Successfully extended my ESD benefits through Training Benefits program - what you need to know

I successfully got Training Benefits last year while attending a nursing program. Here's what worked for me: 1. Apply for TB BEFORE your regular benefits run out - ideally at least 4 weeks before 2. You need to fill out a Training Benefits Application form AND get your program approved as Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) 3. Make sure your training program qualifies as "in-demand" occupation (IT definitely does) 4. Continue filing weekly claims during the whole process 5. Be prepared for a possible phone interview with an ESD specialist The most important thing is documentation. Get everything in writing from your school about the program dates, curriculum, and career prospects. The TB program extended my benefits for an additional 26 weeks while I completed my certification. Best decision I ever made!

I can verify what @helpful_person said above. I'm currently in month 4 of TB benefits while completing a commercial truck driving course. The key things ESD looks for are: - Training must be in a field with good employment prospects - You must show you need the training to be competitive in job market - You need to demonstrate ability to complete the training successfully - Training must be full-time (at least 12 credits per quarter or equivalent) The application process was actually easier than I expected but TOOK FOREVER. Applied in December, got approved in February 2025. They backdated the benefits though.

@confused_claimant Yes, you must continue your job searches until you're officially approved for Training Benefits. Once approved, you get a waiver from job search requirements because your approved training becomes your full-time job. But until then, keep doing those 3 weekly activities or you could be disqualified.

I tried for Training Benefits twice and got DENIED both times. Complete waste of time. They make it sound easy on the website but then they find any excuse to reject you. First time they said my program wasn't "in-demand" enough (it was bookkeeping). Second time they said I didn't show enough "labor market attachment" whatever that means. The whole system is designed to make you fail.

I've been trying for WEEKS to reach someone at ESD about my Training Benefits application and it's impossible! Either I get disconnected or wait on hold for hours. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a live person who knows about the TB program specifically?

Update: I submitted my TB application yesterday. The ESD website says it can take 5-7 weeks for processing which is terrifying since my regular benefits end sooner than that. Has anyone experienced a gap in payments while waiting for TB approval?

Another tip about Training Benefits that I forgot to mention: make sure you're in contact with both ESD AND WorkSource throughout this process. WorkSource advisors can sometimes help expedite your TB application by marking it as priority, especially if they're the ones who referred you to the training program. They can also help make sure your training plan meets all the requirements before you submit to ESD.

my cousing tried to get TB back in December and her claim got stuck in adjutication for like 2 months!!! she called every week and nobody could tell her when it would be approved. finally she just gave up and took a retail job. the whole system is broken honestly.

GOOD NEWS! My Training Benefits application just got approved much faster than expected! Only took 2 weeks instead of the 5-7 weeks they said. A few things that I think helped speed things up: 1) I had my school send the curriculum and enrollment details directly to ESD, 2) My WorkSource advisor marked my case as a priority like someone suggested here, and 3) I included labor market research showing 200+ job openings in my area for people with this certification. Thanks everyone for your advice - it really helped me navigate this process!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation with my UI benefits ending soon and was completely overwhelmed by the Training Benefits application process. Reading everyone's experiences has given me so much clarity on what to expect. I'm particularly grateful for the tips about applying 4 weeks early and keeping up with job searches during the process. One question I have - for those who got approved, did you need to provide any financial documentation showing you couldn't afford the training without TB assistance? The application mentions something about "financial need" but I'm not sure what they're looking for there.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently in week 2 of my TB application process for a medical coding certification program. One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're applying for TB and your training program requires any prerequisite courses, make sure to include documentation about those too. ESD wants to see the complete training pathway, not just the main program. Also, I found it helpful to get a letter from my training school's career services department showing their job placement rates for graduates. It really strengthened my application to show that 85% of their medical coding grads find jobs within 6 months. For anyone still preparing their application, don't underestimate the power of thorough documentation - it seems like the more detailed and organized your submission is, the faster they can process it!

This entire thread has been a goldmine of information! I'm actually a former ESD employee who worked in the Training Benefits department for 3 years, and I wanted to add a few insider tips that might help people navigate this process more successfully: 1. **Timing is crucial** - Apply at least 6 weeks before your regular UI ends if possible. The "5-7 week processing time" they quote is conservative, but delays happen during peak application periods (especially fall when schools start). 2. **The magic words** - When writing your justification letter, use phrases like "career transition," "skills gap," and "labor market competitiveness." These are buzzwords the reviewers look for. 3. **Follow up strategically** - Don't call every day, but do follow up every 2 weeks with a polite inquiry about your application status. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. 4. **Appeal process** - If you get denied, don't give up! About 30% of appealed TB denials get overturned if you provide additional documentation or clarification. The program really does work when you understand what they're looking for. It's not designed to fail you - it's designed to ensure training leads to actual employment. Best of luck to everyone applying!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm currently in my second week of waiting for TB approval for a dental hygienist program, and reading everyone's experiences has really helped manage my anxiety about the process. I especially appreciate the insider tips from @Andre Rousseau - those "magic words" are gold! One thing I wanted to add for future applicants: make sure your training program's accreditation is clearly documented in your application. My program coordinator mentioned that ESD specifically looks for programs accredited by recognized bodies in your field. For healthcare programs like mine, they want to see accreditation from organizations like CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation). Also, if anyone is applying for healthcare-related training, Washington state has been really prioritizing these programs lately due to worker shortages post-COVID. My WorkSource advisor said healthcare TB applications are getting expedited review. Fingers crossed this helps my timeline! Will update once I hear back from ESD.