One additional note based on your situation: Since you mentioned the LLC might call you back in a few months, you might qualify for "standby" status when you reopen your claim. Standby means you can receive benefits without having to do the usual job search activities because you're expected to return to your employer. For standby, you generally need: 1. A definite return-to-work date (within 8 weeks, though there are exceptions) 2. Written verification from your employer 3. A history of working for this employer (which you now have) Standby status is much easier than regular unemployment since you don't have to do and document the 3 job searches per week. Worth asking about when you speak with ESD.

I went through something similar about a year ago! For backdating, definitely be persistent - I had to call multiple times and got different answers from different agents. The key thing that helped me was having a clear, consistent explanation for why I missed filing each week. "I was confused about the appeal process and thought I couldn't file" is actually a pretty common and understandable reason, so don't stress too much about that. One tip for getting through on the phone: Try calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they open, but also try again around 4:30 PM. I found late in the day sometimes had shorter wait times because most people give up by then. For the temp job situation - definitely get documentation about the layoff being due to lack of work. And if they do mention a possible callback, get that in writing too even if it's not definite. ESD appreciates any documentation that shows the separation wasn't your fault. Good luck! The whole system is frustrating but you can get through it with persistence.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned much is pension payments - if you're receiving a pension from a previous employer, that can sometimes affect your unemployment benefits or even disqualify you depending on how it's structured. Also, if you're receiving workers' compensation, there are specific rules about how that interacts with unemployment benefits. These situations can get pretty complex, so definitely worth discussing with Washington ESD if either applies to your situation.

Another important disqualification that people often overlook is the "benefit year earnings" rule. If you earn more than a certain amount during your benefit year (even from jobs you get while claiming), it can affect your future claims. Also, if you move out of state permanently, you need to notify Washington ESD immediately - continuing to claim benefits after relocating without proper notification can be considered fraud. The interstate transfer process has specific requirements that many people don't know about.

Based on everything in this thread, here's what I recommend: 1. Wait 5-7 business days from when you reopened the claim to see if the training week processes automatically 2. If nothing happens by then, you need to contact ESD specifically about "Trade Apprenticeship Training" (not standby or regular CAT) 3. Ask your union training coordinator to verify they've submitted the current apprenticeship program documentation to ESD's Trade Program Unit 4. When you do get through to ESD, request that they review all previous similar claims to ensure consistency in handling 5. Ask for written confirmation of the correct procedure for future training weeks This should help prevent the cycle of conflicting information that's caused problems in the past.

I went through something very similar with my spouse's plumbing apprenticeship! One thing that really helped us was getting a copy of the actual apprenticeship agreement that the union has on file with ESD. Turns out our local had submitted outdated paperwork years ago and it was causing all kinds of coding issues in the system. Once we got the union to update their documentation with ESD's Trade Program Unit, the training weeks started processing automatically. Also, I learned that you can actually check if the apprenticeship program is properly registered by calling the Department of Labor & Industries apprenticeship office - they can verify if ESD has the current program details. Might be worth checking since you've had issues for 3 out of 5 years. The whole system is definitely confusing but once it's set up correctly it should work smoothly!

I've been in a similar situation and can confirm what others have said - you can definitely drive for Uber while collecting unemployment in Washington. The key is being completely transparent about your earnings. I'd recommend starting with just a few hours per week to see how it affects your benefits before ramping up. Also, make sure you keep the Uber driver app statements as backup documentation - I print mine out each week just in case ESD ever asks for proof. The flexibility of gig work actually helped me during my job search since I could turn it off for interviews and turn it back on when I needed extra cash.

I've been driving for Uber while on unemployment in Washington for about 2 months now and wanted to share my experience. The reporting process is actually pretty straightforward once you get used to it - I just log into my Uber driver app every Sunday morning before filing my weekly claim and write down my gross earnings for that week. One thing I learned the hard way is to screenshot or save those earnings summaries because sometimes the app glitches and you can't access older data. I typically make around $150-200 per week driving Friday and Saturday nights, which means my unemployment gets reduced by about $145-195, but I still come out ahead overall. The biggest benefit for me has been maintaining some income stability while job searching, and it's actually helped my mental health to stay active and feel productive. Just make sure you keep your main focus on finding full-time work in your field - I treat Uber as a temporary bridge, not a career replacement.

Just wanted to add that you should also consider filing a complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) if your supervisor's behavior involves workplace safety issues or violates labor laws. Even if it doesn't directly help with unemployment eligibility, having an official complaint on record can strengthen your case that the work environment was genuinely problematic. Plus, L&I might be able to address the underlying issues at your workplace so other employees don't have to go through what you're experiencing.

I went through a similar situation a few years ago and ended up getting approved for benefits after quitting due to constructive discharge. The key things that helped my case were: 1) I documented specific incidents with dates and details, 2) I tried to resolve the issues internally first by speaking with management, and 3) I was able to show that the work environment had become genuinely unsafe/unbearable. Washington ESD looks for patterns of unreasonable behavior from your employer, not just isolated bad days. From what you've described - the constant yelling, impossible deadlines, and punitive task assignments - it sounds like you might have a valid case. But definitely start that documentation process now and try the internal complaint route first. Even if your company doesn't have HR, sending an email to the owner/upper management about the issues creates a paper trail showing you attempted to resolve things before quitting.