Texas Unemployment Application

Texas Unemployment Application

How To Apply For Unemployment Benefits In Texas

If you live in Texas and are unemployed, you can collect unemployment benefits offered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). But collecting benefits in the state is no cakewalk. You should meet several eligibility requirements and go through an application process. If you are wondering what criteria you should meet and how to apply for unemployment benefits in Texas, you have landed on the right page. Here, we will guide through bits and pieces of Texas unemployment.

In the state of Texas, you may apply for unemployment benefits over the Internet or by calling a Tele-Center.

Things you need before filing your claim:

  • SSN – your social security number
  • If you served in the military, your DD-1 copy, joining and relieving dates and any other relevant information from last 18 months
  • Employment history for the last 18 months. Names of employers/companies you worked for, dates of joining and relieving
  • Personal Identification Number
  • Alien Registration Number – if you are not a citizen of U.S.
  • Number of hours you worked and the pay you received during the week for which you are filing the claim (applicable only if you earned wages during that particular week)

You may not apply over the Internet if in the past 18 months you have worked out of state.

You can call at 1-800-939-6631 to apply for unemployment claims from Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time.

Note: Internet service is generally faster than calling an unemployment benefits Tele-Center.


Apply Online

Unemployment Application Assistance:

CALL: 800-939-6631

Local numbers:

  • Austin local: (512) 340-4300
  • Dallas local: (972) 339-6200
  • El Paso local: (915) 832-6400
  • Fort Worth local: (817) 420-1600
  • Houston local: (281) 983-1100
  • McAllen local: (956) 984-4700
  • San Antonio local: (210) 258-6600

Call Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. for all unemployment benefits related services.

Some of the important phone numbers that you may need are:

  • Tele-Center, CSR Help Line: (M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) 800-939-6631
  • Tele-Serv, Automated Phone 800-558-8321
  • Debit Card Help: U.S. Bank Customer Service 800-657-6343
  • Appeals Fax: Appeal Tribunal 512-475-1135
  • Commission Appeal 512-475-2044

Visit a Texas Job Center

 

Unemployed?? ——> Check your eligibility for Texas unemployment benefits

Want to know about how much you will receive?? —–> Calculate Texas UI Benefits


Unemployment Benefits In Texas

Texas Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit is the federal and state-sponsored program. The program aims to provide partial and temporary income replacement for up to 26 weeks to Texans who have lost employment through no fault.

The benefits amount lies anywhere between $69 and $521.

Let’s learn how to apply for unemployment benefits.

How To Apply For Unemployment Benefits In Texas?

You can apply for benefits immediately after your last working day. Steps involved in the application process are as follows.

Step 1: The first and foremost step in to register for UI benefits. This can be done by visiting the Texas Workforce Commission website and clicking on “Sign Up For User ID” option. Then enter information asked for in the form and click submit.

Step 2: On registering, you will receive your user ID and password. Using this information, log into your account and answer all the questions that help authorities determine if you are required to file a claim online or by calling TWC Tele-Center.

Step 3: Provide details such as your contact information, citizenship information, last employer’s name, phone number, and address, information on numbers of hours you have worked and wages, and reason for job separation.

Step4: Create a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) that has the same legal authority as that of your signature. Using PIN information you can easily access TWC Tele-Serv and some internet services offered by TWC.

Step 5: Choose a payment option, either a debit card or a direct deposit. For new users, the default payment option is a debit card. But you can change it by clicking “NO” on the Payment Option Page and visiting “Change Payment Option Screen.”

Step 6: Last, review your application. If you have not entered any details or have entered incorrect information, select the “Edit Information” link at the bottom of each section and make changes. Once done, submit the application.

 

If you have worked only in Texas, follow the above procedure. However, if you have worked in more than one state, you can file a claim in any state where you have your base period wages. The paying state will process your application as per its UI laws and ask other states to provide information about your wage records. It will then combine all your wages and determine if you earned sufficient wages to be eligible for UI benefits under that state’s rules.

Additional Requirements

TWC requires you to meet additional requirements if you have last worked for temporary agencies or staff leasing companies.
  • Suppose you have worked for a temporary agency, you must contact them and ask for a new assignment within three business days following the end of your previous assignment before applying for benefits.
  • If you have last worked for a staff leasing company, you must immediately contact the company for a new job before applying for benefits.

Keep in mind that you will not receive your payment immediately after applying for it. You have to meet several eligibility requirements to qualify for benefits.

Final thoughts:

Applying for Texas unemployment benefits can look like a lengthy and challenging process, but it is worth it if you qualify for benefits, as this will help you meet your basic needs until you return to work. If you want more information about Texas UI benefits or have any query, contact a TWC unemployment office.

 

  1. I just moved to Texas in December from CT where I worked as a social worker. Because of needing to become licensed in Tx, I took a job as a server in January and have since been told to apply for UI benefits as they are unable to offer hours due to Corona Virus and partial shut down. I read the requirements for employment in the previous quarters, but I am unsure if I need to apply in Tx or Ct. I no longer work for the agencies in CT because I moved, will I need to file in CT?

  2. my son got fired with a company he has been there a year and he even rents from employer they deduct from his check .Friday they called him to office and he got fired told him he was fully staff and told him to move out

    • Heather,

      If your son was asked to leave due to involuntary reasons, he can apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits until he finds a replacement job.

  3. Recently I let my employer know that I was pregnant and would be using my FMLA for leave. My manager and the HR department have been less than thrilled with the announcement and have been finding reasons to write me up. Today I was written up for a mistake made 3 months ago and for leaving a couple of hours early 3 months ago as well. I feel they are trying to find a reason to fire me since they can’t actually use pregnancy as a reason. I’m a graphic designer and a very good employee. I have been with the company for 18 months. Would I qualify for benefits?

    • Sara,

      Firstly, UI benefits are only extended to those who are able and available for work. Your pregnancy might be a deterrent. Considering the circumstances, I suggest that you call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  4. I worked for healthcare company for 8 years. Had 5 managers during that time and ONLY received the highest accolades from my peers. New manager did not treat me fairly at all and forced me to resign, as I did not want to show that I was “fired.” My position was basically being absorbed and she used this to put me in a corrective action plan, that I was not qualified for the new position. Never offered any training or mentor program. Do you feel I can still apply for UI? Thanks – John.

      • I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET A PHONE CALL FROM UNEMPLOYMENT AND I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THEM ON THE PHONE MYSELF SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2020. HOW CAN I GET SOMEONE TO CONTACT ME. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPLY. HOW ON EARTH DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH UNEMPLOYMENT? ALSO, WHO IS GETTING ALL THE MONEY THAT IS DUE TO MYSELF AND MY HUSBAND SINCE WE HAVE BEEN TRYING AND FAILING TO GET IN TOUCH WITH UNEMPLOYMENT TO GET THE BENEFITS ALL THIS TIME???

  5. If an employer put me in a situation of either take a lower position with lower pay or be pushed out and I don’t really want the position they are offering, would I still qualify for any benefits?

    • Chad,

      I am guessing you should be able to claim under such circumstances. Please check with the Unemployment Office.

  6. MY JOB IM WORKING AT KEEPS ON CHANGING HRS AT WORK DO I QUALIFIED FOR UNEMPLOYEMENT I WAS WORKING 30 HRS NOW DOWN TO 15 HRS OR LESS.

  7. I was out of work for 3 weeks due to car being in the shop. The employer didnt fire me, and I never said I quit. It was just a mutual agreement. I liked my job, just lived to far away to catch a ride.

  8. I want to apply for SS
    because I am 65 and I just got laid off from my job can I draw my social security and unemployment at the same time?

  9. If I worked overseas in Korea and left my Job because I was required by a SOFA agreement between the Government of Korea and the US army That allows you to work in country for only one year and company did not provide me a way home can I get any benefits

    • I am guessing you should be able to since the job separation was involuntary.

      Please call the Unemployment Office to confirm and apply accordingly.

  10. I was fired for lying on a background check but I did not lie and I was working there for three years can I apply for unemployment?

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  11. My employer is releasing me at the end of the year because they want the company to go in a different direction and feel a management change is indicated. May I begin the application for unemployment now or do I have to wait until January 1?

    • If you’re being separated from the job due to involuntary reasons, you should be able to claim.

      Please apply after your last working day.

    • Please elaborate.

      If you meant, unable to attend work due to personal transport issue, you may not be eligible.

  12. I have been out on disability since Dec 23. Today I was fired because general medical leave was up. I am receiving disability payments from employer paid insurance. Am I eligible for unemployment as well now?

    • If you’re able and available for work, please consider applying.

      Remember to keep supporting documents handy in case of a dispute by your employer.

  13. June 21, 2015 I went into the hospital for an ectopic pregnancy. My left tube ruptured and I lost my baby. I had to have a major surgery which caused me to have a blood transfusion, an incision cut down my stomach with over 20 staples, a catheter, stitches over my uterus, drainage tube hanging out the side of my stomach, I was also on a breathing machine. after going thru all of this the doctor told me that I couldn’t do any lifting or pulling over 10 pounds. I was off work until mid august. my job that I was employed at for 13 years told me that the only way I could come back to work was with no restrictions. In November I put 2 weeks notice in and left the job. the pain was unbearable. I could no longer do the lifting and pulling, and risking my incision opening. I found another job that I like and is more easier on my body. I been there almost ^ months now working a night shift. I have an ill grandmother on dialysis who has to go 3 times a week, and my mother is ill with a heart condition also. my mother is the caretaker of my grandmother but her sickness is taking a toll on her which requires me to have to leave my job and be at home to take care of them at night. My question is if I put in a notice at my current job will I be able to get benefits from both employers until I can find a day job?

    • I am sorry to hear about your situation. Hope you get well soon.

      Unfortunately, the system does not generally consider personal reasons for quitting. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for further information.

  14. wanted to find out if I would have a chance to draw unemployment benefits, being that what I do is drive truck with class A CDL. which requires to be able to pass a DOT phy, which I wasn’t able to pass, as of 11/24/15, I no longer have a CDL, and that’s what i’m able to do at this job, please, reply soon. thank you.

    • Please check further with your employer if they are paying taxes that contribute towards the unemployment fund and apply accordingly.

      Generally, Unemployment Benefits are only provided to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons such as lay offs.

  15. I was employed for 11yrs at a bookbindery was hired as a sewing machine operator I got hurt at the job went through therapy for weeks didn’t help was referred to a specialist for my right elbow had surgery in june of 2015 I was placed on family medical leave for 90 days to recover but was not yet released from the doctor when my FML expired so was terminated from my job I cant go back to work at the same job because I’m not going to be 100% functional, would I be eligible to apply for unemployment?

    • You may not qualify as personal reasons such as health and medical conditions are not considered.

      Please call the claims center/customer service of the labor dept. in your state for further information.

  16. I was working offshore and got a spider bite . I showed it to my tool pusher when i noticed it and he wrote me up for not reporting it sooner which gave me a third write up and fired me am i eligible for unemployment benefits

    • If you were asked to leave in an in justified manner, please consider applying and be ready to prove if there is a dispute.

  17. I just moved to Texas from Arizona and have been house sitting for my brother – in – law house for the past 45 days . He has just started to move in and now I will need to move on. Can I file for unemployment claims in the state of Texas until I fill new employment?

    • If you’re facing any technical issues,please contact the customer service of the labor dept in your state.Otherwise, please let us know the issue faced.

  18. I was employed with teleperformance call center in edinburg tx, I was got very ill and had to quit my employment with the company and relocate to california with my parents i lived in texas with no family and needed help with my child due to me getting ill.my last day of employment was on feb 12,2014

    • If you’re now able to work and are actively looking for jobs,please consider filing for UI benefits until the time you find one.

  19. For the last 2 yrs I have worked seasonal jobs for this employment agency. the last date I worked was in August 2013, this spring, I went in to training, I trained for 3 hrs, but the next day I was told, I would not be returning to the job in February 2014. am I eligible for unemployment?

    • Seasonal employment always poses a question when it comes to receiving unemployment benefits.Most states do not allow seasonal employment as a qualifier.
      Please speak to the customer service of the labor department’s UI team for further advice.

  20. I have a question. My employer sold their business to a new group. I started to work for the new group, but never signed their contract because of a contract dispute. I worked Wednesday, Thursday, and part of Friday. If I was let go because I would not agree to the terms of their contract, would I be eligible for unemployment, and if so what would be used to calcutate my benefits?

    • Benefits are always calculated using wages reported by employer(s). Not enough information for me to hazard a guess. But I guess I offer one thing – if the contract differs significantly from the previous one, that might make sense. Please call the Texas Unemployment office for information more pertinent to your situation.

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