Approved for Commissioner Approved Training but claim denied - all weekly claims show disqualified. What now?

The same thing happened to me when I was trying to get CAT approval for nursing clinicals last year. It's confusing as hell. The basic problem is that one part of ESD is approving your training program while another part is still processing your initial eligibility for benefits. Since you quit, you're probably getting hit with a voluntary quit disqualification which is separate from the training approval.

This is actually a common situation with Commissioner Approved Training. Let me clarify: The CAT approval means your training program meets their requirements, but you still need to qualify for unemployment benefits in the first place. Since you voluntarily quit your job (even for training), you're facing a separate eligibility issue. You'll need to appeal the denial decision within 30 days and explain that you quit specifically for approved training. During your appeal, emphasize that your clinical rotation is required for your degree/certification and that you had no reasonable alternative to quitting. CAT doesn't automatically override normal UI eligibility rules, but it can be a factor in your appeal.

Yes, absolutely keep filing your weekly claims even while they show as disqualified! This is CRITICAL - if you win your appeal, they can only pay you for weeks you properly claimed. File an appeal online through your eServices account or by mail using the instructions on your denial letter. Make sure to include documentation from your school showing the clinical rotation is mandatory. The appeals hearing might take several weeks to schedule, unfortunately.

u should also call esd directly and ask them to explain the letters. its probly just a mix up in the system but youll never know unless u talk to a real person there. i had something similar happen w/ my claim and it turned out to be nothing serious

I had to deal with this exact situation in 2025 when I started my radiology tech program. The key is understanding that there are TWO separate determinations happening: 1) Is your training approved? and 2) Do you qualify for benefits based on your separation reason? Since quitting to attend school is generally not considered "good cause," you need to appeal and specifically reference WAC 192-150-050, which covers leaving work to enter approved training. During your appeal, you'll need to prove that your clinical rotation couldn't be completed while maintaining your previous job (due to scheduling conflicts, distance, etc.). I recommend checking out Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an ESD agent quickly. They helped me connect with ESD when I was in this exact situation. Their video shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Getting clarification directly from ESD before your appeal hearing will help you prepare properly.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!! I went thru this same bureaucratic nightmare last fall. Got approved for training then DENIED benefits for 8 WEEKS until appeal!!! They make these decisions in different depts and don't even TALK TO EACH OTHER!! This is why people hate dealing with government agencies!!! Sorry you're going thru this but KEEP FIGHTING!!!!

Thank you everyone for the advice! I've started my appeal letter and am gathering documentation from my program. I'll definitely keep filing weekly claims even though they're showing as disqualified. I'm going to try calling ESD again tomorrow morning - maybe I'll have better luck at 8am when they open. Will check out that Claimyr thing too if I can't get through again. This is all so much more complicated than I expected!

When I did my appeal for something similar i ended up winning but it took almost 2 months. Just be super patient and keep documentation of everything. My appeal ended up being over the phone with a judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings not regular ESD staff. Goodluck!

Just had all my notes and paperwork organized. The judge was actually pretty nice and just asked questions about timeline of quitting and starting school. Make sure you have exact dates! They're really specific about that stuff

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.