ESD Training Benefits started but claim showing 'pending' with ID verification request - normal?
I just exhausted my regular UI benefits last week and got approved for Training Benefits starting this week (yay!). But when I submitted my weekly claim yesterday, my account suddenly shows 'pending' status and I got a notification to verify my identity through ID.me. I didn't have to do this during my 6 months on regular UI. Is this normal when transitioning to Training Benefits? Has anyone else experienced this? I'm getting nervous because my rent is due next week and I can't afford any payment delays. The ESD website doesn't explain if this is standard procedure or not.
24 comments
Join the conversation
Andre Laurent
yeah same thing happnd to me back in February when i switched to training benies. the verification thing is annoying but normal. took like 3 days to clear after i did the id.me stuff
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
•Thanks for letting me know! 3 days isn't too bad. Did they just approve it automatically after you did the ID.me verification or did you have to call someone too?
0 coins
AstroAce
This is standard procedure when transitioning to a new benefit type. ESD implemented additional identity verification requirements in 2025 to reduce fraud, especially at transition points between benefit programs. I recommend completing the ID.me verification as soon as possible, as this can sometimes take 3-5 business days to process. Make sure to have your driver's license/state ID and social security card ready. If your weekly claim shows as "pending" for more than 7 days after completing verification, you should try contacting ESD directly as there might be an additional issue with your claim.
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! That actually makes sense from a fraud prevention standpoint. I'll do the verification tonight and hope it processes quickly. I appreciate the help!
0 coins
Zoe Kyriakidou
I got hit with ID.me verification twice in 6 months for no reason!!! ESD's systems are completely BROKEN and they never bother fixing anything. Just wait till you get stuck in adjudication for 6 weeks because their system randomly flags legitimate claims for no reason. The whole system is designed to make you give up!!
0 coins
Jamal Brown
•Oh no, that sounds frustrating! I'm about to start Training Benefits next month. Hope I don't run into the same issues...
0 coins
AstroAce
•While frustrations with the system are understandable, the ID verification requirements were actually updated in January 2025 to comply with new federal guidelines. Most verification issues are resolved within a week now, and the new system has significantly reduced payment delays compared to previous years. If you've been waiting longer than 10 days after verification, I'd recommend contacting them directly as something else might be happening with your claim.
0 coins
Mei Zhang
When I transitioned to Training Benefits a couple months ago, I had to do the ID.me verification too. It's normal but frustrating. Make sure you use good lighting for your selfie verification part - mine failed twice because of shadows on my face and delayed everything by 5 days. If you need to speak with an ESD agent about your claim status, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was getting nowhere trying to call ESD directly, but Claimyr got me connected to an agent within 25 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Completely worth it when you're worried about delays affecting your rent payment.
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
•Thanks for the lighting tip! I'll make sure to do the verification in my kitchen where the light is better. And I appreciate the Claimyr suggestion - I might need that if this doesn't resolve quickly. Did your payments resume immediately after verification cleared, or was there another waiting period?
0 coins
Mei Zhang
•My payments resumed 2 business days after the verification cleared. The status changed from "pending" to "processing" and then to "paid" pretty quickly once the ID verification was accepted. Just keep checking your eServices account daily.
0 coins
Liam McConnell
Wait I'm confused... are Training Benefits the same as Extended Benefits? I thought those were different things. My regular UI runs out next month and I'm trying to figure out what happens next. Do I need to apply for training benifits separately?
0 coins
AstroAce
•Training Benefits and Extended Benefits are completely different programs: 1. Training Benefits: These allow you to receive benefits while attending approved training/education programs. You must apply for these specifically and be approved for a qualifying program. 2. Extended Benefits: These can become available during periods of high unemployment, extending regular UI benefits. These aren't currently active in Washington as of 2025. If your regular benefits are running out, you should contact WorkSource about potential Training Benefits if you're interested in education/training programs. Otherwise, you'll need to continue your job search efforts as regular UI benefits end.
0 coins
Liam McConnell
•OK thanks for explaining! I didn't realize I needed to apply for Training Benefits separately. I better look into that now before my regular benefits run out.
0 coins
Amara Oluwaseyi
This happened to me when I transitioned to Training Benefits in March. The ID verification is totally normal but super annoying timing wise. Just make sure when you do the ID.me thing that you have good internet connection because it can time out if your connection is spotty. Also MAKE SURE to check both your regular email AND your eServices secure inbox daily. Sometimes they send critical notices to one but not the other. My payment was delayed by about 5 days total while the verification processed, but then everything went back to normal with the weekly claims after that. Good luck with your training program!
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
•Thanks! That's a good reminder about checking both inboxes. I'll keep an eye on both. My internet is pretty reliable so hopefully that part will go smoothly. What kind of training program did you enroll in, if you don't mind me asking?
0 coins
Amara Oluwaseyi
•I'm doing the Medical Billing and Coding certification program through my local community college. It's a 6-month program that ESD approved for full Training Benefits coverage. What about you?
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
•I'm enrolled in a Network Administration certification program! Also 6 months. Hoping it leads to better job prospects than my previous retail management position.
0 coins
Jamal Brown
Just wanted to say good luck with your training program! I went through the same thing last year and ended up with a much better job after completing my certification. The benefits transition stuff is stressful but temporary. Hang in there!
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
•Thank you for the encouragement! It's reassuring to hear that others have had good outcomes after completing their training.
0 coins
Liam McConnell
so does everyone have to do the id.me thing or just some ppl? i've been on ui for 4 months and never had to do this
0 coins
Amara Oluwaseyi
•Based on what others have said here and my own experience, it seems like it's specifically triggered when you transition between benefit types (like from regular UI to Training Benefits). If you stay on regular UI the whole time, you might not encounter it unless something flags your account for verification.
0 coins
AstroAce
Just to follow up for anyone reading this thread in the future: The ID verification requirement when transitioning to Training Benefits is part of ESD's 2025 fraud prevention measures. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your claim - it's just an extra security step. After you complete the ID.me verification: 1. Allow 3-5 business days for processing 2. Continue filing your weekly claims as normal during this time 3. Keep checking your eServices account for status updates 4. Your claim should return to active status once verification is complete If it takes longer than a week after verification, then contact ESD directly as there might be another issue that needs attention.
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
•Update: I completed the ID.me verification yesterday evening and this morning my claim status changed from "pending" to "processing"! Looks like it's moving along quickly. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance!
0 coins
Connor O'Brien
That's great news about your claim moving to "processing" status! For anyone else going through this, I wanted to add that you can actually track the ID.me verification status separately on their website too. Sometimes it shows as "verified" there before it updates in your ESD account, which can give you peace of mind that it's working through the system. Also, if you're doing other job search activities or attending training classes while waiting for verification, make sure to keep documenting those in case ESD asks for records later. The verification delay doesn't change your other benefit requirements.
0 coins