Training Benefits approval timeline? Anyone get backpay while waiting for ESD decision?

I got approved for Training Benefits back in January. The entire process took about 5 weeks from submission to approval. Make sure you've submitted all the required documentation - program description, completion timeline, and proof that your training leads to in-demand work. They're pretty strict about those requirements. As for your other question - yes, definitely keep filing your weekly claims! If you get approved, ESD will backpay you for those weeks you filed while waiting for approval. But important note: you still need to do your job search activities until you're actually approved for TB. Don't stop doing those yet or you might be disqualified for those weeks.

i applied for TB last month stil waiting lol. my freind got denied cuz she didnt show it was for an indemand job so make sure u got that part covered good luck

Here's the accurate info about Training Benefits: 1. Approval timeline: Currently averaging 4-6 weeks (as of April 2025) 2. Job search requirements: You MUST continue doing 3 job search activities weekly until you receive written approval for Training Benefits 3. Backpay: Yes, if approved, you'll receive benefits for the weeks you claimed while waiting for approval, AS LONG AS you met all eligibility requirements during those weeks (including job search) 4. Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT): Make sure your program qualifies - not all training programs are eligible The most common reason for denial is insufficient documentation that your training leads to an in-demand occupation. Make sure you've submitted labor market information supporting this.

BEWARE!!! I applied for training benefits last year and it was a NIGHTMARE!! Took them almost 10 WEEKS to make a decision and then they DENIED me claiming my field wasn't "in-demand" enough even though I had data showing thousands of job openings!!! And YES I kept doing job searches and YES I kept filing and when they denied me I was SOL because they said I hadn't been looking for work in my previous field seriously enough!!! THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!!

I was trying to get ahold of someone at ESD about my Training Benefits application for weeks with no luck - constant busy signals or disconnections. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an actual agent in 20 minutes who was able to tell me exactly what was missing from my application. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Worth it since I found out my application was missing a crucial document that would have caused a denial. Got approved two weeks later after submitting what was needed. Definitely keep doing your job searches until you get that approval letter!

my sister got TB last month for nursing program. took about 6 weeks and yes she got back pay for all those weeks she waited. but she had to show job searches for all those weeks too.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm definitely going to keep doing my job searches while I wait. Seems like the timeline is around 4-6 weeks which is stressful but at least I know what to expect now. I'll double-check all my documentation to make sure I've proven IT security is an in-demand field. Will update when I hear back!

One more thing that helped speed up my approval: I uploaded a letter from the training provider that specifically addressed how the program meets ESD's criteria. They basically wrote that my program: 1. Leads to in-demand occupation (with data) 2. Can be completed within my benefit year 3. Is full-time (at least 12 credit hours or equivalent) 4. Will result in a credential recognized by employers Having all those points clearly addressed made a difference, I think. My career counselor at WorkSource helped me request this letter. Might be worth checking if your training provider can do something similar.

I got training benefits approval in February but I had to appeal first. They denied me initially because they said I didn't prove I couldn't find work in my old field. Had to go to a hearing and everything. Make sure you show why you need retraining not just that the new field is in demand!!

I'm currently going through the Training Benefits application process too and wanted to share what I've learned so far. Applied about 3 weeks ago for a cybersecurity bootcamp program. One thing that's really helped me is staying organized with all the documentation. I created a checklist based on ESD's requirements and made sure I had everything before submitting. Also echoing what others said about continuing job searches - I've been doing my 3 activities every week even though it feels counterproductive when I'm trying to focus on getting into training. The waiting is definitely stressful, especially when money is tight. I've been checking my account obsessively for any updates. Has anyone found that calling ESD actually helps move things along, or do they just tell you to wait? I'm tempted to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned but not sure if it's worth the cost. Really hoping we both get good news soon! IT/cybersecurity should definitely qualify as in-demand given all the data breaches and security issues companies are dealing with.

I just went through the Training Benefits process last month and got approved for a data analytics bootcamp! Took exactly 5 weeks from submission to approval letter. A few things that I think helped my application: 1. I included multiple sources of labor market data - not just from WorkSource but also from Bureau of Labor Statistics and local job boards showing demand for data analysts 2. My training provider gave me a detailed letter explaining how their program meets all ESD criteria 3. I kept meticulous records of my job search activities during the waiting period - screenshots, application confirmations, everything The backpay thing is real - I got benefits for all 5 weeks I was waiting, but ONLY because I kept doing my required job searches and filing weekly claims. Don't skip those even though it feels weird when you're hoping to get into training instead. One tip: if you haven't heard anything after 4 weeks, definitely try to get through to them. My neighbor's application got stuck because they needed clarification on one document and she didn't know until she called. CompTIA Security+ should definitely qualify as in-demand - that's exactly the kind of certification employers are looking for right now. Good luck!

I went through the Training Benefits application process about 6 months ago and wanted to share my experience since I see a lot of good advice here already. Got approved for a cloud computing certification program after about 4.5 weeks. A couple things I learned that might help: First, when they say "in-demand occupation" they really want to see specific local data. I included job posting counts from Indeed and LinkedIn for my metro area, not just statewide numbers. Second, I made sure my training provider understood what ESD needed - they actually revised their program description letter twice to make sure it hit all the right points about credentials and employer recognition. The job search requirement during the waiting period was honestly the most stressful part. I kept thinking "why am I applying for jobs I don't want when I'm trying to retrain?" But everyone here is right - you absolutely have to keep doing it until you get that approval letter. I treated it like insurance and just powered through. Carmen, your CompTIA Security+ choice sounds solid. Cybersecurity is definitely hot right now and that cert is well-recognized. Just make sure your documentation shows local demand specifically, not just national trends. Also consider reaching out to some local employers in IT to get quotes about how they value that certification - I included a couple brief statements from hiring managers which seemed to help my case. The backpay really does happen if you get approved, so definitely keep filing those weekly claims!

I'm currently in week 3 of waiting for my Training Benefits decision for a software development bootcamp, so this thread is incredibly helpful! The stress of not knowing is real, especially when you're trying to balance hope for approval with the reality of needing to keep doing job searches. One thing I've found helpful during this waiting period is treating the job search activities as market research for my future career. Instead of just applying randomly, I've been focusing on entry-level tech positions to better understand what skills employers are really looking for. It's actually helped me refine what I want to get out of my training program. For those worried about documentation, I'd recommend calling your training provider and asking if they've worked with ESD applicants before. Mine had a template letter they use specifically for Training Benefits applications that covers all the required points. They knew exactly what ESD wants to see regarding in-demand occupations and credential recognition. The financial stress is definitely the worst part though. I've been living off savings and credit cards while waiting, which makes every day feel longer. Really hoping the backpay works out for all of us who are going through this process right now!

I'm about 2 weeks into my Training Benefits application for a medical coding certification program, and this thread has been so reassuring! I was starting to panic that I hadn't heard anything yet, but seeing that 4-6 weeks is normal helps calm my nerves a bit. The hardest part for me has been explaining to potential employers during job searches why I'm applying when I'm also trying to get into training. I've been honest that I'm exploring all options while waiting for a decision, but it feels awkward. Has anyone else struggled with this during their waiting period? I made sure to include tons of documentation about healthcare administration being in-demand locally - our area has several major hospital systems expanding their coding departments. Really hoping that helps my case! Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences here. It's so helpful to know we're not going through this alone, and that the backpay really does happen if you get approved. The financial stress is real when you're living off savings while waiting for a decision that could change everything.

I'm in week 4 of waiting for my Training Benefits decision for a UX/UI design bootcamp, and honestly this thread has been a lifesaver for my anxiety! The not knowing is absolutely brutal, especially when you're watching your bank account get smaller every day. One thing I learned the hard way - make sure your training provider is actually on ESD's approved list! I almost applied to a program that looked perfect but wasn't eligible for Training Benefits. Had to scramble to find an approved alternative, which set me back a couple weeks. Always worth double-checking that detail before you get your hopes up. The job search requirement during waiting has been weird for me too. I've been applying for entry-level design positions but explaining in cover letters that I'm also pursuing additional training to strengthen my skills. Most employers seem to understand that you're being proactive about professional development. Really hoping to hear something this week since I'm hitting that 4-6 week timeframe everyone mentioned. The financial stress is getting intense but reading about everyone's success stories with backpay is keeping me motivated. Will definitely update when I hear back! Carmen, your CompTIA Security+ program sounds like a really solid choice. Cybersecurity is exploding right now and that certification is super well-recognized. Fingers crossed we both get good news soon!

I'm currently in week 2 of waiting for my Training Benefits decision for a cloud security certification program, and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Reading everyone's experiences has really helped manage my expectations about the timeline and requirements. One thing I wanted to add that helped me feel more confident about my application - I reached out to my local WorkSource office and they actually reviewed my documentation before I submitted. They caught a couple things that could have been clearer and helped me strengthen my labor market data. If anyone is still preparing their application, I'd definitely recommend that step! The job search requirement has been challenging for me too. I've been applying for IT support roles while explaining that I'm also pursuing additional security certifications to advance my career. Most employers seem to appreciate that I'm being proactive about staying current with technology trends. Financial stress is definitely real - I've been meal prepping and cutting every possible expense while waiting. But reading about everyone's success with backpay is keeping me optimistic. Carmen, your Security+ choice is excellent - that certification is gold standard for entry-level cybersecurity roles. Really hoping we all get good news soon! I'll update when I hear back from ESD.