Can I still collect ESD benefits while attending school? Being denied for student status

YES you can absolutely get benefits while in school! I was in the exact same situation last year. You need to apply for something called the Training Benefits Program through ESD. It lets you collect benefits while attending approved training. The catch is you need to fill out the right paperwork and get your program approved. Keep filing your weekly claims during this process! It can be backdated once approved.

dude they ALWAYS try to deny ppl for the smallest reasons... fight it!! ive been denied 3 times for dumb stuff and won all my appeals. the system is designed to reject u hoping youll give up

You have two options here: 1. Apply for the Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) program. This is what most people call the "Training Benefits Program." If approved, you can collect benefits while attending school without having to look for work. The program provides up to 52 weeks of benefits while you complete approved training that enhances your employability. You'll need to fill out form ESD 13-056. 2. If you don't want to do that, you can appeal the denial and demonstrate that despite being in school, you are available for full-time work during standard work hours. Your evening class schedule actually works in your favor here. You'll need to file your appeal within 30 days of the denial notice date. Either way, YES, continue filing your weekly claims without interruption. If you win your appeal or get approved for training benefits, you'll only be paid for weeks you've properly claimed.

I tried calling ESD about this exact situation last year and spent 3 weeks trying to get through. FINALLY got someone on the phone who explained that being in school is fine as long as you're still available for work during business hours. Make sure you document everything - class schedule, availability, etc. They denied me at first too but reversed it after I appealed.

I went thru this in 2025! The issue isn't just that ur in school - it's about whether your school schedule makes u unavailable for suitable work in your occupation. Since ur classes r evenings only, u should appeal! I appealed my denial with proof that my classes were after normal work hrs & won. I didn't even need the training program since construction jobs r typically daytime anyway. Def keep filing weekly claims during appeal!

The key thing to understand is that under regular UI benefits, you must be able and available for suitable work in your occupation. Being a student doesn't automatically disqualify you, but ESD often initially denies student claims because many full-time students aren't available for full-time work. Your situation has two good solutions: 1. Appeal and show your evening-only class schedule makes you available during normal construction work hours 2. Apply for Training Benefits which is specifically designed for people improving skills through education Whichever path you choose, call ESD to discuss your specific situation. Document everything. And most importantly, KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS even while appealing or applying for the training program.

When I got denied last yr the problem wasnt just being in school but that I didnt tell them I was in school on my initial application!! Make sure ur answering the school question correctly on weekly claims too. They consider it misrepresentation if u dont disclose being a student.

If you mistakenly answered the school attendance question incorrectly, call ESD immediately to correct this. It's better to voluntarily correct the record than have them discover it later. As for your next steps: 1. File your appeal now - you only have 30 days from the denial notice 2. Simultaneously apply for the Training Benefits Program using form ESD 13-056 3. Continue filing weekly claims, answering all questions accurately 4. Gather documentation of your class schedule and a statement from your school confirming evening-only attendance 5. Prepare a written statement explaining how your class schedule does not interfere with your availability for full-time construction work The approval process for Training Benefits can take 2-4 weeks, but if approved, payments can be backdated to when you applied, assuming you've filed all your weekly claims.