Denied benefits but approved for CAT - what does this mean for my ESD claim?

CAT stands for 'Conditional Authorization to Train' which is basically ESD's approval for you to receive unemployment benefits while attending approved training. It doesn't override a benefit denial for lack of hours though - that's a separate issue. You still need to qualify for regular UI benefits first before CAT approval matters. If your denial was for insufficient hours, you should definitely appeal that decision if you believe you have the required 680 hours in your base year.

same thing hapend to me last month!! the ESD sistm is so mesed up. i got 2 different letters on same day too. one said i was denied and other said i was aproved. ended up my denial was OLD from when i first aplied and approval was current. maybe check the dates on ur letters???

This is a common mix-up with ESD's automated systems. The CAT approval is conditional - it just means that IF you qualify for benefits, you're approved to train while collecting them. But the denial for insufficient hours is the primary determination. You definitely need to appeal that denial within 30 days if you believe you worked enough hours. In the meantime, 100% keep filing your weekly claims while your appeal is pending. If you win your appeal, they'll only pay you for weeks you properly filed claims for.

My sister's boyfriend works at WorkSource and he told me ESD's computer system sends out these notices automatically without anyone checking if they contradict each other. So annoying! But yeah CAT is just about training programs, doesn't mean you get benefits automatically.

You 100% need to appeal that denial if you think you have the required hours. The deadline is strict - 30 days from the date on the determination letter. Make sure to include any proof of your work hours (paystubs, W-2s, etc.) with your appeal. As for reaching ESD, I was in the same boat trying to call them about my adjudication for weeks. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in about 25 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I got through, the agent was able to explain my confusing notices and fix the issue on my claim right away.

Wait hold up - what type of training program did you apply for? Because if you applied for a training program, that might explain why you got the CAT approval separate from your regular UI claim. The CAT just means you can do training while on unemployment IF you qualify for benefits. But ur still gotta fix that denial first!

This is EXACTLY what happened to me in January!!! The ESD system is completely broken. They denied me for "insufficient hours" even though I had worked full-time for over a year. I appealed and WON because it turned out they were missing one of my employers in their system. Meanwhile I got random approvals for programs I never applied for. KEEP APPEALING and KEEP CALLING until you get someone who knows what they're doing!!!!!

One thing to check - log into your eServices account and look at the "Decisions" tab. Sometimes you can see more detailed information there about why they determined you didn't have enough hours. It might show which employers they counted and which ones they didn't. That could help you prepare a more targeted appeal.

Perfect - now you have a clear basis for your appeal. Make sure to submit documentation proving your employment with that previous employer (W-2, paystubs, etc.). And yes, absolutely keep filing weekly claims during this process. If your appeal is successful, you'll only be paid for weeks you properly filed for. Regarding the CAT approval - that's still strange if you didn't apply for a training program. When you do get through to ESD, ask them to check if there's an error in your profile or if someone else's training application got linked to your account somehow.

Good luck with your appeal! Based on what you found in eServices, it sounds like you have a really strong case since they clearly missed one of your employers. Just wanted to add - when you submit your appeal, also include a brief cover letter explaining that ESD failed to count wages from your previous employer and attach copies of ALL your wage documentation (W-2s, final paystubs, etc.). The more documentation you provide upfront, the faster they can process your appeal. Also, about that mysterious CAT approval - I've seen this happen when people have similar names or SSNs get mixed up in their system. Definitely worth asking about when you get through to them. Keep us posted on how it goes!

This happened to my coworker too! She got denied for hours but approved for CAT on the same day. Turns out ESD's system processes different types of applications separately, so you can get approved for training eligibility even if your main UI claim is denied. The CAT approval basically just sits there waiting until/if you qualify for regular benefits. Definitely appeal that denial since you found they missed your previous employer - that's exactly the kind of mistake that gets overturned. And yeah, keep filing weekly claims during the appeal process! The whole system is confusing but you're on the right track now.