Benefits exhausted with TWC - any other financial assistance programs in Texas?

You should apply for SNAP benefits asap if you haven't already! That at least helps with food costs. Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and fill out the application. They'll usually process it within a couple weeks. Also check with your county for rental assistance programs - some still have COVID funds that haven't been distributed.

Been their buddy, it SUCKS. The system is designed to kick us when were down tbh. Try calling 211, they can connect you with local charities and stuff sometimes. Churches sometimes help with bills to.

OMG I'M IN THE EXACT SAME BOAT!!! Exhausted my benefits last week and literally cried for two days. This system is BROKEN. I've been applying everywhere but it's either minimum wage jobs that won't cover my bills or positions requiring 5+ years experience I don't have. WHY doesn't Texas have better safety nets??!! Other states seem to take care of their people better.

When your TWC benefits exhaust, here are some options to consider in Texas: 1. SNAP benefits (food assistance) - apply at YourTexasBenefits.com 2. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) - also through YourTexasBenefits.com 3. CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) - helps with utilities 4. Local rental assistance programs through your county or city 5. Texas Health and Human Services offers various emergency programs 6. Workforce Solutions offices can help with job retraining and placement The income requirements vary by program, but most are designed for exactly this situation - when unemployment runs out but you haven't secured new employment yet.

Have you considered gig work while looking for something permanent? Door Dash, Instacart, etc. can at least bring in something while you're job hunting. Not ideal but better than nothing when benefits run out.

When my benefits ran out last year I was in a similar panic. If you're still having trouble reaching TWC about any questions on transitioning to other assistance programs, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me actually get through to a human at TWC. It cost some money but honestly saved me days of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh TWC agents can actually tell you about some other programs you might qualify for even after benefits exhaust. The agent I spoke with pointed me to training opportunities through Workforce Solutions that eventually helped me change fields.

Also check if your county has an Emergency Assistance program! Harris County has one, Dallas too. They can sometimes help with a one-time payment for rent or utilities when you're in crisis. The income limits are higher than you might expect.

this happened to me last month i went to catholic charities and they helped with my rent for one month gave me time to figure stuff out

One resource many people overlook is the Texas Workforce Commission's training programs. Even after your UI benefits exhaust, you may still qualify for their training assistance programs like WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). These programs can provide funding for training in high-demand fields, sometimes including living stipends while you train. I'd recommend visiting your local Workforce Solutions office ASAP and asking about the WIOA program and other training opportunities. They can do an assessment to see what you qualify for. Some fields like healthcare, IT, and commercial driving are always looking for workers and have accelerated training programs.

Has anyone here dealt with the Community Action Agencies in Texas? I saw them mentioned online but don't know if they're legit or what they actually provide. Getting so many dead ends trying to find help!