Can I keep getting TWC benefits after starting 40-hour job? Only making $13/hr and still behind on bills

I'm sorry to tell you this, but TWC will stop your benefits once you report full-time work (40 hours). It doesn't matter what your hourly wage is - it's based on your hours worked, not how much you earn. When you report those 40 hours on your payment request, you'll be considered employed full-time and benefits will stop. The only way to receive partial benefits is if you're working part-time (less than 40 hours) AND your weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount plus 25% (so in your case, less than $350).

DO NOT report fewer hours than you actually work!!! That's fraud and TWC will find out because your employer reports your earnings too. They'll make you pay back ALL the benefits plus penalties and could even file criminal charges. NOT WORTH IT!!! I know it's tough right now but getting caught for unemployment fraud is WAY WORSE than being behind on bills. Try calling 211 for resources to help with utilities and rent instead.

have u tried aplying 4 snap benefits (food stamps)? might help a bit with groceries so u can put more $ toward bills. also check with ur kids school - sum have assistance programs 4 supplies. good luck with the new job

Just to clarify some information here - Texas considers you fully employed at 30+ hours per week, not 40. So as soon as you report 30 or more hours on your payment request, you'll be disqualified for that benefit period. Regarding your back payments: if you were approved but haven't received payments for weeks you were eligible (before starting this job), you can still get those. Call TWC to make sure they process any back payments you're entitled to. Those payments won't be affected by your current employment status. And yes, definitely look into other assistance programs like SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP (for utilities), etc. Many communities also have back-to-school assistance programs through churches and community organizations.

this literaly happened 2 me last yr. i got a new job making just $14/hr and twc cut me off even tho i was drowning in bills. system is broken! they should have a sliding scale for low wage workers. now im behind again and cant get more benefits cuz i worked at the new job too long. its just a constant cycle of falling behind.

Have you tried calling TWC directly to discuss your situation? When I was dealing with a similar issue about reporting my new job, I spent DAYS trying to get through on the phone lines. Busy signals for hours and hours. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC agent in about 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The agent I spoke with was able to explain exactly how my benefits would be affected and also helped me figure out if I was owed any back payments. It was worth getting an actual person on the phone instead of trying to figure it all out from the website.

I know you're stressed about finances, but congrats on the new job! Even though it doesn't pay what you need right now, it's SOMETHING coming in regularly. Keep looking for better opportunities while working there. Also, check with your county's rental assistance program - many still have COVID funds available to help people catch up on rent. Worth looking into while you get back on your feet!

You might want to check if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit when you file taxes next year. It's not immediate help but could give you a decent refund to help catch up later. Single parents with 2+ kids can get a pretty significant amount if your income is around $13/hr.

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - make sure you continue filing your payment requests until TWC officially tells you to stop, even after starting your new job. This ensures the system processes everything correctly. Report your hours accurately, and the system will determine if you're eligible for any partial benefits. And definitely make sure any weeks you were fully unemployed before starting this job get processed. Sometimes there are delays in the system, but you're entitled to those benefits for weeks you had no income. Best of luck with the new position!