Español

California Training Benefits

The California Training Benefits (CTB) program allows you to attend school or training while receiving unemployment benefits. If you’re approved for CTB, you’ll need to keep certifying for unemployment benefits. But don’t worry—you do not have to be available for work, look for a job, or accept a job while you’re in school or training.

How to Participate in the Program

To join the CTB program, you need to have a current and valid unemployment benefits claim. Here are the other things you need to do:

Step 1: Let us Know You’re Interested

If you want to join the CTB program, contact us online, by phone, or in person at an America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) as soon as you can.

Note: You must contact us before the sixteenth week of your benefit payments to qualify for a training extension. If you qualify, you can get extra weeks of benefits. Learn more at Qualify for a Training Extension.

Step 2: Pick a Training Program That Works for You

Visit Eligible Training Types for California Training Benefits for a list of options.

Step 3: Tell Us When Your Training Starts

You need to let us know your start date during the week you begin school or training. You can do this by reporting it on your weekly certification form.

Once you report the start of your training, we might send you more forms to fill out and send back to us.

We will send you a Notice of Determination (DE 1080) with your eligibility results and approved training dates. If you are approved for CTB, the notice will explain your rights and responsibilities. If you are not approved for CTB, don’t worry—you may still be able to receive unemployment benefits. You just need to meet all eligibility requirements, like being available for work, seeking work, and accepting suitable work.

Note: We do not pay for school or training expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, or transportation. But there are other programs that might help you pay for school or training. To learn more, visit Federal Student Aid.

Forms and Publications

Additional Resources