ORS 657.340 Eligibility for benefits

Dislocated workers approved for career and technical training may not be denied unemployment insurance benefits solely because they are attending career and technical training, nor shall such individual be denied benefits by reason of leaving work to enter such training if the work left was part-time or temporary or paid less than 80 percent of the individual’s average weekly wage during the base year.

Notwithstanding provisions of this chapter relating to availability for work, actively seeking work or refusal to accept suitable work, dislocated workers approved for career and technical training and otherwise eligible for benefits are not ineligible for such benefits or waiting week credit because of attendance in career and technical training.

Eligible dislocated workers who file valid unemployment compensation claims, upon exhaustion of regular benefits, are eligible for supplemental benefits from 1 to 26 times the individual’s most recent weekly benefit amount based upon the amount needed to continue or complete approved career and technical training.

Supplemental benefits shall be paid under the same terms and conditions as regular benefits under this chapter, except that the Director of the Employment Department may extend the benefit year of an individual attending an approved career and technical training program a sufficient number of weeks to allow the individual to complete the training program.

Supplemental benefits may be paid only when the eligible dislocated worker is not eligible to receive extended benefits as provided in ORS 657.321 to 657.329 or additional benefits as provided in ORS 657.331 to 657.334.

The receipt of supplemental benefits is conditioned upon the individual’s demonstrating satisfactory progress and attendance in career and technical training.