product development, training related to your business, meeting with potential clients, creating marketing materials, bookkeeping, and business planning. 2. They do NOT make exceptions to the "likely to exhaust benefits" rule - it's built into the federal funding requirements. 3. Consulting businesses are eligible and actually have a good success rate in the program. 4. The designation usually appears in your account within 2-4 weeks of filing your initial claim. 5. You must apply for SEAP within the first 13 weeks of your claim. If you don't qualify for SEAP, another option is to use your regular unemployment while fulfilling job search requirements AND working on your business part-time. Just be careful not to exceed the earnings limit that would reduce your benefits.

I'm currently going through the SEAP application process after being selected as "likely to exhaust benefits" - got the notification in my eServices account about 3 weeks after filing my initial claim. A few things I've learned so far: The entrepreneurial training requirement is no joke - I'm enrolled in a $425 program through SCORE that's actually really comprehensive (business planning, financial projections, marketing strategies, etc.). While expensive upfront, it's been genuinely helpful for structuring my business idea. One thing nobody mentioned - they also require you to meet with a business counselor at least once during the program. Mine was through the Small Business Development Center and was actually super valuable for refining my business plan. The application itself took me about 2 weeks to complete properly. The business plan section is detailed - they want market analysis, competition research, financial projections for 2 years, and a clear path to profitability. It's basically like applying for a business loan. Still waiting to hear back on my approval (submitted 10 days ago), but the whole process has already pushed me to think more seriously about my business structure than I would have on my own. Even if I don't get approved, the exercise has been worthwhile. For those not eligible, I'd honestly recommend doing the entrepreneurship training anyway if you're serious about starting a business - the knowledge is worth the investment even without the SEAP benefits.