ESD benefit extension programs after regular UI exhaustion in 2025?
My regular unemployment benefits are gonna run out in about 3 weeks and I'm getting really worried. Does anyone know if theres programs or classes I can take that would extend my benefits? I heard someone talking about training programs that let you keep getting paid while you learn new skills but cant find anything about it on the ESD website. Do I need to apply for something specific or talk to someone at WorkSource? Really need to figure this out fast since my rent is due soon and I'm still struggling to find work in my field.
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PixelWarrior
You're probably thinking of Training Benefits (TB) program. It allows you to receive extended benefits while enrolled in an approved training program to learn new skills. BUT - and this is important - you need to apply BEFORE your regular UI runs out! It's not automatic and requires approval. Check out the "Training Benefits" section on the ESD website and contact WorkSource ASAP to see if you qualify. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an ESD agent when I needed to discuss my training program options. Their video shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me days of busy signals and waiting.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•OMG thank you!!! I'm gonna look into this Training Benefits thing right away. I only have 3 weeks left so hope its not too late!!! Do u know if they approve most people or is it really hard to get in?
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Amara Adebayo
THE TRAINING BENEFIT PROGRAM IS A JOKE!!!! I applied 2x and got denied both times even though I found an approved school and everything. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to qualify unless you're in some special category they like. Don't get your hopes up, the whole system is designed to kick people off benefits as fast as possible!!!
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Giovanni Rossi
•That's not entirely accurate. The Training Benefits program has specific eligibility requirements like being in a high-demand field and having your training plan approved. Many people get approved, but you need to work with a WorkSource counselor to ensure your application meets all criteria. I've seen plenty of successful applications, especially for healthcare and IT training programs.
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Fatima Al-Mansour
i did this last year. you need to get commissioner approved training its different than training benefits i think. you have to keep doing job searches while in school too. its confusing but worth it if u can figure it out
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Dylan Evans
•You're confusing two different programs. Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) waives job search requirements while you're in school, but doesn't extend your benefits beyond the regular UI period. Training Benefits (TB) actually provides additional weeks of benefits while you complete approved training, but has stricter eligibility requirements. It's important to understand the difference because they serve different purposes and have different application processes.
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Sofia Gomez
Has anyone tried the Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP)? I heard it's another option if you want to start your own business instead of taking classes. My neighbor did it and got to keep receiving benefits while setting up his landscaping business. Not sure what the requirements are though.
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Dylan Evans
•SEAP is indeed another option, but it's very specific to people who want to start their own business. The program allows you to receive unemployment benefits while working full-time to establish your business instead of searching for traditional employment. Requirements include: 1. Being identified as likely to exhaust regular UI benefits 2. Having a viable business plan 3. Completing entrepreneurial training 4. Weekly participation in SEAP activities It's not for everyone, but it's a great alternative for those with entrepreneurial goals. Application must be made during your regular UI benefit period.
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StormChaser
Anyone know if the extended benefits program is still a thing? My cousin said that used to automatically kick in when regular benefits ran out during high unemployment periods. Is that happening in Washington right now?
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Giovanni Rossi
•Extended Benefits (EB) only activate statewide during periods of high unemployment when the state unemployment rate exceeds certain thresholds. As of 2025, Washington's unemployment rate hasn't triggered EB activation. These extensions aren't based on individual circumstances but are automatically applied to all eligible claimants when economic conditions warrant. Currently, Training Benefits (TB) is the main program for extending benefits on an individual basis, but you must apply and be approved before your regular UI exhausts.
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Dmitry Petrov
when i was on unemployment last winter i did this workforce thing at the community college for healthcare jobs got certificatied as CNA and they paid for everything plus my unemployment kept coming the whole time. you should check with worksource they helped me get started
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Liam Fitzgerald
•That sounds exactly like what I need! Did you have to apply way ahead of time? I'm worried I might be cutting it close with only 3 weeks left on my claim.
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Dylan Evans
Here's what you need to know about extending unemployment benefits in Washington for 2025: 1. Training Benefits (TB) Program: Extends benefits up to 52 additional weeks while you complete approved training. Apply BEFORE your regular UI exhausts. Work with WorkSource to identify approved programs. 2. Commissioner Approved Training (CAT): Doesn't extend benefits but waives job search requirements while you attend school/training. 3. Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP): For those starting a business instead of seeking traditional employment. 4. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA): If your job was affected by foreign trade/outsourcing. With only 3 weeks left, you need to contact WorkSource IMMEDIATELY to discuss your options and start the application process. Not everyone qualifies, but healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and other high-demand fields typically have good approval rates.
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Liam Fitzgerald
•Thank you so much for laying everything out! I'm calling WorkSource first thing tomorrow morning. I've been looking at healthcare jobs anyway so maybe that will help my chances.
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