Benefits exhaustion after 7 months - what happens when TWC regular UI runs out?

Unfortunately Texas doesn't currently have any automatic extensions after regular UI benefits are exhausted. When the balance hits zero, that's it until your next benefit year (unless there's some new federal program, but nothing exists right now in 2025). You should get a determination letter about 2-3 weeks before exhaustion explaining your options. Have you tried looking into WorkInTexas.com training programs? Sometimes TWC will approve training benefits if you qualify for certain programs.

same thing happnd to me last yr... no extensions anymore! u should apply for snap benefits before ur UI runs out so theres no gap. the waiting list for food stamps is like 3 weeks now

I went through this last November. Here's what you need to understand about the Texas unemployment system: 1. Regular UI benefits can last up to 26 weeks maximum (about 6.5 months) 2. Once you exhaust your regular benefits, there are currently NO extension programs available in Texas 3. You SHOULD continue filing your payment requests even after exhaustion - this is important for statistical purposes and shows continued need 4. Your benefit year lasts for 12 months from your initial application, but the benefit amount can run out before that 5. After your benefit year ends, you would need to qualify for a new benefit year with enough qualifying wages in your base period I strongly recommend calling TWC directly to discuss your specific situation and options. They can check if you might qualify for any special programs based on your industry or circumstances. Unfortunately, the phone lines are almost always jammed.

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to TWC? I was in the same position last month trying to figure out what happens after my benefits ran out. Kept getting busy signals for days. Someone on here recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and I actually got through to a real person in about 15 minutes who explained all my options. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh FYI - there are some retraining programs through TWC that might extend benefits in certain cases, but you need to apply BEFORE your regular benefits run out. The agent I talked to helped me apply for one.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO FAIL US!!! I went through this exact thing in January and let me tell you, TWC doesn't care one bit. They will send you a letter saying "sorry your benefits are exhausted" and that's it. No help, no extensions, NOTHING. When I called (after trying for WEEKS), the agent just told me to apply for food stamps. THAT'S THEIR SOLUTION! Meanwhile my rent went up $200 this year and these companies want 5 years experience for entry level jobs paying $15/hr. THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!

To follow up on my earlier comment, there's an important distinction I should clarify about benefit years vs. benefit amounts: - Your benefit AMOUNT (total $) typically lasts around 26 weeks if you receive full weekly payments - Your benefit YEAR is a 12-month period that started when you initially applied So while your current benefits are exhausting after 7 months, you technically won't be eligible to apply for a new claim until your benefit year ends (which would be approximately 5 months from now). The exception would be if you worked during your current benefit year and earned enough qualifying wages. In that case, you might be eligible to start a new benefit year earlier. This is a specific situation worth discussing with a TWC representative.

forgot to mention... check out the workforce centers in person!! they have special programs sometimes that the website doesnt show. my cousin got into some free training program for CDL and now he makes way more $$ than before

After I used Claimyr to reach TWC, the agent told me something important - even after your benefits exhaust, you should still request payment every two weeks. It keeps your claim active in the system, and if any new programs become available, you'd be automatically considered. Plus it counts toward unemployment statistics which can trigger additional funding.

UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC this morning! Used that Claimyr service and it actually worked. The agent confirmed what most of you said - once my regular benefits run out, there aren't currently any extensions. BUT she did help me apply for their Skills Development training program since I qualify based on my manufacturing background. If approved, I could get benefits extended while I complete a 12-week certification program. Will update again when I hear back about approval. Thanks everyone for all your help and advice!