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.

I'm in a similar situation - exhausted my benefits about 6 weeks ago after working in manufacturing for 8 years. What really helped me was contacting local churches and community organizations. Many have emergency assistance programs that can help with utilities, rent, or groceries while you're job hunting. The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and local food banks don't require you to be a member to get help. Also, if you haven't already, apply for Medicaid and SNAP benefits immediately - the application process can take weeks and you'll need the coverage. And check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs still running from COVID relief funds. Some counties still have money available but don't advertise it well. The reality is harsh but planning for life after benefits while you still have a few weeks left is crucial. Start reaching out to family/friends about temporary help, look into plasma donation if you're eligible (can be $200-400/month), and seriously consider any work even if it's way below your previous pay level. Something is better than nothing when the bills are due.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - 3 weeks left on my benefits and getting really anxious about what comes next. The oil industry has been brutal this year. I appreciate everyone sharing the harsh reality that there are no extensions available right now. It's disappointing but better to know the truth so I can plan accordingly. For anyone else in this situation, I wanted to add that some local community colleges have emergency financial aid programs for displaced workers. I just found out about this through a friend - they can sometimes help with utilities or even short-term training costs while you're transitioning to a new field. Also, if you have any specialized certifications from oil field work (like safety certs), those might transfer to other industries like construction or manufacturing. The mental health aspect is real too - this whole process is incredibly stressful. Most counties have free or sliding-scale counseling services if anyone needs someone to talk through the anxiety and planning. We're all in this together and I'm grateful for this community sharing real experiences and practical advice.

I'm in the same boat as many of you - oil and gas industry worker with benefits running out soon. Reading through all these responses has been both sobering and helpful. It's clear that there are no magic extensions coming to save us, which is tough to accept but better to know now. I wanted to share something I just discovered that might help others: the Texas Workforce Commission has a "Skills Development Fund" program that provides grants to community colleges and training providers for customized job training. It's designed specifically for workers in declining industries who need to retrain for emerging fields. The training is often free or very low cost, and some programs even provide support payments during training. Also, for anyone considering gig work as a bridge (like DoorDash, Uber, etc.), make sure you understand how it affects any future unemployment claims. If you do find another job later and get laid off again, gig work income can impact your benefit calculations. The stress of this situation is real - I've been there. But reading everyone's practical advice about food banks, emergency assistance programs, and alternative income sources gives me hope that we can get through this transition period. Thanks to everyone for being so honest about the reality while still offering constructive solutions.

I hate to add to the chorus of bad news, but I went through this exact situation two years ago when my benefits ran out. The harsh reality is that Texas really doesn't have any safety net beyond those 26 weeks unless there's a major federal intervention like we saw during COVID. Here's what I wish someone had told me when I was in your shoes with 4 weeks left: start treating those remaining weeks like a countdown clock for getting ALL your ducks in a row. Apply for SNAP and Medicaid NOW (the approval process takes time), get connected with every local resource mentioned in this thread, and most importantly - start applying to jobs outside your industry immediately. I spent too much time holding out hope for oil field work to come back and burned through weeks I could have used more strategically. The reality is that sometimes industries just shift and we have to adapt. I ended up in logistics/transportation and while it was a pay cut initially, I'm actually doing better now than before. One thing that really helped me was joining Facebook groups for people in career transitions. There are several Texas-specific groups where people share job leads, interview tips, and moral support. The networking aspect ended up being more valuable than any formal job search. Stay strong - this situation sucks but it's not permanent if you start pivoting now rather than waiting for those benefits to actually run out.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the uncertainty is awful when you're down to your last few weeks of benefits. Everyone here has given you the straight truth: there are no extensions currently available in Texas, and the 26-week limit is it unless Congress or the state legislature acts (which isn't happening right now). But I wanted to add something that might help with the immediate panic you're feeling. Start making a detailed budget for what your absolute minimum monthly expenses are - rent, utilities, phone, car payment, groceries. Then figure out what combination of part-time work, gig economy, and assistance programs could cover those basics. It won't be comfortable, but having a concrete survival plan can help reduce some of the anxiety. Also, check if your area has a "211" helpline (dial 2-1-1). It's a free service that connects you with local resources for everything from emergency rent assistance to job training programs. They often know about programs that aren't well advertised online. The oil field downturn is real and it's hitting a lot of good people. But you've got 4 weeks to get prepared instead of being caught completely off guard. Use that time wisely and don't be too proud to ask for help from every resource available. You'll get through this.

I went through this exact same situation about 18 months ago when my benefits were about to run out. The reality everyone's sharing here is tough but accurate - there really aren't any extensions available right now in Texas. One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet: if you have any equipment, tools, or certifications from your oil field work, consider whether you could do any freelance or contract work while job hunting. I had welding skills and was able to pick up some weekend projects through Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace - not consistent income, but it helped bridge some gaps. Also, don't overlook temporary staffing agencies. I know it feels like a step backward, but many temp agencies in Texas have connections with manufacturing, warehouse, and construction companies that need people with industrial experience. Some of those temp positions turn into permanent jobs, and at minimum it's income while you're still searching for something better. The mental game is really hard during this transition. I found it helpful to set daily goals beyond just applying for jobs - like "today I'll research two new industries where my skills might transfer" or "today I'll visit one community resource." It kept me feeling productive even when the job search felt hopeless. You've got this - the 4 weeks you have left is actually more runway than a lot of people get.

I'm really sorry you're facing this situation - the stress of approaching that 26-week deadline is incredibly overwhelming. Reading through all these responses, it's clear that the reality is harsh but everyone here is giving you the straight facts: there are no extensions currently available in Texas, and you need to start preparing for life after benefits NOW. What strikes me most about this thread is how many practical resources people have shared that I never would have thought of - the 211 helpline, community college emergency aid, church assistance programs, the Skills Development Fund for retraining. It sounds like there's actually a lot more help available than most people realize, but you have to be proactive about finding and applying for it. The advice about treating these last 4 weeks as preparation time rather than countdown time really resonates. Start that SNAP/Medicaid application process immediately, get your rock-bottom budget figured out, and don't be afraid to swallow your pride and apply for jobs outside your industry. The oil field downturn is real and widespread - it's not a reflection of your worth or work ethic. One thing I'd add: document everything you're doing in these final weeks. Keep records of all the resources you contact, applications you submit, and assistance programs you apply for. If economic conditions change and extensions become available in the future, having that documentation could be valuable. Stay strong - you're not alone in this.