How To Apply For Texas Unemployment Benefits

November 26, 2021

This community resource guide will show you how to apply for Texas unemployment benefits.

Unemployment benefits are money that is paid to those who lose their job due to no fault of their own. These benefits are meant to help you pay your bills and buy groceries, among other things.

Continue reading if you're interested in Texas unemployment benefits if you recently lost your job.

What is the Texas Workforce Commission?

The Texas Workforce Commission administers and manages this program. This agency is where you can apply for Texas unemployment benefits.

Who is Eligible for Texas Unemployment Benefits?

To be eligible to receive unemployment benefits, you must:

  • A specific number of hours worked
  • You earned a certain amount of money while working at the job
  • Your hours were cut or you were laid off without your permission
  • To continue receiving your Texas unemployment checks, you must meet certain eligibility requirements once you have been approved.

You can visit the unemployment benefit eligibility page at the TWC website to learn how long and what income are required to be eligible for Texas unemployment benefits. To qualify for Texas unemployment benefits, you must have worked for at least 4 months and earned 37 times the wages of your weekly unemployment benefits.

How to Apply for Unemployment in Texas

Apply for unemployment benefits immediately after you have been laid off. Your claim will begin the week that your Texas Workforce Commission application is received. However, you can't submit a claim if you are unemployed or laid off.

When you are laid off by a staff leasing or temp agency, there are specific rules for applying for unemployment.

  • Temporary agency - If you have been laid off, you will need to contact the temp agency to request a new assignment. TWC states that if you are not assigned a new assignment by the temp agency, you can apply for unemployment benefits.
  • Staff Leasing Company You will need to contact this company for a new assignment after your job is lost.

You can find more information about applying for unemployment benefits if you have been laid off from your temp agency job at .

How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Texas

Two ways to apply for unemployment in Texas are online and via phone.

  1. You can apply online by visiting the TWC Website. To create an account, you will need to enter information about your previous employer.
  2. Apply via phone. To apply, call Texas Workforce at 800.939.6631

Texas Workforce also offers a step-by–step guide to help you apply online for unemployment benefits.

Information Required To Apply for Texas Unemployment

These are the details you need to apply for benefits:

  • Information about your last employer. This information includes your business name, address, phone number, and email.
  • Last job dates. Please provide the dates (month, day and year) when you began working for this employer.
  • How many hours have you worked?
  • You are usually paid the average wage. For a better understanding of normal wages, you can visit the TWC website.
  • Your hourly rate
  • Alien Registration Number if you're not a US citizen
  • Valid Texas ID or Texas driver's licence

What are the Texas Unemployment Benefits per Week?

If you are granted unemployment status in Texas, you will get between $70 to $535 per week. Your past earnings at work will determine how much you get paid.

Texas Workforce Commission has a calculator that will help you calculate how much money you could receive if approved.

What happens after you qualify for unemployment benefits?

There are several steps you need to take once you have been approved for Texas unemployment benefits. These are:

  • Register for employment
  • You should be looking for work and keeping track of all the jobs you apply to.
  • TWC will promptly process your payment request.
  • You must be able to work both mentally and physically.
  • You should be able to work full-time.

Registering for Work

You must be registered for work for each week you request TWC payments. After you apply for unemployment benefits, you must register to work within 3 days.

Register to Work

  • Register online at Work In Texas
  • Register in person at a Texas unemployment agency. To find a Texas Workforce Solutions office close to you, follow the link.

Search for Jobs

A specific number of work search activities must be completed each week. TWC will email you an email indicating how many searches you need to complete.

Keep a log of all your work search activities. TWC may request to see it at any time.

Here is an example of a Work Seach Log that you should keep track of.

Request your Payment

To keep your unemployment check eligible, you must also ask TWC for your payments on time.

You Can Work A Job

This simply means that you can physically and mentally work a job.

Available to Work A Job

You can start work immediately if you are available to work full-time.

This means that you can:

  • Access to public transportation or a vehicle to get to work.
  • You have arrangements in place for a babysitter or daycare provider.
  • Interviews (in-person and online) can be attended.
  • The potential employer may require that you work a certain time or day.

You can find more information on how to apply for unemployment benefits online at page 21.

Other Texas Work Programs that TWC Manages

TWC is the most common way for people to contact TWC in order to receive unemployment benefits. However, this department also offers employment programs.

Here's a list of these programs:

Texas Job Search Tool (My TX Job)

The TWC manages the unemployment benefits program and has a large list of employment opportunities that can help you quickly find work if you've been laid off. The TWC manages the unemployment benefits for Texas state workers. These job opportunities can be found on the website My Texas Career.


Texas Employment Assistance for People With Disabilities (Vocational Rehab Services).

People with disabilities can get training, interviewing, and employment in many occupations through the Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services program.

Individuals with disabilities who wish to work in Texas are matched with counselors who will help them better understand their needs, and get closer to their career goals.

Here's a list listing all programs that are covered by the TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Veterans Employment Assistance Programs in Texas

There are many support services available at Texas Workforce Commissions offices for veterans looking to find employment in Texas. TWC offices will often have veteran representatives. A Military to Civilian Occupation Translation Translator can also be available to assist you in finding rewarding employment opportunities.

Childcare Assistance in Texas

The Child Care Services Program offers financial assistance to parents who want to provide for their children's needs by giving money.

Parents who meet income requirements can receive money through this program. This program helps parents to learn about child services and ensures that children are learning well. It also supports early learning programs.

Learn more about TWC's assistance with childcare costs by visiting the Early Learning and Childcare Services page.

Conclusion

There are chances that you could be eligible for Texas unemployment benefits if you were recently laid off or had your hours cut due to no fault of yours.

The benefit provides a weekly payment to recently unemployed Texas workers that helps them pay their basic needs while they look for a job.

Apply for a Texas unemployment check by: