Washington ESD training benefits for unemployment - how does this work?
I've been on unemployment for about 6 weeks now and someone mentioned that Washington ESD has training benefits available. I'm not sure what this means exactly - is this something separate from regular UI benefits? Do I still have to do job searches while in training? My background is in retail management but I'm thinking about getting into healthcare or maybe IT. Has anyone used these training benefits through Washington ESD? I'm worried about messing up my regular unemployment if I apply for the wrong thing.
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Tyler Murphy
Yes, Washington ESD does offer training benefits! There's the Training Benefits (TB) program which can extend your benefits while you're in approved training. You'll need to get pre-approval from Washington ESD before starting any program. The job search requirements are usually waived while you're in approved training.
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Alana Willis
•Do you know how long the approval process takes? I found a medical assistant program that starts in 3 weeks.
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Tyler Murphy
•It can take 2-4 weeks for approval, so you might want to apply ASAP. Make sure the program is on their approved list first.
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Sara Unger
I'm in the same boat! Been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks to ask about training programs but can never get through. The hold times are insane and then they just hang up on you after waiting forever.
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Butch Sledgehammer
•Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? I heard that's the best time to get through.
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Sara Unger
•Yeah I've tried everything - calling at 8am, during lunch, different days. Nothing works. So frustrating when you need answers about important stuff like training benefits.
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Freya Ross
You might want to check out Claimyr.com - they can help you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used them last month when I couldn't reach anyone about my training benefits application. They handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you directly to an agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than spending hours on hold.
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Sara Unger
•Is this legit? Sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?
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Freya Ross
•It's totally legitimate - they don't ask for any personal info and focus on just getting you connected. Much more reasonable than losing days trying to call yourself.
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Leslie Parker
•I've heard of this service before. My friend used it for her overpayment issue and got through same day.
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Sergio Neal
Training Benefits are great but make sure you understand the requirements. You have to maintain satisfactory progress in your program and can't just quit halfway through. Also, not all schools or programs qualify - it has to be approved by Washington ESD beforehand.
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Alana Willis
•What happens if you fail a class or something? Do they cut off your benefits immediately?
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Sergio Neal
•You're allowed some leeway but if you're consistently failing or not attending, they can terminate your TB. You'd have to go back to regular job search requirements.
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Savanna Franklin
ugh this is all so confusing. why cant they just have clear info on their website about training benefits?? ive been looking for hours and its all buried in legal jargon
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Tyler Murphy
•I agree the website could be clearer. Try looking under 'Reemployment Services' - that's where they hide a lot of the training info.
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Savanna Franklin
•thanks ill check that section. this whole system is designed to confuse people i swear
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Butch Sledgehammer
I did a nursing program through TB about 2 years ago. Best decision I ever made! Yes, you still get your weekly benefits while in school, and no job search required. The key is getting everything approved BEFORE you start classes. Don't enroll first and then apply - they won't approve retroactively.
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Alana Willis
•That's so good to know! How long did your benefits last during the program? Was it the full 26 weeks or extended?
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Butch Sledgehammer
•Mine was extended beyond the normal 26 weeks because of the training. I think I got about 40 weeks total to complete the program.
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Juan Moreno
•Wait, they extend your benefits for training? I thought you only got the standard 26 weeks no matter what.
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Tyler Murphy
To clarify for everyone - Training Benefits can extend your claim beyond the normal benefit year if you're in an approved program. The extension depends on the length of your training program, but it's typically worth it for longer programs like healthcare or trade school.
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Amy Fleming
•This is really helpful info. I wish I had known about this when I was on unemployment last year.
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Alana Willis
•So if I'm understanding correctly, I could potentially get benefits for longer than 26 weeks if I'm in an approved training program?
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Leslie Parker
Just want to add that WorkSource offices can also help with training benefits applications. They have career counselors who know which programs Washington ESD typically approves. Might be easier than trying to figure it out on your own.
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Sara Unger
•Are WorkSource appointments easier to get than calling Washington ESD directly?
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Leslie Parker
•In my experience, yes. You can usually schedule online and they actually show up for the appointment unlike trying to reach Washington ESD by phone.
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Alice Pierce
One thing to watch out for - make sure your training program leads to employment in a field with decent job prospects in Washington. Washington ESD looks at labor market data when approving programs. They're more likely to approve healthcare, IT, or skilled trades than something like general studies.
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Alana Willis
•That makes sense. Healthcare and IT were exactly what I was considering. Good to know those are viewed favorably.
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Esteban Tate
•My cousin got approved for a welding program through TB and found a job right after graduating. Definitely go with something practical.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
Does anyone know if you can do online training programs or does it have to be in-person? With everything being more digital now, I'm hoping online options are available.
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Tyler Murphy
•Online programs can be approved, but they have to be from accredited institutions. Community colleges with online programs are usually a safe bet.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
•Perfect, that opens up a lot more options. Thanks for the info!
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Elin Robinson
I tried to apply for training benefits last year and it was a nightmare. Took forever to get approved and then they wanted all sorts of documentation from the school. Make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING.
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Alana Willis
•What kind of documentation did they want? I want to be prepared.
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Elin Robinson
•Enrollment verification, course schedule, program curriculum, sometimes even attendance records. It's a lot but worth it if you get approved.
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Freya Ross
For anyone still struggling to reach Washington ESD about training benefits, I really recommend trying Claimyr. I used them again last week for a different issue and got connected to an agent in under an hour. So much better than the phone maze.
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Atticus Domingo
•I might have to try this. I've been putting off calling about training benefits because I dread the phone system.
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Freya Ross
•Honestly, it's worth it just for the peace of mind. No more wondering if you'll get through or if you'll waste your whole day on hold.
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Beth Ford
Quick question - do you have to pay back the training benefits if you don't finish the program or find a job afterwards? I'm worried about committing to something I might not complete.
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Sergio Neal
•No, you don't have to pay back the benefits as long as you were making a good faith effort. But if they find you weren't actually attending or participating, that could be considered fraud.
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Beth Ford
•That's reassuring. I just want to make sure I'm not taking on any financial risk.
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Morita Montoya
I'm currently in a medical coding program through TB and it's been great so far. The process was smoother than I expected once I got everything submitted. Still no job search requirements which is nice because I can focus on studying.
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Alana Willis
•How long is your program? And do you feel confident about job prospects when you're done?
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Morita Montoya
•It's a 9-month program and the job outlook is really good. Medical coding is in high demand, especially with remote work options.
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Kingston Bellamy
For anyone considering IT training, check out the tech programs at Seattle Community College. I know several people who got TB approval for their programs and found good jobs after graduation.
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Joy Olmedo
•Are there similar programs at other community colleges around the state? I'm not in the Seattle area.
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Kingston Bellamy
•Yes, most community colleges have tech programs that would qualify. Check with your local WorkSource office for recommendations in your area.
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Isaiah Cross
This thread has been so helpful! I had no idea training benefits were even an option. Going to start researching programs in my area tomorrow. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.
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Alana Willis
•Same here! This has given me a lot more confidence about exploring the training option. Good luck with your research!
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Tyler Murphy
•Glad we could help! Training benefits are one of Washington ESD's best-kept secrets. More people should know about them.
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Kiara Greene
One last tip - if you're serious about training benefits, don't wait too long to apply. Some programs have limited spots and fill up quickly. Also, the approval process can take time, so plan ahead.
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Alana Willis
•Definitely good advice. I'm going to start the application process this week. Thanks for all the help everyone!
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Freya Ross
•And remember, if you need to talk to Washington ESD about your application, Claimyr can save you a lot of time and frustration with the phone system.
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Keisha Williams
Just wanted to add that you should also check if your program qualifies for additional financial aid like Pell Grants or state grants. Even though you're getting training benefits, you might be eligible for extra help with tuition, books, and supplies. I combined TB with a Pell Grant for my nursing program and it made a huge difference financially. The financial aid office at your school can help you figure out what you qualify for.
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StarSailor}
•That's really smart advice about combining financial aid! I hadn't thought about that possibility. Did you have to coordinate anything between Washington ESD and the financial aid office, or do they handle things separately? I'm looking at a medical assistant program and every bit of financial help would be useful.
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Reina Salazar
•They mostly handle things separately, which is actually pretty convenient! The financial aid office processes your Pell Grant application through FAFSA like normal, and Washington ESD handles the training benefits approval independently. Just make sure to mention to both that you're pursuing the other - sometimes the financial aid office wants to know about any other benefits you're receiving. The medical assistant program sounds like a great choice - those programs usually qualify easily for TB since healthcare is in such high demand.
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