Can I get Training Benefits after UI exhaustion? WorkSource classes question
My regular unemployment benefits just ran out last week and I'm completely broke. I heard from someone at a job fair that there's something called 'Training Benefits' that can extend unemployment if you're taking classes? I'm interested in this IT certification program through WorkSource that starts next month. Would enrolling in this program qualify me for additional benefits after my regular UI is exhausted? Do I need to apply for the training benefits before my regular benefits run out? I've already been approved for the WorkSource program but I'm confused about the timing and if I'll actually qualify for more unemployment money while I'm in training. Anyone successfully done this recently?
16 comments
Giovanni Mancini
Yes, Training Benefits (TB) is a program that can extend your UI while you're in approved training. But there are some important things to know: 1. You need to apply for Training Benefits BEFORE your regular UI runs out. Since you said yours just exhausted last week, you might be cutting it very close. 2. Your training program has to be approved by ESD as "in-demand" - most IT certifications qualify, but not all. 3. You'll need to submit a Training Benefits application through your eServices account, along with documentation from WorkSource showing you're enrolled in their program. 4. If approved, you can get up to 26 additional weeks of benefits while you're in the training program. Call ESD ASAP to see if you can still apply for TB even though your benefits just ran out. The rule is technically that you need to apply before exhaustion, but sometimes they give a small grace period.
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Amara Nnamani
•Oh no, I didn't know I had to apply BEFORE my benefits ran out! The WorkSource counselor never mentioned that part. Is there any way around this? I really need the financial support while I get these certifications. Will they make exceptions?
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
i did training bennefits last yr for nursing program. u have 2 apply before ur regular benifits end!!! once they run out ur screwed. also they dont always aprove every program u gotta proove its gonna help u get a job. IT stuff usually gets aproved tho
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Amara Nnamani
•Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you have to do anything special to get approved? I'm worried because I've already missed the deadline since my benefits just exhausted. Do you think they'd make an exception if I called and explained?
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Dylan Cooper
Everyone here is forgetting about Commissioner Approved Training (CAT)! You CAN still apply for training benefits after your regular UI runs out through the CAT program. It's different from standard Training Benefits. You'll need to file a Commissioner Approved Training application immediately - there's a separate form for this. I went through this exact situation in March.
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Giovanni Mancini
•This is partially correct but needs clarification. Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) doesn't provide additional benefits after exhaustion - it just keeps you from having to look for work while in training. Standard Training Benefits (TB) is what extends benefits for up to 26 weeks, but you must apply before exhaustion. The two programs have different purposes and different application processes.
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Sofia Morales
Have you tried calling ESD directly to ask about your options? I know their phone lines are notoriously difficult to get through, but this is definitely a situation where speaking to an actual claims specialist would help clarify your options. I had a similar issue last year and found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an ESD agent in about 15 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Given that your benefits just exhausted and you're right on the edge of the deadline, getting through to someone who can look at your specific situation is probably your best bet. They might be able to make an exception if you're only a few days past exhaustion.
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Amara Nnamani
•Thanks for the suggestion! I've been trying to call ESD for days but keep getting the message about high call volume. I'll check out that service - at this point I just need to talk to a real person who can tell me if I still have options.
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StarSailor
THE ESD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO FAIL PEOPLE! They purposely don't tell you about deadlines until it's too late. I bet your WorkSource person knew about the Training Benefits deadline but didn't say anything. They did the same thing to me with standby status. The whole system is rigged against workers!!!!!
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Dmitry Ivanov
•While I understand your frustration, I've actually found WorkSource staff to be quite helpful. They're separate from ESD and don't always know all the unemployment rules. Most likely, the WorkSource counselor was focused on the training program itself, not on how it interacts with UI benefits. It's always best to verify unemployment benefit rules directly with ESD.
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Ava Garcia
Sorry you're in this situation. Even if you can't get Training Benefits, you might qualify for other assistance while in training: 1. Worker Retraining Program - Offers tuition assistance for dislocated workers 2. BFET (Basic Food Employment & Training) - If you receive food benefits 3. Opportunity Grant - For low-income students in specific high-demand programs 4. WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) - Funding for career training Talk to your WorkSource counselor about these options. While they don't replace unemployment benefits, they can help with training costs and sometimes provide small stipends for transportation and childcare.
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Amara Nnamani
•Thank you for these suggestions! I'll definitely ask about these programs. I'm already on food benefits so maybe I can qualify for that BFET program you mentioned. Anything would help at this point.
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Dmitry Ivanov
I went through this exact situation in 2025. If your benefits just exhausted last week, you need to call ESD immediately and explain the situation. According to WAC 192-270-050, you must submit your Training Benefits application before your benefits exhaust, but there is a provision for exceptions in certain circumstances. When you call, specifically ask if you qualify for a "good cause" exception for the late filing. Be prepared to explain why you weren't able to apply on time (like if the WorkSource counselor didn't inform you of the deadline). Also, make sure your training program is on the in-demand occupation list for your local workforce development area. Most IT certifications are, but it's worth confirming.
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Amara Nnamani
•Thank you for the detailed information! I'll definitely ask about the "good cause" exception when I call. Do you remember how long it took for your Training Benefits to get approved once you applied?
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Ava Garcia
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to ESD? What did they say about your situation?
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Amara Nnamani
•I finally got through yesterday using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. The agent said I can still apply for Training Benefits because I'm within 10 days of exhaustion! Apparently there is a short grace period. I've submitted my application and now I'm waiting to hear back. They said it could take 2-3 weeks for approval, and if approved, I'd get the additional benefits starting after that. Fingers crossed!
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