Are unemployment benefits extensions available in Washington 2025? ESD guidance needed

Thanks for the honest answer. That's what I was afraid of. Do you know if there's any exception if the unemployment rate suddenly spikes higher? Like if it hits some threshold do extensions kick in automatically?

That sounds awful, I'm sorry you went through that. Did you find other assistance programs that helped at all?

Good point - might be worth trying to get through to someone directly. It's just so hard to reach a real person at ESD.

Thanks for the Claimyr suggestion! I'll check that out. I didn't know about industry-specific retraining benefits - that's definitely something to ask about. I'd be open to training for a different role if it comes with some financial support.

The Training Benefits Program is definitely still active! It provides up to 26 additional weeks of benefits while you train for a new career, but you need to get the training plan approved by ESD before your regular benefits end. There's specific criteria and paperwork required. For construction workers, there are several approved training paths including various trades certifications, energy efficiency specialists, and project management programs. Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT) is another option that provides shorter-term benefits while in training. Here's the process: 1. Find an approved training program 2. Submit the Training Benefits application before your regular UI runs out 3. Get approval from ESD 4. Enroll and start training while continuing to file weekly claims The key is to start the process now rather than waiting until your benefits are about to expire.

You might be thinking of Oregon. They triggered on their Extended Benefits program last month because their unemployment rate crossed the threshold. Washington's unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger EB at this time. Each state has different rules and rates that activate these programs.

Good luck! Hope they approve you faster than they do with everything else!!

That's great to hear! Energy-efficient construction is definitely a growth area in Washington right now. One tip: make sure to continue filing your weekly claims without interruption even while your Training Benefits application is processing. This ensures no weeks are missed if you get approved.

Thanks for mentioning TAA and ITA programs! I hadn't heard of those before. My layoff wasn't directly trade-related (just slow winter season), but I'll definitely ask about the Individual Training Account when I follow up with WorkSource. It sounds like there might be multiple funding sources I could potentially stack together for training costs. Really appreciate everyone sharing these lesser-known programs - the ESD website definitely doesn't make it easy to find all the available options!

This is really helpful advice, thank you! I'm definitely going to start looking at the approved training programs today. Do you remember roughly how long the whole process took from when you submitted your Training Benefits application to when you actually started receiving the extended benefits? I'm trying to figure out my timeline since I've got about 3 weeks left on regular UI. Also, did you have to stop job searching while in training, or do you still need to do the weekly job search activities?

From my experience, it took about 3 weeks from submission to approval, then another week before I started getting the extended benefits. So you're cutting it close but should be okay if you apply this week! For job search requirements - this was actually a nice surprise - once you're approved for Training Benefits and actively enrolled in your program, the job search requirements are waived. You just need to maintain satisfactory progress in your training and file your weekly claims. They understand you're focused on gaining new skills rather than actively job hunting. One thing I wish someone had told me: make sure your training program has a specific start date that's soon after your regular benefits end. ESD wants to see you'll be actively training, not just enrolled in something that starts months later. Good luck!

Great question about high-demand training programs for construction workers! From what I've researched, some of the most in-demand certifications in Washington right now include electrical work (especially solar installation), HVAC systems, plumbing, and green building/energy efficiency certifications like LEED. Welding is also always in high demand here. Regarding part-time work while in Training Benefits - yes, you can typically work part-time while receiving benefits, but your weekly benefit amount will be reduced based on your earnings (just like with regular UI). There's usually a small earnings disregard, so you might be able to earn a little without any reduction, but definitely check with ESD about the specific rules for Training Benefits since they can be different from regular UI. I'd suggest looking at the WorkSource website for their list of approved training providers and in-demand occupations. Community colleges like Seattle Central, Bellevue, and Everett have great trades programs that are often pre-approved for Training Benefits. Good luck - sounds like you're being proactive about this which is exactly what you need to do!

Adding to what Mia said about high-demand programs - I'd also look into crane operator certification if you're interested in staying in construction but want better job security. Washington has a lot of infrastructure projects coming up and crane operators are always needed. The training is usually shorter than some other programs (8-12 weeks) but pays really well. Another option is to look into construction project management or estimating programs. With your 8 years of framing experience, you already understand the work from the ground up, which is valuable for those roles. Many of these programs can be done partially online which gives you flexibility. For the part-time work question - definitely report any earnings when you file your weekly claims, even small side jobs. It's better to be transparent and have your benefits reduced slightly than risk any issues with overpayments later. The ESD is pretty good about working with people who are honest about their earnings.

Thanks for mentioning apprenticeships! I hadn't considered that option but it makes a lot of sense, especially with my existing framing experience. The idea of getting paid while learning and potentially combining it with Training Benefits is really appealing. I'll definitely check out the BIAW website and see what apprenticeship opportunities might be available. Do you happen to know if there are any age restrictions or other barriers for someone with existing construction experience to enter an apprenticeship program? I'm wondering if being an experienced worker rather than a complete beginner affects the application process or placement opportunities. Also really appreciate the reminder about the long-term outlook for construction in Washington - it's easy to get discouraged when you're in the middle of the slow season, but you're right that there's a lot of development planned. Sometimes you just need that outside perspective to remember this is temporary!