Training Benefits expiring in 39 days - reapplication process for ESD benefits continuation?
Hi unemployment community - I'm currently using WA Training Benefits while working on my degree at Pierce Community College. I transitioned out of military service earlier this year and was approved for benefits, but they're set to expire on January 11, 2025 (just 39 days away). I'm getting nervous about a potential gap in income. Does anyone know if I need to submit a completely new application for these benefits to continue my education? Or is there some kind of streamlined renewal process for veterans/students who've already been vetted and approved by ESD? I'm worried about missing payments between terms if I have to start from scratch with a new application. Any advice from people who've navigated the Training Benefits continuation process would be super helpful. Thanks!
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Isaac Wright
unfortunately youll need to reapply completely!! ESD doesnt have any special process for people already approved. i went thru this last year at Bellevue College and had a 3 week gap with NO money coming in. start the new application at least 4 weeks before your benefits run out!!! the system is NOT designed to be user friendly for students!!
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Yara Campbell
•Thanks for the heads up. That's really disappointing to hear. Did you have to redo all the paperwork with your school too, or just the ESD application part?
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Maya Diaz
Yes, you need to reapply for Training Benefits when your current approval period ends. As a veteran transitioning to civilian education, you should also know there are some specific considerations: 1. Submit your new application at least 4-6 weeks before your current benefits expire (so immediately in your case) 2. You'll need to get updated approval paperwork from Pierce CC's financial aid office 3. Make sure your program still qualifies as "in-demand" under current ESD guidelines 4. You'll need to submit a progress report showing satisfactory academic standing 5. The Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) form must be completed again Unfortunately, there is no expedited process specifically for continuing students. Each application is reviewed as new, but having been previously approved does tend to help with the process flow.
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Tami Morgan
•^^ this is really good advice. I went through the same thing at South Seattle College and the financial aid office was actually super helpful with the paperwork. They've seen it before and can help you avoid common mistakes that might slow down your new application.
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Rami Samuels
I was in almost the exact same situation last year. Military transition to using Training Benefits at a community college. The reapplication process is completely separate from your initial approval, but it's not as bad as starting over completely. One thing that helped me was contacting the WorkSource Veterans Representative at the Tacoma office. They have specialized staff who can help veterans navigate the ESD system much faster. They expedited my paperwork when I explained my situation. Also, check if you qualify for the VET-TEC program as a backup if there's a gap between your current benefits and new approval. It's not through ESD but it's another option for veterans in education programs.
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Yara Campbell
•I had no idea there were Veterans Representatives at WorkSource who could help with this! That's really valuable information. I'll definitely reach out to them this week. Did you just call the main WorkSource number or is there a specific veterans line?
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Haley Bennett
I tried calling ESD for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT about my training benefits renewal and nobody ever picked up!!! Their phone system is completely BROKEN, just hangs up after 30 minutes on hold. This is how they treat people trying to better themselves through education? RIDICULOUS. Good luck getting any answers from them directly!!
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Douglas Foster
•I had the same experience trying to reach ESD about my training benefits last month. After days of failed attempts, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was literally the only way I could get through to discuss my application status. The agent was able to check my file and tell me exactly what was missing from my paperwork.
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Nina Chan
my sister had training benefits for nursing school and she said you have to keep doing your weekly claims even while you're reapplying!! if you miss those they might deny your new application something about keeping your claim active
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Maya Diaz
•This is correct and very important - you must continue filing your weekly claims without interruption even during the reapplication process. If you stop filing weekly claims, your current claim will close completely and that creates additional complications. Even if there's a gap in payment while your new application is being processed, those weeks can potentially be paid retroactively if you've maintained your weekly claim filing.
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Isaac Wright
also check with the veterans services office at pierce!! my cousin is a vet at pierce and said they have special people who help with benefit stuff who know both the va and esd systems
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Yara Campbell
•That's a great idea. I've talked with them about my GI Bill, but didn't think to ask about ESD benefits. I'll drop by their office tomorrow.
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Tami Morgan
Just wondering... what program are you studying at Pierce? I'm thinking about using Training Benefits too but wasn't sure which programs qualify with ESD.
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Yara Campbell
•I'm in their Cybersecurity & Networking program. It definitely qualified as an in-demand occupation. From what I understand, most IT, healthcare, skilled trades, and certain business programs tend to qualify easily. The WorkSource website has a list of in-demand occupations that get prioritized for Training Benefits approval.
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Maya Diaz
To add to my earlier comment - when you reapply, make sure to emphasize any of these factors that apply to your situation as they can help with approval: 1. Your progress in the program so far (GPA, completed credits) 2. The specific in-demand nature of your field of study (cybersecurity is definitely in-demand) 3. Your status as a veteran in transition (ESD does prioritize veteran applications) 4. Any job offers or career prospects you've already established 5. How close you are to program completion ESD has limited Training Benefits funding, so they prioritize applications that demonstrate clear workforce reentry potential. The stronger your case for completing the program and securing employment, the better your chances for continued approval.
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Haley Bennett
•this system is SO FRUSTRATING though because people get cut off mid-program! what's the point of approving someone for training if you're not going to let them FINISH?? ESD needs to guarantee the full program length upfront! 😡
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Rami Samuels
Just thought of another thing - the timing matters a lot. Since your benefits expire January 11, 2025, and that's during winter break for most colleges, make sure your application clearly addresses how your academic schedule aligns with the benefits timeline. ESD sometimes gets confused about academic calendars vs. benefit periods. Also, reach out to your academic advisor at Pierce and ask if they can provide a letter stating your satisfactory progress and expected completion date. Having documentation from the school strengthens your case significantly.
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Yara Campbell
•That's a good point about the winter break timing. I hadn't considered how that might complicate things. I'll definitely talk to my advisor about getting that letter. Thanks for all your help!
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