TRAINING BENEFITS PROGRAM

Ted Wade
Employment Security Department
P.O. Box 9406
Olympia, WA 98507-9685
Telephone: 360.902.9732
E-mail: twade@esd.wa.gov

State Website: http://www.esd.wa.gov/uibenefits/specialservices/training/training-benefits.php

Participation: 1,204 participants were served by the Training Benefits Program during July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007.

Who is Served: To be eligible for the Training Benefits Program, participants must show that training is needed to find suitable work, establish that a full-time training program will enhance their marketable skills and earning power, and that the training is for a high-demand occupation as determined by the local workforce development council. This means participants would not qualify for training benefits if they could get a job without any training that pays similar to the job for which they are training. Participants can receive up to a maximum of 52 times their weekly benefit amount, minus any regular and extended benefits paid.

Program Description: Training benefits are additional Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits paid to eligible dislocated workers enrolled in and making satisfactory progress in a full-time vocational training program approved by the UI program. Training benefits are paid after a participant receives all regular (and federally extended) benefits payable. However, participants must apply for training benefits within 60 days of being notified of the program and be enrolled in training within 90 days of being notified of the program.

Other Program Characteristics: Training benefits are payable until the participant completes (or withdraws from) training or runs out of benefits, whichever comes first. Training benefits are payable only while a participant is enrolled and making satisfactory progress in an approved full-time training program.

Program History: Enacted by the Legislature in February 2000, training benefits provide additional unemployment insurance benefits to qualified individuals participating in approved training programs determined necessary for their reemployment.

Planning Cycle: Annual.

Outcome Measures: Outcome measures include participant employment and earnings.

Funding and Regional Division: Training benefits are paid from the UI Trust Fund but cannot exceed the $20 million annual cap established by the Legislature. The expenditure of training benefits is controlled through an obligation process established by the Employment Security Department.

State Funding: $20,000,000 (July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008).

Federal Funding: None.

Statutory Authority: State - RCW 50.22.130, RCW 50.22.140, RCW 50.22.150. Administered by the Employment Security Department.