Can TWC benefits be extended beyond 26 weeks if unemployment rate is high?

Currently, Texas doesn't have any active benefit extension programs. The standard UI benefit period is 26 weeks (about 6 months), and extensions only become available when triggered by specific economic conditions AND authorized by either the state or federal government. When the state's unemployment rate hits certain thresholds (typically around 6.5% or higher for a 3-month average), it can trigger what's called Extended Benefits (EB), but that program isn't active in Texas right now. The last major extension program was during COVID, but those federal programs (PEUC, PUA) have all expired. Unfortunately, once you exhaust your regular benefits, there aren't currently any extensions available regardless of the unemployment rate.

my brother inlaw got some kind of extension last year but I think it was cuz of the hurricane damage in his area...special circumstance maybe?

I've been through this exact situation! The standard unemployment benefit period is 26 weeks in Texas, and unfortunately, there are NO extension programs currently active. During economic downturns, the government sometimes authorizes extensions, but these have to be specifically activated by legislation. The last time we had extensions was during COVID with programs like PEUC and PUA, but those all ended in September 2021. Since then, it's just been the standard 26 weeks. My advice: start looking at completely different industries immediately. When my oilfield job disappeared, I ended up taking a warehouse position that paid less but at least kept some income flowing. Also, check with Workforce Solutions offices for retraining opportunities - they sometimes have grants for displaced workers in declining industries.

The texas unemployment system is SUCH A JOKE!!! During the last oil crash in 2015-16 they had extensions available but now NOTHING even though companies are laying off thousands!!! I exhausted my benefits 2 months ago and TWC doesn't care AT ALL that there are no jobs. The "3 work searches" is a complete scam too because they know perfectly well nobody's hiring in oil & gas right now. The whole system is designed to cut you off right when you need it most!!!

I think sometimes they also have special extension programs for certain industries experiencing downturn? Maybe check if there's something specific for oil field workers? Just a thought.

When I was struggling to get answers from TWC about my exhausted benefits, I tried for weeks to reach someone on the phone with no luck. I finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an actual TWC agent and got clear answers in one call. Their video demo at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh shows exactly how it works. Not a permanent solution to your benefits ending, but at least you can talk to a real person at TWC about all your options without spending days trying to get through.

Okay, here's the deal with extensions: they're tied to specific economic triggers AND require government authorization. For an extension called "Extended Benefits" (EB) to trigger, Texas would need a 3-month average unemployment rate of approximately 6.5% or higher. The current Texas unemployment rate is below that threshold, so no EB program is active. Here are your best moves now: 1. Double down on work search - consider adjacent industries where your skills transfer 2. Visit your local Workforce Solutions office in person - they have resources beyond what's online 3. Apply for SNAP benefits if you qualify (food assistance) 4. Look into the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program for potential retraining assistance Unfortunately, extensions won't suddenly appear when your benefits exhaust. The TWC would announce any new extension programs well in advance if economic conditions changed and legislation was passed to authorize them.

I ran out of benefits last month and now I'm doing doordash and instacart to make ends meet... not great money but better than nothing while still looking for something full time. didnt know about the 6.5% unemployment rate thing tho, interesting

One more important thing: even after your benefits exhaust, continue to request payment every two weeks for at least a month or two. This does two things: 1. It keeps your claim active in case any extension programs are suddenly authorized 2. It maintains your work search documentation in the system You won't receive any payments after exhausting your 26 weeks, but maintaining this routine can help if anything changes with extension availability. Also, don't forget that the TWC partners with WorkInTexas.com for job matching - make sure your profile there is completely filled out and updated, as this can help with targeted job referrals.