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Can I use Indeed instead of WorkInTexas for TWC job search requirements?

Hi everyone, I'm on my 3rd week of unemployment and I'm getting really frustrated with the WorkInTexas website. It's so clunky and outdated! I've been using Indeed for years and already have my resume and profile set up there. Can I just do all my required work searches through Indeed instead? The TWC paperwork says I need 3 work search activities per week, but doesn't specifically say WHERE I need to do them. Has anyone been through an audit or review where they only used Indeed? Will TWC accept applications through other job sites or do they HAVE to be through WorkInTexas? Really don't want to mess up my benefits over this!

Yes, you can absolutely use Indeed for your work search activities! I did my entire claim last year using mostly Indeed and LinkedIn, and never had any issues. TWC doesn't require you to use WorkInTexas specifically, though they do promote it. The important thing is keeping good records of your job search activities since they might audit you. Make sure you write down the date, company name, position, how you applied, and contact info if possible.

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Thank you so much! That's such a relief. I was worried I'd have to redo all my applications. Do you know if screenshots from Indeed applications are enough if I get audited?

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I heard from my neighbor that u HAVE to use work in texas or they will deny ur claim!! her friend got all her benefits cancelled because she used monster.com instead. be careful!!

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This is incorrect information. TWC policy clearly states you can use ANY method to search for work - online job boards, company websites, in-person applications, networking events, etc. Your neighbor's friend likely had their benefits cancelled for another reason, such as not meeting the minimum number of work search activities or not properly documenting them. Please don't spread misinformation that causes unnecessary stress for claimants.

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Just make sure you're saving EVERYTHING. I got audited last month and had to provide proof of all my job searches. Taking screenshots of each application is what saved me!

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That's good to know! I'll start taking screenshots of all my Indeed applications right away. Did they contact you by email or regular mail for the audit?

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You can definitely use Indeed, but I would strongly recommend at least registering on WorkInTexas.com even if you don't use it as your primary job search platform. Here's why: 1. The TWC system is integrated with WorkInTexas, so it sometimes helps your claim look better 2. Some employers only post on WorkInTexas because it's free 3. If you ever get selected for Reemployment Services (RESEA), they'll require you to have a WorkInTexas profile anyway What matters for your work search requirements is that you complete and document the required number of activities each week (3 for most Texas counties). Indeed applications definitely count, just keep detailed records including: - Date of application - Company name - Position title - Method of application - Contact person (if available) - Any follow-up Just FYI, attending job fairs, networking events, and even job skills workshops can also count as work search activities!

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I didn't know about those other activities counting! That's super helpful. I'll set up a WorkInTexas profile just to be safe. I have a spreadsheet going for my Indeed applications, but I'll add those extra details you mentioned.

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THE TWC DOESN'T CARE WHERE YOU SEARCH AS LONG AS YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS!!! I've been on unemployment 3 TIMES in the past 10 years and they never once checked which website I used. WorkInTexas is a JOKE with outdated listings and constantly crashes. Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter are ALL perfectly fine. I even counted calling companies directly and asking if they're hiring! The real problem is getting through to TWC if you ever need to ask them a question! I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get through to a rep when they messed up my payment request last month. Hours of busy signals and disconnections!

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LilMama23

If you're having trouble reaching TWC by phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in the same boat - calling 50+ times a day and never getting through. Claimyr got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes after weeks of trying on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Their website is claimyr.com - it saved me so much stress during my claim when I needed to fix an ID.me verification issue.

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One more thing to keep in mind - if you're in a rural county, you might have different work search requirements (sometimes fewer than 3 activities per week). You can check your specific county requirements on the TWC website. But regardless of how many activities you need, Indeed applications definitely count!

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I'm in Harris County and they still want 3 per week even with how bad the job market is right now. Ridiculous.

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I love indeed!! So much easier than that stupid workinTexas site lol. I got my last 2 jobs from indeed actually

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I just wanted to point out that I had trouble with my work search activities because I wasn't specific enough in my documentation. When I got audited (randomly selected), they wanted company addresses and phone numbers, which I didn't have for all my Indeed applications. So my advice is to take extra steps beyond just keeping the Indeed confirmation emails. Try to find the company's address and save that info too just in case.

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That's a really good point! I'll make sure to get more detailed information for each application. Did you have to go to a TWC office for your audit or was it all handled online/mail?

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To directly answer your question with the official information: According to TWC guidelines, you can use ANY reasonable method to search for work, including: - Online job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster, etc.) - WorkInTexas.com - Company websites - In-person applications - Employment agencies - Networking events - Job fairs - Professional organization meetings The critical requirements are: 1. Meeting your weekly required number of work search activities (which is 3 per week for most counties) 2. Looking for suitable work (matching your skills and experience) 3. Keeping detailed records of all work search activities If you're ever selected for a work search audit, you'll need to provide documentation showing you met these requirements, regardless of which platform you used. An important note: If you've been assigned to RESEA (Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment), you may be specifically required to register with WorkInTexas as part of that program. But for standard unemployment benefits, Indeed is perfectly acceptable.

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Thank you for such clear information! This is exactly what I needed to know. I appreciate the official guidelines.

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LilMama23

Can confirm Claimyr works for getting through to TWC. After trying for days by myself, I tried them as a last resort when my payment got stuck pending. They got me through in about 25 minutes. The TWC agent was able to fix my payment issue and it was released the next day.

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how much does it cost tho? their website doesnt say

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