How to change career path on ESD claim for training benefits?

I just went through this exact process last month! Your daughter needs to apply for the Training Benefits Program - it's separate from regular unemployment. She'll need to submit the 'Training Benefits Application' form which you can find under the 'Forms' section in eServices. Once submitted, the career change gets recorded with her application. Just make sure she continues filing weekly claims during this process or she could lose benefits.

The person above is partly right but missing some important details. Your daughter doesn't just need to submit a form - she needs to get her training plan APPROVED before starting school. This involves several steps: 1. She needs to select an "in-demand" occupation (nursing definitely qualifies) 2. Find a Training Provider on the eligible provider list 3. Complete the Training Benefits Application 4. Get approval BEFORE enrolling If she starts school without approval, she could be disqualified from regular UI benefits for not being "available for work" - it's a common mistake that costs people thousands!

lol esd is the worst!! my BF tried to get training benefits last year and it took FOREVER. he kept filing his weekly claims but put that he was in school and they put his account on hold for like 6 weeks!!!!! so frustrating

I work with clients navigating this process frequently, and there's a specific sequence that works best: 1. Have her schedule an appointment with her local WorkSource office FIRST (this is essential) 2. They'll help her complete a Training Benefits Application AND create an Individual Training Plan 3. Both documents must be submitted together through eServices 4. Continue filing weekly claims while awaiting approval (typically 3-5 weeks) 5. Only enroll in school after receiving written approval The WorkSource step is crucial because they can identify funding opportunities beyond just ESD training benefits. Nursing programs often qualify for additional workforce development grants.

if she starts school without approval shell get DENIED for not being able and available for work!!! happened to my sister and she had to PAY BACK almost $4500!!!! Make sure she understands that ESD wants her to be looking for work UNTIL they approve the training. They're very strict about this!!!!

After struggling with this exact situation for weeks and not being able to reach anyone at ESD, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person. I was skeptical at first, but it actually worked! They got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes who walked me through the entire career change process for training benefits. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent explained that I needed to submit both the Training Benefits Application AND have a career counselor at WorkSource complete an Occupational Skills Assessment. It saved me weeks of confusion.

One more thing I forgot to mention - when your daughter applies for the Training Benefits Program, she'll need to explain WHY she's changing careers from dental to nursing. ESD wants to see that there's a good reason for the switch (better job prospects, higher wages, etc). Having some research about nursing job growth in Washington will help her application get approved faster.

Important update for 2025: The Commissioner approved changes to the Training Benefits Program in January. Benefits now extend to 26 weeks (previously was 24) and the application deadline is more flexible. Make sure your daughter is looking at the most current forms on the ESD website - some of the older versions floating around online are outdated.

My roomate had to call ESD about changing her career path like 7 times before she got someone who actually knew what they were talking about!! First person told her to just update her work search preferences but that was TOTALLY wrong advice.

Final piece of advice: When your daughter applies for Training Benefits, she should request the maximum training time available (26 weeks in 2025). Nursing programs often take longer than this, but she can potentially qualify for extensions if she maintains satisfactory progress. Also, make sure she understands that during approved training, she's exempt from job search requirements, but must submit school progress reports every 4 weeks instead.