Can I get TWC unemployment with work authorization but not US citizenship?

Yes, you absolutely CAN apply for TWC unemployment with a valid work authorization! Your citizenship status doesn't disqualify you - what matters is that you were legally authorized to work, which you were. You need to have earned enough wages during your base period and been separated from work through no fault of your own (which sounds like your case). When you apply, make sure to have your work authorization document number ready, as TWC will verify your work eligibility. And definitely mention that possible retaliation for reporting safety violations - that could potentially strengthen your case if the employer tries to contest.

my cousin went thru this 2 years ago. he had work visa and got laid off from construction job. TWC gave him benefits no problem but took like 5 weeks to get first payment. u just gotta show your valid work permit when u apply

I think you might be disqualified actually. When I applied last year the agent kept asking about my citizenship status. I'm a permanent resident with a green card and they eventually approved me but I remember them saying something about work permits being different. You should probably call and ask directly because the online application is confusing about this.

Just to add to what others have said - the reporting of safety violations part of your story is actually really important. If you can prove that was the real reason for termination, that would be considered retaliation which is illegal. Your separation would definitely be considered 'no fault of your own' in that case. When you file, make sure to include details about the safety reports in the section where they ask why you were separated from your job. Have dates, specifics, and any documentation of the safety issues you reported. This strengthens your case significantly.

The TWC website says this: "If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have been legally authorized to work in the United States when you earned the wages you used to establish your claim and you must be legally authorized to work during the weeks you claim benefits." So you should be fine with your work permit!

GOOD LUCK actually getting through to TWC to ask questions!!! I spent TWO WEEKS calling non-stop trying to verify my identity after they flagged my account for "suspicious activity" (which was ME trying to log in from a new phone). FINALLY I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual TWC agent in about 20 minutes. Saved my sanity! It's at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh - definitely worth it if you get stuck in the TWC phone hell.

I process non-citizen benefits questions frequently. The critical factors for your eligibility are: 1. You must have valid work authorization during your base period (the period TWC uses to calculate your benefits - usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you apply) 2. Your work authorization must be valid during the weeks you're claiming benefits 3. You must meet all other TWC eligibility requirements (enough qualifying wages, job separation not your fault, actively searching for work, etc.) You will need to provide your Alien Registration Number or other documentation number when you apply. For the "restructuring" issue - if you believe it was actually retaliation, document everything. Texas is an at-will employment state, but retaliation for safety reporting is protected. If your employer contests your unemployment claim, this will be important.

Also, be prepared for their work search requirements! You have to apply for at least 3 jobs every week and keep detailed records. I almost lost my benefits because I didn't realize how specific they wanted the information to be. They want company name, position, date applied, contact person, etc. for each application.

To answer your follow-up question about documentation: When you apply, you'll need to provide your Alien Registration Number or whatever identification number is on your work authorization document. TWC will verify your work authorization status through the SAVE system (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements). As for work search requirements that someone mentioned - you'll need to keep track of your work search activities in your TWC account online. You'll report these activities when you request payment every two weeks. And regarding the wait time - unfortunately, 3-5 weeks for first payment is pretty standard these days, especially for cases that might need additional verification like non-citizen status. You should apply immediately to start the clock.