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Commissioner-Approved Training (CAT)


Commissioner-approved training (CAT) allows you to collect your regular unemployment-insurance (UI) benefits while attending an approved full-time training program. If approved for commissioner-approved training, you do not have to look for work. CAT does not pay for books, tuition or school related fees. It does not extend your benefits.

To be potentially eligible for CAT, you must:

  • Be otherwise eligible for unemployment benefits;
  • Be unlikely to return to work due to a diminishing demand for your skills or a surplus of workers with your skills in your local labor market; or
  • Have been laid off due to technological advances; or
  • Show that you are unlikely to return to work in which you have experience or skills because of illness, injury or other unique individual circumstances.

An approved training program is a course of education which:

  • Is full time, as determined by the school or training facility;
  • Provides you with skills in an occupation for which there are reasonable job opportunities in your labor market;
  • Is not primarily intended to meet the requirements of a baccalaureate or higher degree; and
  • Is generally of short duration, as commissioner approved training does NOT extend your benefits. If you will run out of unemployment benefits before completing your training, you must show us that you have the financial resources to complete your training.

To apply for commissioner-approved training, call the claims center at 800-318-6022 and ask for a Student Eligibility Questionnaire/CAT Application, go to the nearest WorkSource office, or download and print an application online.

Mail or fax your completed application to:

Unemployment Insurance Imaging
P.O. Box 19019
Olympia, WA 98507-0019
Fax: 800-301-1796
You can also drop off your completed application at the nearest WorkSource office.