Switching from Training Benefits to regular UI - expired benefit year issue

yes you definitely need to file a new claim if your benefit year expired. training benefits are different from regular UI and once your year is up you gotta start over with everything. good luck getting thru tho, took me like 2 weeks of calling

When your benefit year expires, you absolutely need to file a new unemployment claim. This is true regardless of whether you were on Training Benefits or regular UI. The system treats it as a completely new application. You'll need to provide your employment history for the last 18 months, so that would include any work you did before starting your training program. If you haven't worked during your training period (which is common), you'll need to explain that in your application. One important thing to note: you must be able and available for full-time work now that your training is complete. This means you need to complete 3 job search activities each week and document them in your job search log.

i think you can backdate your claim to when your training benefits ended but u have to call them to do that not sure if their website lets you. the whole system is such a mess honestly

I went through this EXACT same situation last year!!! The transition from Training Benefits to regular UI is super confusing. YES, you need to file a completely new claim since your benefit year expired. Here's what happened with me: 1. My benefit year expired while I was still on Training Benefits 2. I completed my certification program 3. Had to file a brand new claim 4. Got stuck in adjudication for 6 WEEKS because they were "verifying" my training completion 5. Finally got approved but they didn't backdate anything The most frustrating part was trying to reach someone. I finally got through by calling exactly at 7:59am (not 8:12 - they officially open at 8:00) and hitting the option for new claims rather than existing claims. Somehow that line wasn't as busy.

I've helped several clients with this exact transition. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, you must file a completely new UI claim when your benefit year expires 2. You'll need to report any income you earned during your training period 3. Your new claim will be based on your work history in the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters 4. You should upload your training completion certificate to your new claim 5. Make sure to select "no" when asked if you're in training (since you've completed it) 6. Start your job search activities immediately (3 per week) Regarding contact issues - have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to ESD phone queues. I've had clients who were able to connect with an agent within 1-2 hours using their system. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Might be worth checking out if you can't get through otherwise.

The ESD phone system is COMPLETELY RIGGED to keep people from getting help!!!! I was on training benefits in 2023 and went through the EXACT same nightmare. Calling at opening does NOTHING because they have already filled their queue for the entire day!!!! I wasted 3 WEEKS trying to get through before I finally got help.

I just wanted to add that when you file your new claim, make sure you answer the question about being in an approved training program as "No" since you've completed it. I made that mistake and it caused confusion in my claim. Also, don't forget to update your resume in WorkSource with your new skills and certifications - that will help with your job search and it counts as one of your weekly job search activities!

Just following up - were you able to get through to ESD? If you're still having issues, another option is to contact your state representative's office. They often have direct channels to ESD and can help escalate your case.