Can I get TWC benefits after being laid off from a temp agency job?

YES you can apply! I was in your exact position last year. Temp agencies hate when you file for unemployment because it affects their rates, but if they can't provide you with work, that's literally what unemployment is for! Just make sure you report that you're still technically 'employed' by the agency when you file, but have no hours. The TWC will contact them to verify there's no work available. Don't let them tell you that you can't file - it's your RIGHT.

You need to be careful with how you file. Technically, you're still employed by the agency, but you're on "standby" with no hours. When you file your initial claim, make sure you list the temp agency as your employer and indicate they have no assignments available. Don't say you were laid off - that's different. Select "still employed but no work available" if that option exists. If they haven't formally separated you, but just haven't given you hours, that's a reduction in hours which can qualify for benefits. This is important: the temp agency will be notified of your claim and will have to verify whether work is available. Some agencies will offer you a new assignment immediately just to fight the claim. If they offer you suitable work and you refuse it, you could be disqualified. Document all communication with them.

The temp agency situation is so frustrating. When I filed after my assignment ended, I got stuck in an endless loop of trying to contact TWC because the agency contested my claim saying they had "other available work" (which they didn't actually offer me until AFTER I filed). I spent weeks trying to get through to talk to someone at TWC. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an actual TWC agent. They have this service that gets you through to a real person instead of dealing with busy signals all day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Once I actually talked to someone, I explained the situation and they approved my benefits. The temp agency issue is super common and TWC knows how to handle it, but you NEED to talk to an actual agent.

I work at a workforce center and help people with TWC claims. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, you CAN receive benefits when a temp assignment ends if the agency doesn't have immediate additional work for you. 2. The key phrase is "reduction in hours" - you're still technically employed but with zero hours. 3. IMPORTANT: When you request payments, if they ask if you're looking for work, say YES. Keep doing your work searches (3 per week) even though you're technically still with the agency. 4. The temp agency may contest your claim (they often do), but if they truly don't have work for you, TWC will typically rule in your favor. 5. Document EVERYTHING - dates they told you no work was available, any offers they make after you file, etc. 6. If your claim gets denied initially, APPEAL! Many temp workers win on appeal when they can show the agency had no suitable work available.

BE CAREFUL!!!! The temp agencies are SLIMY about this!!! I filed after my warehouse assignment ended and my agency called me THE NEXT DAY with a "new opportunity" that was minimum wage and 40 miles away (my previous job was $18/hr and 15 min from home). When I said that wasn't comparable work, they reported to TWC that I "refused suitable work" and my claim was denied!!!! I had to appeal and go through a whole hearing process. It was AWFUL. The system is rigged against temp workers!!!

just filed my 2nd payment request after my temp job ended. one thing nobody mentioned - make sure you list the agency as employer NOT the place u were working at. i messed this up and had to call twc to fix it. also idk about others but my claim took like 3 weeks to process so have some savings if u can

UPDATE: I got through to TWC this morning (after trying for days). The rep said that due to the current economy, they're seeing a huge increase in temp agency claims being approved right now. She confirmed that having your assignment end with no replacement IS considered a lack of work situation. She also said it's SUPER important that when you file, you indicate you're available for ALL shifts and days. Apparently some temp workers get denied because they have availability restrictions.

i work for a different temp agency now but got benefits last year when my assignment ended. one weird thing was my benefit amount was super low because they only counted the weeks i actually worked, not the full quarter. just be prepared that your weekly benefit might be less than you expect.

One more important detail: when you request your payment every two weeks, if the temp agency contacts you about ANY potential work during that period, you must report that contact on your payment request, even if you didn't accept the assignment. Failure to report these contacts can result in an overpayment determination later. Also, make sure you're doing and documenting at least 3 work search activities each week. For temp workers, TWC is particularly strict about verifying these because they want to ensure you're actively looking for work while waiting for the agency to call.

I went through this exact situation 6 months ago with Express Employment. Here's what worked for me: I filed immediately after they told me "no assignments available" and was honest that I was still technically employed but with zero hours. The key is documenting EVERYTHING - I kept screenshots of all texts/emails from the agency saying no work was available. When they inevitably contested my claim (which they did after 10 days), I had solid proof they couldn't provide work. My advice: don't wait around hoping they'll call with something better. File now while you have clear documentation that no work is available. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove the timeline. Also, start your work search activities immediately - apply to direct-hire positions too, don't just rely on the temp agency. TWC wants to see you're actively seeking permanent employment, not just waiting around for temp assignments.

I'm in a very similar situation right now - my temp agency (Staffmark) told me last week that my assignment ended and they'd "keep me in mind for future opportunities." Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I'm definitely going to file this week based on everyone's advice. One question though - for those who successfully got benefits, how long did it typically take from filing to receiving your first payment? I know @Emma Garcia mentioned 3 weeks to process, but I'm wondering about the timeline from approval to actually getting paid. I'm trying to budget accordingly since my last paycheck was already pretty small due to reduced hours in my final week. Also, has anyone dealt with Staffmark specifically? I'm curious if they're one of the agencies that typically contests claims or if they're more reasonable about it.