Can I claim TWC benefits when my full-time job keeps cutting my hours?
So my situation is getting kinda desperate. I work at a manufacturing plant that hired me as full-time (40hrs/week) last year, but over the past 3 months they've been slashing hours like crazy. Some weeks I'm only getting 28 hours, and twice now they've sent us home for entire 2-week periods with zero pay. My bills aren't getting any smaller, and I'm drowning here. I used to get tons of overtime which helped me catch up on debt, but now I can barely cover rent. Does TWC consider this eligible for partial unemployment? Has anyone successfully filed while still technically employed but getting way fewer hours? My supervisor keeps saying 'business will pick up soon' but my landlord doesn't accept promises as payment...
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Savanna Franklin
Yes, you can absolutely file for partial unemployment in Texas when your hours are reduced! The TWC calls this 'underemployment' and you're eligible if your hours have been cut or your pay has been reduced through no fault of your own. Keep in mind you'll need to report any wages you do earn when you request payment each week, and TWC will adjust your benefit amount accordingly. Make sure you document the change from your full-time schedule to these reduced hours - any emails or schedule changes that show the reduction will help your case.
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Sergio Neal
•Thank you!! I had no idea this was even a thing. Do I just apply online like regular unemployment? Will they contact my employer to verify? I'm kinda nervous about my boss finding out I applied...
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Juan Moreno
same thing happend to me at my warehouse job!! boss kept sayin it was temporary but went on for like 6 months. def file for benefits, thats what there for
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Amy Fleming
•Exactly right. The technical term TWC uses is 'partially unemployed' and you qualify when your work hours are reduced to less than full-time due to lack of work. The key thing is documenting that this wasn't your choice but your employer reducing hours. You'll need to report any earnings during your payment request weeks accurately.
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Alice Pierce
What if they fire me for applying??? I'm so worried they'll find out and just let me go completely! I need SOME income even if it's reduced. Has anyone had their employer get mad about them applying for benefits? Could this get me in trouble at work??
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Savanna Franklin
•It's actually illegal for an employer to fire you for filing an unemployment claim - that would be considered retaliation. When you file, TWC does notify your employer (they have to verify your wages and the reason for reduced hours), but many employers expect this when they reduce hours. It's part of the unemployment insurance system that employers pay into specifically for situations like yours.
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Esteban Tate
I finally got through to TWC last month after trying for WEEKS with busy signals and disconnects. I used a service called Claimyr that got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh and website is claimyr.com. Worth it when you're dealing with complicated situations like partial unemployment where you really need to talk to someone. The agent confirmed exactly what others are saying - reduced hours qualifies as partial unemployment.
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Sergio Neal
•Oh wow, I might need this. I tried calling TWC once before and gave up after being on hold for 2 hours. Does it really work? I'll check out that video.
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Ivanna St. Pierre
make sure u keep track of ur hours every week!!! my cosin applied for partial unemploymint and got denied cuz he didnt have proof of his schedule changing
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Elin Robinson
When I applied for unemployment last year it was because I got completely laid off but honestly the TWC process is such a mess even for regular claims. I can't imagine how they handle these partial situations. It took THREE MONTHS for me to see my first payment and by then I had already found another job. The whole system is designed to discourage people from applying I swear.
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Amy Fleming
•While I understand your frustration, partial unemployment actually processes similarly to regular claims. The main difference is that you'll report your earnings each payment request period, and TWC will deduct a portion of those earnings from your benefit amount. Your benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings during your base period, which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you apply. When you request payment every two weeks, you'll need to report any hours worked and wages earned.
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Sergio Neal
Another question - do I have to do the work search requirements if I'm still technically employed but just getting fewer hours? My manager keeps saying more hours are coming soon, so I'm not sure if I should be applying for other jobs if this is temporary.
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Savanna Franklin
•Yes, you still need to meet work search requirements for partial unemployment. Texas currently requires a minimum of 3 work search activities each week. However, if your employer has given you a definite return-to-full-time date within 12 weeks, you might qualify for what's called 'standby' status, which can waive the work search requirement. You'll need to request this specifically, and your employer will need to verify the return date. Otherwise, you'll need to do those 3 weekly work search activities and document them.
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Juan Moreno
did u try askin for more hrs in other departments? sometime they let u cross train in other areas if ur current department is slow
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Sergio Neal
•I've asked repeatedly but they say the entire facility is cutting back. We make parts for construction equipment and apparently new orders are way down. I even offered to clean or do maintenance just to get more hours but they said no budget for additional work right now.
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Esteban Tate
One more thing to remember - when you apply, make sure to indicate that you are still employed but with reduced hours. There's a specific question about this in the application. If you say you're totally unemployed when you're actually still working reduced hours, it could cause problems with your claim later. Be prepared to provide documentation showing your previous full-time schedule compared to your current reduced hours. Paystubs showing the difference in hours/earnings can be helpful.
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Sergio Neal
•I didn't realize there would be a specific question about this. I'll make sure to answer accurately. I have all my paystubs showing how my hours have dropped over the past few months, so that should help. Hopefully TWC processes partial claims faster than regular ones.
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Amy Fleming
I've helped several clients with partial unemployment claims. Here's what you need to know about the earnings deduction: For each payment request period, TWC will deduct a portion of your earned wages from your weekly benefit amount (WBA). The formula they use is that you can earn up to 25% of your WBA with no deduction. After that, they deduct dollar for dollar. For example, if your WBA is $400 and you earn $150 in a week, only $50 would be deducted (since you can earn $100 with no deduction). You'd receive $350 in benefits for that week. This is why accurate reporting of your hours and wages each payment period is crucial.
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Sergio Neal
•This is really good to know! So I can still work some hours and get unemployment to help make up the difference. That makes me feel a lot better about applying, since I'm not trying to game the system - I just need to make up for these lost hours to pay my bills.
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