Can I apply for TWC unemployment benefits while sick with COVID?

Unfortunately, no - regular TWC unemployment requires you to be 'able and available' for work each week. If you're sick with COVID and unable to work, you wouldn't qualify for regular UI benefits during that period. However, you should check with your employer about whether they offer any COVID sick leave options. Some employers still have policies in place even though the federal requirements ended.

i had covid last yr and couldn't get uneployment either. its really unfair bc its not like we chose to get sick!! my manager told me to just use PTO but not everyone has that option

While traditional unemployment won't work in this case, you might want to look into short-term disability benefits if you have that through your employer. Also, check if your county has any COVID relief funds still available - some local governments maintained assistance programs even after federal ones ended. If your doctor provided documentation about your need to isolate, you should also know that your job should be protected under various leave laws, even if the leave is unpaid.

This happened to me too! It's ridiculous that we're still dealing with COVID but all the support systems disappeared. I ended up having to borrow money from family because I missed 2 weeks of pay.

If you're really struggling, you might want to try calling TWC directly to see if there are any special provisions or programs that might apply to your situation. When I had an unusual situation last year, I found that talking to an actual representative helped me understand my options better than just reading online. Of course, getting through to TWC can be nearly impossible sometimes. I wasted days getting busy signals until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. It was worth it to actually talk to someone who could help with my specific situation.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! During peak-COVID they had special programs but now they act like the pandemic is over when people are STILL GETTING SICK! The government doesn't care about workers - they just want us to keep showing up no matter what. And companies are even WORSE they'll fire you for missing work even when you have COVID!!!

I wanted to add one more thing: if your COVID case gets severe or has complications that keep you out of work for a longer period, you might qualify for regular unemployment at that point. The key distinction is between a short-term illness (which generally doesn't qualify) versus a longer-term condition that affects your ability to work in your usual occupation. If your doctor documents that you have Long COVID or other complications that prevent you from performing your usual job duties, but you could do other types of work, then you might be eligible. In that case, you would be "able and available" for suitable work given your medical restrictions.

My sister got COVID last month and her company actually let her work remotely even though she normally couldn't. Any chance your employer would consider that? Even if you could do just part of your job from home?