Can I use waiting week during union Christmas break then get UI for apprentice school?

When i was in my plumbers apprentice program i tried doing that and got DENIED. They said school doesnt count as being layed off, its like ur choosing not to work those weeks. Totally BS since its mandatory training!!!! ESD is seriously broken for trade workers.

Yes, you can use your Christmas break to serve your waiting week, and then potentially collect benefits during your training period in February. Here's what you need to know: 1. For the Christmas break: File your initial claim as soon as the break starts. This will be a temporary layoff situation, and your first week will be your waiting week (unpaid). 2. For your apprenticeship training: You need to apply for the Training Benefits program through ESD. Approved apprenticeship programs typically qualify under Commissioner Approved Training (CAT). 3. Important steps: - When you file your initial claim, indicate you're in an apprenticeship program - Request the Training Benefits application - Get documentation from your apprenticeship coordinator confirming the mandatory nature of the training - Upload this documentation to your ESD account If approved for Training Benefits, you'll be considered "able and available" for work while attending your training program. This means you can receive benefits during your school weeks without having to look for work.

my cousin did this last yr but he said u gotta do the job search requirements during xmas break since thats a regular layoff but not during the school part if u get approved for training. he said his boss had to fill out some paper saying the layoff was temporary too

I work with apprentices in a different trade and here's what I've observed: Many apprentices struggle contacting ESD to get proper guidance on this. The system is frustrating - long hold times, disconnected calls, etc. I've had several apprentices use Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Really helped my apprentices get clarity on their specific situations, especially with the training benefits program which can be confusing. Worth considering if you're hitting walls trying to reach someone.

Wait i thought you cant get unemployment if your in school???? Somebody told me educational programs disqualify you completely from benefits. This whole system is so confusing!!

One important thing nobody mentioned yet - make sure you restart your claim between the Christmas break and your February training period if you return to work in between! If you don't, ESD might consider it continuous and you could run into issues with your benefit year or maximum benefits payable. Each separate period needs to be handled properly.

The ESD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN for trades and seasonal workers!!! I spent 6 weeks trying to get my benefits approved during my last training period and then they wanted all kinds of additional documentation that wasn't listed anywhere on their website. By the time it was approved, my training was almost over. Make sure you start this process EARLY and document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of every page you submit, record the names of every ESD agent you talk to, and follow up constantly. The system is designed to make you give up!!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to: 1. File my initial claim at the start of Christmas break 2. Complete my waiting week during that time 3. Do the required job searches during the Christmas break period 4. Request the Training Benefits application for my February apprenticeship training 5. Get documentation from my training coordinator about the mandatory nature of the training 6. Keep detailed records of everything I submit I really appreciate all the insights and warnings about potential pitfalls. This community has been super helpful!