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.