Exhausted regular ESD benefits - any way to extend UI or apply for training benefits?

Unfortunately, there are no automatic UI extensions available in Washington right now. Regular UI benefits are capped at 26 weeks maximum and once you exhaust those, that's it unless there's a federal extension program active (which there isn't). HOWEVER, Training Benefits Program is absolutely what you want to look into! It's specifically designed for people in your situation. If approved, you can receive additional benefits while enrolled in approved training, potentially up to 52 weeks depending on your situation. You need to apply ASAP - ideally before your regular benefits run out, but you might still qualify. You'll need to: 1. Find a program on the ESD approved training list 2. Complete the Training Benefits application through your eServices account 3. Get ESD approval BEFORE starting your training The software development program would likely qualify if it leads to an in-demand occupation. The amount would be the same as your regular weekly benefit amount was. If you haven't already, call ESD to discuss your specific situation. The Training Benefits program is excellent but has specific requirements.

u can still apply for training benefits even if ur benifits ended but u gotta do it fast!!!! i think theres like a 30 day window or someting after ur benefits end. my cousin did this last year and got approved for nursing school. the key is making sure its for an "in demand" job which i think tech stuff definetly is!!!!

i think she just filled out the online thing and then had to upload her acceptance letter from the school. not sure if there was a phone call part. but she said the MOST important thing was picking a school/program thats already on their approved list.

The Training Benefits program saved me when I was in your position! I did a complete career change from hospitality to healthcare admin in 2024. The key is proving your current field has limited opportunities - sounds like you've got that covered with specialized welding.

I tried to get training benefits last year and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! ESD kept saying they never received my documents even though I uploaded them THREE TIMES. Then they denied me because they said welding wasn't an "in-demand" field which is complete NONSENSE. I spent WEEKS trying to reach anyone at ESD who could help. They NEVER answer their phones and the messages system is a black hole. The whole system is designed to make you give up!!! If you want any chance of actually reaching someone who can help with your application, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to finally get through to an actual human at ESD. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - it's the ONLY way I finally got my issue resolved (but still got denied for the actual training benefits).

YES. After weeks of trying on my own, Claimyr got me connected to an ESD agent in like 25 minutes. The agent was actually super helpful and fixed several issues with my account. Still didn't get approved for training benefits, but that was because my program wasn't on their approved list. Definitely check if your software program is approved BEFORE you apply.

Let me clarify a few things about Training Benefits since there's some confusion here: 1. You CAN apply for Training Benefits after your regular UI runs out, but it must be within 30 days of exhaustion (which you're still within) 2. The program your looking at MUST be on the approved list AND lead to an in-demand occupation. Software development easily qualifies for the in-demand requirement. 3. You'll need to complete the TB Application form, provide proof of enrollment/registration, and possibly complete a financial plan form 4. Benefits are paid at the same weekly rate as your regular UI, but there's a maximum duration of 52 weeks for TB (minus any weeks of regular UI you already received) 5. You must maintain satisfactory progress in your training program One important thing to note: If your training program is eligible for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT), you'll be excused from job search requirements during training even if you don't qualify for Training Benefits. So apply for both! Also be aware: the application can take 3-4 weeks to process, so plan accordingly for your finances during that gap.

Yes, Training Benefits are still considered income just like regular unemployment benefits for housing assistance purposes. Both are taxable benefits and count toward income limits for most assistance programs. You should report them accurately on any applications for housing assistance.

I went thru something similar last year! lost my job in oil & gas and couldnt find anything. Signed up for a 9 month CDL program and got approved for training benefits. One thing no one mentioned is that you have to file weekly claims during training benefits JUST LIKE with regular unemployment!!!! I almost lost mine cause i didnt realize this for like 3 weeks lol. And you still gotta answer the questions about being able and available but theres a special way to answer when your in training.

You say YES to being able and available for work even tho your in school!! It seems counter intuitive but thats what the ESD rep told me. The system knows your in approved training. If you say NO they might stop your payments. Its super confusing.

Um nobody seemed to mention this yet but there's also the Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) program that's different from Training Benefits. Even if you don't qualify for TB, you might still get approved for CAT which means you don't have to do job searches while in training. You won't get extra money after your UI runs out but at least you can focus on school without doing those job search activities.

I want to give a quick update on the Training Benefits timeline since a lot has changed in 2025: 1. Apply ASAP through your eServices account 2. Current processing time is around 3-4 weeks for most applications 3. While waiting for approval, you should still look for work and document your job searches 4. If approved, your job search requirements will be waived automatically 5. Benefits are applied retroactively to your application date if approved Also important to note that the approval rate has improved significantly in 2025 - ESD has streamlined the process, especially for in-demand fields like tech. Software development has an approximately 85% approval rate for Training Benefits. One last tip: Make sure your school can provide documentation showing it's an "approved training provider" - this will speed up your application considerably.

Thank you all SO much for all this information! I'm going to apply for Training Benefits tomorrow morning, and I've already confirmed the software development program is on ESD's approved list. If I can't get through to ESD on my own, I'll try Claimyr to make sure everything is set up correctly. Fingers crossed I get approved - will update this thread once I hear back!