Can I apply for Training Benefits (TB) after exhausting regular ESD unemployment?

i think ur husband missed the window tbh. u have to get approved for training benefits BEFORE ur regular benefits run out. my cousin tried to do the same thing last year and they told him no way.

Actually, the previous commenter isn't entirely correct. Your husband can still apply for Training Benefits even after exhausting regular UI, BUT there are specific requirements: 1. He must apply within 30 days of his regular UI claim exhausting 2. He needs to be enrolled or accepted in an ESD-approved training program 3. He must demonstrate that the training is for a high-demand occupation The Training Benefits program provides additional weeks beyond the regular 26 weeks of UI. It's not part of the same maximum benefit amount - it's a separate extension specifically for approved training. I'd recommend he apply ASAP through his eServices account and also contact WorkSource for help with the application. They can also provide guidance on which training programs qualify.

The previous answers are partly right but missing some important details. Training Benefits (TB) can provide up to 26 ADDITIONAL weeks of benefits while in approved training. But the important part is getting your training plan approved quickly! I went through this in 2025 and here's what you need to know: 1. File the Training Benefits application immediately through your eServices account 2. You MUST be enrolled or accepted into your training program when you apply 3. The Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) is the form you need 4. You'll need to submit your training program details, start date, end date, and proof of enrollment Also, while your application is pending, your husband needs to continue filing weekly claims even though no payments will come until TB is approved. If he stops filing, he'll lose eligibility! I was stuck on the phone for DAYS trying to get through to ESD about my Training Benefits questions. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an ESD agent quickly. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Worth it to get the TB questions answered directly by ESD and not risk missing deadlines.

My neighbors son had this EXACT same thing happen in January!!! The ESD system is DESIGNED to be confusing on purpose to deny people benefits!!!1! He applied for the training thing and they jerked him around for WEEKS before finally approving it. Make sure your husband keeps DETAILED records of EVERY conversation and EVERY piece of paper they send!!!!

To give you the official answer, per RCW 50.22.155 (Washington state law governing Training Benefits): Your husband can apply for Training Benefits within 30 days after exhausting regular UI if he meets all other eligibility requirements. The application must be submitted through his eServices account under the "Training Benefits" section. Training Benefits provides up to 26 additional weeks of benefits while attending approved training. These are separate from and in addition to regular UI benefits. Key requirements for approval include: - Training must be for an in-demand occupation (IT generally qualifies) - Must be in full-time training as defined by the educational institution - Must maintain satisfactory progress - Training program must be approved by ESD I recommend having him complete the TB application immediately and also reach out to his local WorkSource office for assistance with the process. They can help determine if his chosen IT program meets the requirements. Most importantly, he must continue filing weekly claims even during the application review period.

i went thru this last year and want to share my experience. i applied for training benefits after my regular UI ran out and got approved, BUT it took almost 5 weeks for them to process everythin. the important thing is i kept filing weekly claims durin that time even tho i wasnt getting paid. when they finally approved it, they paid all the missed weeks retroactively. the training program has to be approved by ESD and they are PICKY. make sure the school/program is on their approved list before enrolling!! i almost signed up for a coding bootcamp that wasnt approved and woulda wasted my time and money. also dont forget he needs to do his job search activities UNTIL he gets officially approved for training benefits. once approved, he gets excused from job search requirements. good luck!

Just wanted to add one more piece of information that might be helpful for your husband. While waiting for Training Benefits approval, he should also look into the Worker Retraining Program through Washington's community colleges. They often provide tuition assistance specifically for displaced workers. Many IT programs qualify for both Training Benefits AND Worker Retraining funds, which can cover tuition while TB covers living expenses during training. It's a powerful combination that many people don't know about. The community college will have a Worker Retraining coordinator who can help with both programs simultaneously.