Commissioner-Approved Training

If you're unemployed, you may qualify for regular unemployment benefits while training for a new job. Learn about the requirements and how to apply.

How Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT) works

Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT) allows you to collect unemployment benefits while attending training. If we approve you for CAT, you do not need to look for work while receiving benefits.

CAT does not:

  • Extend your unemployment benefits.
  • Pay for books, tuition or school-related fees.

Eligibility for CAT

You may be eligible for CAT if you are eligible for unemployment benefits as a dislocated worker. We consider you a dislocated worker if:

  • You lost your job permanently due to a business closure or mass layoff.
  • You lost your job and are unlikely to get the same type of work again. For example, your job opportunities are limited due to foreign competition or a lack of demand for your skill.

Approved training programs

The training program you choose must:

  • Be full time, according to the school or training facility.
  • Provide you with skills for a job with a reasonable number of opportunities in your area.
  • Not focus on getting a bachelor's degree or a higher degree.
  • Last a short amount of time, because CAT does not extend your unemployment benefits.

You also need to prove that you have a financial plan. The plan will ensure that you can complete your training if your benefits run out before your training ends.

How to apply for CAT

  1. Complete the application

    Download and complete the Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT) application (PDF, 59.2 KB).

    You can also call us at 800-318-6022 or get a copy at any WorkSource office. Use the WorkSource locator to find an office near you.

  2. Get help at WorkSource

    If you want help with your application, WorkSource staff can:

    • Help you explore occupations in demand in your labor market. They also can help you research the skills required for jobs in those occupations.
    • Review your application for completion.

  3. Submit your application

    You can submit your application by mail or fax.

    By mail

    Unemployment Insurance Imaging
    PO Box 19019
    Olympia, WA 98507-0019

    By fax

    • Fax to 800-301-1796.
    • Or fax it at your nearest WorkSource office. Use the locator on the WorkSource website to find an office near you. Staff can fax the application for you.

  4. Wait for our decision

    We will send you a decision letter through eServices or by mail.

After we approve you for CAT

You need to meet these requirements to keep receiving unemployment benefits during your training. If you do not meet all requirements, you may need to look for work or pay back benefits we paid you.

Meet your training requirements

While you're attending Commissioner-Approved Training, you need to:

  • Be enrolled in a full-time training program.
  • Make satisfactory progress in the program.
  • Complete and submit the progress reports we send you.

You're responsible for showing us that you're making progress. You can read more about the laws about satisfactory progress on the Washington State Legislature website.

Notify us about changes to your training

You need to tell us if you:

  • Stop your training.
  • Take a break from training.
  • Change your approved training program or provider.
  • Reduce your training to less than full time.