Worker retraining benefits ending but training not complete - ESD extension options?
Hey everyone, we're in a tough spot here. My husband got injured at his construction job last October and has been in a worker retraining program since February. The program is supposed to last until November (still has 5 months left), but the ESD office just called yesterday saying his benefits run out next week! We're totally blindsided by this - nobody mentioned this could happen when he enrolled. Is there any chance the benefits extend automatically to cover the whole approved training period? Or is there some extension form we need to fill out? His retraining counselor is out of office until Monday, and we're freaking out about how to pay bills if there's a gap. Anyone dealt with worker retraining benefits running out mid-program before?
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Mei Chen
this happened to me last year!! the benefits DON'T auto-extend, you gotta apply for something called Training Benefits (TB) to continue getting paid while finishing the program.
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Jamal Edwards
•Thank you!! Do you know how long it takes for the TB to get approved? Is there a gap between regular benefits ending and TB starting?
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Liam O'Sullivan
Worker retraining and unemployment benefits are completely separate things. If he's on L&I (workers comp) for the injury, that's different from unemployment. What type of benefits are actually ending? That matters for what you need to apply for next.
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Jamal Edwards
•The benefits that are ending are from ESD - he gets unemployment while in the worker retraining program. The L&I claim was closed after they approved him for retraining instead of disability. I think we need to apply for the Training Benefits that someone mentioned?
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Amara Okonkwo
You need to apply for Training Benefits (TB) through ESD. This is specifically designed for people who are in approved training programs but exhaust their regular UI benefits. The good news is that if he's already in an approved worker retraining program, he should qualify for TB. The key things to know: 1. Apply ASAP - there can be a processing gap 2. You must have at least 1 week of regular benefits left when you apply 3. Make sure his school's financial aid office knows this is happening - they might have emergency funds 4. Keep filing weekly claims even during any gap period The Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) application should be available in your eServices account under the "apply for programs" section.
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Giovanni Marino
•Wow this is super helpful! I'm saving this info since I'm about to start a retraining program next month. Do you know how many additional weeks TB typically provides?
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Amara Okonkwo
•Training Benefits can provide up to 26 additional weeks of benefits, but it's limited to the length of your approved training program. Each person's situation is different, so the actual number of weeks will depend on how much time is left in the approved training.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
I went through this exact situation in January!!! It was SO stressful because no one tells you until the last minute. I tried calling ESD for WEEKS and couldn't get through to anyone - kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Super frustrating when your benefits are about to end and you need answers fast.
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Dylan Hughes
•If you're having trouble reaching ESD by phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you get through to ESD representatives much faster. Saved me hours of frustration when I had issues with my claim. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Makes a huge difference when you need quick answers about something like Training Benefits.
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Jamal Edwards
•Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out if we can't get through on Monday. Did you end up getting your benefits extended?
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Fatima Al-Sayed
•Yes! I got the Training Benefits approved but there was a 3-week gap where I didn't get paid anything. Make sure you keep filing weekly claims during that gap! They won't pay you at the time, but once TB is approved, they'll go back and pay those weeks. I didn't know that and almost stopped filing.
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NightOwl42
You need to apply for TB (Training Benefits) IMMEDIATELY. Here's what most people don't realize - there's a specific deadline: you MUST apply while you still have at least one week of regular benefits remaining. If you wait until benefits are completely exhausted, you'll be denied. Also, make sure your husband's training program is officially approved by WorkSource/ESD as a Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) program. Even if he's already in worker retraining, you need that specific CAT designation for Training Benefits eligibility. The application should be in your eServices account, or you can get it from WorkSource. Submit it with all required documentation ASAP.
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Jamal Edwards
•Thank you! I just checked his eServices account and found the Training Benefits application. Filling it out now. Do you know if we also need to submit any documentation from his school or WorkSource counselor?
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NightOwl42
•Yes, you'll need documentation from the school confirming enrollment, program length, and expected completion date. If his WorkSource counselor already submitted approval for the worker retraining program, reference that in your application. Make sure to upload any training plan documents you received when he was initially approved for retraining.
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Mei Chen
did u check if hes eligible for a hardship extension too? my friend got that when his regular benefits ran out and there was a delay getting on TB
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Jamal Edwards
•I haven't heard of a hardship extension. Is that different from Training Benefits? We'll definitely look into this as a backup option.
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Amara Okonkwo
•Hardship extensions are available in some situations, but they're limited. For someone in an approved training program like your husband, Training Benefits is the appropriate path. Hardship extensions are typically for people who have exhausted benefits and are still searching for work in areas with high unemployment rates. The requirements and availability change periodically based on the state's unemployment rate and funding.
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Liam O'Sullivan
Make sure he keeps doing his 3 job search activities every week even while in training! My cousin got denied benefits because he thought being in training meant he didn't have to do job search activities. ESD is super picky about this.
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Amara Okonkwo
•This is incorrect information. If someone is in an approved training program, they receive a job search waiver. They do NOT need to complete job search activities while in approved training. The waiver should be automatic once the training is approved, but it's good to verify it's showing in your eServices account.
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Liam O'Sullivan
•Oh really?? My cousin must have been doing something wrong then. Thanks for correcting me!
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Sofia Rodriguez
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE PEOPLE FAIL!!! I went through worker retraining in 2024 and they cut my benefits with 2 months left in my program. When I called they said I "should have known" about the TB program and that it was "too late" to apply. Had to take out loans to finish my training. Watch out for the fine print they don't tell you about!!!!!
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NightOwl42
•I'm sorry you had that experience. You're right that the information isn't always clearly communicated. However, for others reading this thread, please know that if you apply for Training Benefits while you still have at least one week of regular benefits remaining, and your training program is approved, you should be eligible. The system has specific requirements, but it's not designed to make people fail - it's just poorly explained sometimes.
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Jamal Edwards
Update: We submitted the Training Benefits application today through eServices! Also uploaded his training plan and enrollment verification from the college. His WorkSource counselor called me back and confirmed the program is CAT-approved. Now we're just hoping there's not a big gap between benefits. Thanks everyone for your help - I'll update when we hear back from ESD.
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Fatima Al-Sayed
•Awesome! Definitely keep filing those weekly claims even if there's a gap in payment. And don't be surprised if you need to call ESD to check on the status - their online updates can be slow. Fingers crossed for you guys!
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