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My sister had training benefits in 2024 and she said there was no gap but she did have to call them to activate it after her regular benefits ended. I think it depends on who processed your initial approval maybe?
It's not supposed to depend on who processes your claim, but unfortunately, ESD's inconsistent handling of Training Benefits is a common issue. The official procedure requires claimants to contact ESD to initiate the transition, though some representatives may set it up to transition automatically during the approval process. Since the stakes are high (potential gap in benefits), it's always better to be proactive and call rather than assume it will happen automatically.
Just to update you - I managed to get through to ESD using the Claimyr service I mentioned. The agent confirmed that Training Benefits don't automatically activate after regular UI. They need to manually switch your claim type in their system once your regular benefits exhaust. The good news is that as long as you keep filing weekly claims, they can backdate the TB activation to ensure no gap in payments. The job search requirements also change - you don't need to look for work while in approved training, but you do need to submit training attendance verification when requested.
I finally got through to ESD this morning! You're right - they said exactly what you mentioned. The agent activated my Training Benefits to start immediately after my regular UI ends next week. She also made a note in my file about the transition so there shouldn't be any payment delays. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!
my cousin works for two unoins to and he just puts whatever one he worked for last on his claim. never had no problems getting paid. esd doesnt really care as long as your looking for work and available
back on the payment thing - anyone else notice ESD always has "technical issues" right when rent is due? happen to anyone else or just me lol
YESSS!!! I swear they do this on purpose! Last month my payment was 4 days late and my apartment tried to charge me a late fee. Like we're already struggling and then they pull this???
I had this exact situation happen to me in January. Turned out there was an issue with my identification verification even though I completed the ID.me process. I eventually got through after 3 days of calling. The agent told me that sometimes their system flags accounts for review when there are similar names in the system (someone with the same name had apparently committed fraud before). Once I got through, they fixed it in about 10 minutes and my status changed from disqualified to pending within 24 hours. Hang in there!
UPDATE: I finally got through! Called 38 times this morning starting exactly at 8:00am. It was an issue with my separation reason - my employer listed me as 'voluntary quit' even though I was laid off. The agent was able to start an investigation and said they'd contact my employer to clarify. My status is now changed to 'pending' rather than 'disqualified.' Thanks everyone for the advice!
Glad you got through! This is actually a very common issue. Make sure you have any documentation showing it was a layoff (termination notice, emails, texts from your supervisor, etc.). The fact that they changed it from 'disqualified' to 'pending' is a good sign. The employer has a limited time to respond to ESD's inquiry, after which they'll make a determination.
i just remembered something! my friend who had a similar thing happen said its super important in ur appeal to use the exact words "good cause" when explaining why u quit. they look for that specific term i guess? also mention that u had "no reasonable alternative" but to quit. those are like the magic words apparently lol
This is actually good advice. The legal standard ESD uses for voluntary quits is indeed "good cause," and specifically for workplace issues, you need to demonstrate that you had "no reasonable alternative" but to leave the job. Using this terminology shows you understand the standard they're applying to your case.
Quick update question - did your denial letter specifically state the reason for denial? If it mentions your voluntary quit as the reason, then that confirms they've made a determination on the separation issue while still investigating other aspects of your claim. This is important because it tells you exactly what to focus on in your appeal.
Yes, the letter specifically says "Your request for unemployment benefits is denied because you quit your job without good cause." It doesn't mention anything about the other items in adjudication. So frustrating that they didn't consider all my HR documentation!
Perfect - now you know exactly what to address in your appeal. Focus on proving you had good cause to quit due to harassment. Make sure to include a chronology of events, copies of all HR reports, and emphasize that the harassment escalated to property damage. Also note that you attempted to resolve the issues through proper channels (HR) multiple times before quitting. This gives you a solid foundation for your appeal.
Chloe Harris
not to be that person but have u tried gig work? doordash, uber, instacart etc? not great money but u can start like immediately and it might help while ur waiting for other assistance to kick in. plus then ur earning wages for next time u need unemployment
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CosmicCadet
•I actually tried signing up for DoorDash but my car is too old (2002) to qualify. :( And I don't have money to fix the dent in my rear bumper which Uber requires. It's like you need money to make money!
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Luca Ferrari
I work at a nonprofit that helps people navigate benefit systems. Two suggestions beyond what others have mentioned: 1. Contact your county's Coordinated Entry for housing assistance - they can often provide emergency rent help even while TANF is processing 2. Check with local churches and community action agencies - many have funds specifically for preventing eviction Also, Washington has strong eviction protections. Even if you can't pay on time, your landlord must provide a 14-day pay or vacate notice before filing an eviction. Use that time to gather resources. And if you receive an eviction notice, immediately contact the Eviction Defense Hotline at 1-855-657-8387 for free legal help.
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NebulaNomad
•THIS!!! Coordinated entry saved me last year. Found out about it from a random person at DSHS. They paid 2 months of my rent while I got back on my feet.
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