Can ESD training benefits be extended after 26-week deadline? Getting desperate!

same thing happened to me last year!! their rules are super strict about the 26 week thing and i couldn't get an extension. did u try commissioner review?

Training Benefits are unfortunately limited to a maximum of 26 weeks, as stated in RCW 50.22.155. The law doesn't provide for extensions based on program delays. However, you have a couple options: 1) Contact your program director and ask about accelerated completion options 2) Check if you qualify for regular UI benefits after TB expires (if you have enough hours in your base year) 3) File for Commissioner Review (different from an appeal) where you can argue exceptional circumstances Documenting the specific program delays with letters from your school will be crucial if you pursue option #3. The Commissioner has some discretion in unique situations, though I've only seen it work in cases involving medical emergencies.

THE ESD SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! I was in an approved nursing program last year and they denied my extension even though my clinical rotation was delayed by the HOSPITAL not me!! I ended up having to take out a $7K loan to finish my program because the appeal took 8 WEEKS and was still denied. The commissioner review is a JOKE - they just rubber stamp whatever the first adjudicator said. The law might say 26 weeks but they should have exceptions for situations that aren't your fault!!!!

Are you sure you're in the Training Benefits Program and not Commissioner Approved Training? They're different things with different rules. If you're in CAT there's a little more flexibility sometimes.

I work at a workforce development center and help clients with Training Benefits issues regularly. Here's the reality: 1. The 26-week limit for TB is statutory - ESD literally cannot extend it under normal circumstances 2. Commissioner Review is technically possible but extremely unlikely to succeed for program delays 3. Your best option is to see if you qualify for regular UI after TB expires Many people confuse TB with Commissioner Approved Training (CAT), which works differently. With TB, you get benefits specifically for training. With CAT, you get regular UI while training (with job search requirements waived). I'd recommend: 1. Check if you have enough hours in your base year for regular UI after TB 2. Talk to your school about completion options 3. Look into emergency financial aid through your school Reaching ESD directly about this is important, but extremely difficult right now due to high call volumes.

Have you tried Claimyr? I was in a similar situation last month trying to reach ESD about my adjudication and couldn't get through. Claimyr got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 25 minutes after being hung up on for days. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and go to claimyr.com. They can't change the rules but at least you can talk to someone who can tell you exactly where you stand and what options you have.

just throwing this out there but have u asked your bootcamp if they offer any emergency scholarships or hardship funding? my friend was in devmountain bootcamp and they had some kinda emergency fund for students who hit financial problems near the end of the program. might be worth asking your program counselor

To answer your follow-up question: If you qualify for regular UI after TB ends, you'll need to file a new initial claim. The system will determine if you have enough hours in your base year (which would now include a different timeframe than when you applied for TB). One important note: If you do qualify for regular UI, you'll need to either: 1. Complete 3 job search activities per week, OR 2. Apply for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) to have job search requirements waived while you finish your program CAT approval is not guaranteed, but since you're just finishing a previously approved program, your chances are decent. The key is to not have any gaps between your TB ending and new claim starting. File your new claim the same week your TB runs out.

quick question - if u get denied for more benefits can u still finish ur bootcamp? would they kick u out or let u finish? maybe u could do uber or something for those last few weeks just to pay bills?

I just wanted to follow up since several people mentioned Commissioner Review. This process typically takes 4-8 weeks, so it's not a quick solution to your immediate problem. However, it might be worth pursuing alongside your other options. Regarding the Claimyr suggestion, while I can't personally vouch for third-party services, getting through to an actual ESD representative is critical right now. They can check your specific claim details and give you personalized guidance based on your exact situation. Finally, if you do end up applying for regular UI after TB, be aware that your weekly benefit amount might be different than what you're receiving now under TB.

I went through something similar with my medical assistant program last year. The 26-week TB limit is unfortunately very rigid, but here's what worked for me: 1. I immediately applied for regular UI the week my TB ended (like Emma mentioned) and got approved since I had enough work history 2. I then applied for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) to waive job search requirements while finishing my last month of school 3. My school's financial aid office had an emergency fund that covered about $1,500 of unexpected expenses The key thing is timing - don't wait until the last minute to file your regular UI claim. Also document EVERYTHING about the program delays (emails, announcements, etc.) in case you need it for appeals or Commissioner Review. One more tip: when you do get through to ESD (whether through Claimyr or regular channels), ask them to calculate your potential regular UI benefit amount so you can plan your budget. It might be lower than your TB amount but at least you'll know what to expect. Good luck! You're so close to finishing - don't give up now!