Training Benefits Program approval with hostile ex-employer - anyone succeed?

I got approved for Training Benefits last year even though my former boss was a complete nightmare. The key is documentation! I saved all emails about our department downsizing and had coworkers who confirmed in writing we were let go due to budget cuts, not performance. ESD mainly cares about whether your occupation is declining and if your training will lead to employment. They already approved your regular UI claim, so that helps your case a lot.

Thanks for the hope! Did you have to do a hearing or anything? I've got some emails showing the entire team reduction but nothing explicitly saying it wasn't performance-related. My anxiety is through the roof about this.

my sister tried to get training benefits and her employer lied said she quit when she was actually laid off. she ended up having to go through an interview with an ESD person where she explained everything and showed them the layoff letter. they approved her even tho the employer was fighting it. ESD isnt stupid they know employers lie

That's reassuring! Did she have to wait a long time for that interview? I'm trying to get into the fall semester program and worried about timing.

I process UI claims, and while I don't work directly with the Training Benefits Program, I can tell you that ESD has already made a determination on your separation reason when they approved your initial claim. Your employer can't re-contest the reason for separation during the TB application. They already lost that battle.\n\nWhat matters for Training Benefits is:\n1. Your occupation is declining (you'll need labor market data)\n2. You're pursuing training in a demand occupation\n3. You meet timeframe requirements\n4. You're enrolled/accepted in an approved program\n\nFocus on documenting these elements thoroughly in your application. The fact that you won your initial UI appeal works strongly in your favor.

Wow, that's super helpful! I didn't realize they couldn't re-contest the separation reason. I've got the data showing IT support roles declining by 15% in our area over the next 5 years, and cybersecurity is definitely in demand. Thanks for easing my mind!

If you're having trouble getting through to ESD to ask questions about your Training Benefits application, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was stuck in limbo with my TB application and couldn't get anyone on the phone for weeks. Found this service at claimyr.com and they got me connected to an ESD rep within 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3\n\nTotally worth it because I got my questions answered right away and could submit my application correctly the first time instead of dealing with delays from errors.

Does that really work? I've been trying to get through to ESD for days about a similar issue!

Definitely worked for me. The regular ESD line kept disconnecting me after 2+ hours on hold. With Claimyr I was talking to someone in about 25 minutes. Made a huge difference with getting my training plan approved before my deadline.

THE WHOLE TRAINING BENEFITS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO DENY PEOPLE!! I tried TWICE to get approved and both times they found some stupid reason to deny me. First time they said my occupation wasn't declining enough (LIE) and second time they said my program wasn't \

I'm sorry you had that experience, but it's not always like that. I got approved without much hassle once I had all my documentation in order. It really depends on having everything lined up perfectly and following their exact instructions. The process is definitely finicky, but not impossible.

Well GOOD FOR YOU I guess some people get lucky. But most people I know who've applied got denied for BS reasons. Just warning OP not to count on it!!!

hey just wondering what program you're looking at for cloud security? im in a similar boat (laid off from IT help desk) and thinking about doing something similar. any recommendations?

I'm looking at the Cloud Security Professional certificate at Bellevue College. It's 9 months and covers AWS/Azure security plus all the compliance frameworks. They have a good job placement rate too. There's also a shorter program at Lake Washington Tech but it's more general cloud computing.

cool thanks! i'll check those out. good luck with your training benefits!

One more important tip: when you submit your Training Benefits application, also apply for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) at the same time. This is critical because TB gives you the extended benefits, but CAT gives you the work search waiver while you're in training. You need both approvals to fully focus on your training without having to do job searches. Many people miss this step and end up having to do job searches while in training, which defeats the purpose.

Thanks for mentioning this! I thought they were the same thing. So I need to submit two separate applications? Is there a specific order I should do them in?

They're technically separate programs but usually processed together. On your eServices dashboard, you'll find both application options under the

i got denied for training benefits even though i was laid off in a mass reduction. apparently i didnt file my application within their weird timeframe requirements and missed the deadline by 2 weeks. make sure you check ALL the deadlines - theres like 3 different ones and they're super confusing!!! read the handbook super carefully

Oh yikes, thanks for the warning. I'm going to double-check all the deadlines right now. Sorry you got denied over something so technical!

Update to my earlier comment - one specific thing that helped me with my TB approval was getting a letter from my community college's worker retraining office. They helped document that my field was declining and that my new training path had strong employment prospects. Most community colleges and technical schools have these offices specifically to help with ESD training programs. They know exactly what ESD is looking for in the applications.

That's a great idea! I'll reach out to Bellevue College's worker retraining office tomorrow and see if they can help with documentation. I didn't even think about that resource.