EXTENDED DEADLINE TO APPLY: DUA is in the process of notifying claimants of the extended deadline to apply for TOP. Any claimant who had an approved claim from March 29, 2020 to the present will get a written notice about TOP. The deadline to apply runs from the date of the notice. The notice will be sent by your preferred method of communication - either electronic (UI online inbox) or by U.S. mail.
Who is eligible
You may qualify for the Training Opportunities Program if:
- You no longer work for your former employer
- You filed an unemployment claim and are eligible for unemployment benefits
- It will be difficult for you to get a new job, unless you learn new skills
- You have the basic skills to complete and benefit from approved training. Individuals who do not speak English or require remedial education may first participate in a basic skills enhancement course.
- You submit a completed TOP application within the first 20 weeks that you receive your unemployment benefits or within the first 20 weeks after you receive notice of the extended deadline
- Your training program is full time and approved by the TOP unit
Basic skills enhancement
If it is determined that you need basic skills enhancement before you can participate in a training program, you may be required to take a basic skills enhancement course, such as:
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Adult Basic Education (ABE)
- General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
A basic skills enhancement program together with approved training will be considered one training program.
How to maintain eligibility while in training
To remain eligible, you must do the following:
- Continue to request unemployment weekly benefits
- Maintain attendance and make satisfactory progress in your training program
- Complete your program within 2 years. If you must take a basic skills enhancement course, your approved training program must be completed within 3 years.
- You may take part in only 1 approved training program during your unemployment eligibility period
If your job training program has vacation breaks, you will continue to receive TOP benefits if:
- The vacation period is less than 3 weeks, and
- You go back to the training program right after the break ends
If the vacation period is more than 3 weeks, and you continue searching for work as required, you may be able to get regular benefits but no extended unemployment benefits.