Applied for TB or TRA benefits after regular UI exhausted - need advice on the process

I successfully got Training Benefits last year after my regular UI ran out. It's definitely worth it but there's a very specific process you need to follow. First, you need to get your training plan approved BEFORE your regular benefits end (ideally 4+ weeks before). You'll need to: 1. Find a training program on the ESD-approved list (mostly community colleges and vocational schools) 2. Complete a Training Benefits application through your eServices account 3. Submit documentation that the training will lead to in-demand employment 4. Wait for approval (takes 2-3 weeks typically) The biggest hurdle is proving your chosen field has good employment prospects. I submitted local job postings and labor market reports showing IT jobs were in demand. For TRA, that's specifically for workers whose jobs went overseas or were affected by foreign imports. Your employer would've received a certification from the Dept of Labor if you qualify.

i got denied for training benefits twice last yr. total nightmare dealing with esd. they said my chosen field wasnt in demand enough but wouldnt tell me what WAS in demand?? make sure u print EVERYTHING and save all emails because they lost my paperwork twice. good luck lol

The TRA program saved me after my job at Boeing got outsourced in 2024. But it's VERY specific who qualifies. Your employer has to have been certified by the Department of Labor as "trade-impacted" - basically proving foreign competition or outsourcing caused the layoffs. The company usually applies for this status, not individual workers. If you don't have a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) certification number already, you probably don't qualify for TRA. You can check if your company is certified here: https://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/petitioners/taa_search_form.cfm The TB program is more accessible but as the other person mentioned, there's a whole approval process.

Since you only have one week left on regular UI, you need to act quickly. Call ESD immediately to discuss your situation and whether you can still apply for TB. The requirement to apply before benefits exhaust can sometimes be waived if you have good cause. Also, be aware that even if approved for TB, there can be a gap between your regular UI ending and TB payments beginning. You'll need financial planning for that period. Once approved, TB provides the same weekly benefit amount you received on regular UI for up to 26 additional weeks while in approved training. If your chosen field is IT security, that should qualify as in-demand, but you'll need to provide documentation from WorkSource or labor market data to prove it. WorkSource can help you with this process - I recommend contacting them ASAP as well.

Have you tried Claimyr? I was in your exact situation last month - couldn't get through to ESD and was running out of benefits fast. Claimyr got me connected with an actual ESD agent in about 40 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with was able to give me detailed info about my TB eligibility and helped me start the application even though I was close to my benefit end date. Totally worth checking out their website at claimyr.com

I went through the TB process in early 2025 and there's one CRUCIAL thing nobody mentioned yet - YOU MUST CONTINUE FILING WEEKLY CLAIMS during the entire application process and while waiting for approval! If you stop filing weekly claims, your entire case can get messed up. Also, in my experience, the Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) is different from the Training Benefits (TB) program. CAT just means you don't have to look for work while in training, but it doesn't extend your benefits. TB actually gives you the additional weeks of benefits. You need to apply for BOTH CAT and TB separately in eServices. It's confusing because they're related but different programs.

That's exactly right. And while waiting for TB approval, you should also: 1. Contact your chosen school/training program and get documentation about the program (course list, duration, expected completion date) 2. Get labor market information showing your chosen field is in-demand (WorkSource can help with this) 3. Prepare a statement explaining why this training will help you become employed 4. Document any skills gaps between your current qualifications and jobs you're seeking One more important thing: TB has specific enrollment timing requirements. You generally must begin training within the calendar quarter following your TB application or the quarter after that. So timing matters significantly.

btw another option nobody mentioned is deferring student loans while ur unemployed. helped me survive the gap between benefits. just saying