Can Walmart employees qualify for TWC unemployment benefits? My situation is complicated

Thanks for the info! Do I need to tell Walmart I'm applying for unemployment? I'm worried they'll fire me completely if they find out I filed a claim. Also, when TWC contacts my employer for verification, what exactly do they ask? I'm nervous about this whole process.

This is actually a common tactic in retail. They don't technically fire you, but they make working there unsustainable. The good news is that TWC understands this practice. When filing, make sure to document EXACTLY when your hours were cut and any conversations you had with management. Emphasize that this was involuntary and you requested more hours. Don't say anything that sounds like you voluntarily reduced hours or turned down available shifts. Be 100% honest about any current earnings when requesting payments.

I was in the same boat trying to reach TWC for my reduced hours claim. After days of trying, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a TWC agent in under 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The agent confirmed I was eligible for partial unemployment with my reduced hours and helped me understand exactly how to report my remaining income. Made the whole process much less stressful, and I started receiving benefits the following week. Definitely worth checking out if you're stuck in the TWC phone queue hell.

That might be true for seasonal adjustments, but my coworkers who've been there 2+ years said this is different. They're cutting hours across all departments, even for long-term employees. And my manager specifically said not to expect hours to increase anytime soon. I can't wait 2-3 months with no income hoping it gets better.

Did Target get notified as soon as you applied? I'm worried about retaliation. And did you have any issues with the ID.me verification part of the application? I heard that can be a nightmare.

Great advice about the ID.me process. One more crucial thing about partial unemployment: when reporting wages to TWC during payment requests, report your GROSS earnings (before taxes) for the week, not what you take home. Many people make this mistake. TWC has a formula where they deduct about 30% of your earnings from your benefit amount. So if your weekly benefit would be $350 but you earned $200 gross from your reduced Walmart hours, you'd still get about $290 in benefits ($350 - $60 deduction).

HAHAHA NO IT'S WORSE NOW!!! The TWC phone system is COMPLETELY BROKEN in 2025. You call the number and it says "we're experiencing high call volume" and just HANGS UP ON YOU. Not even the option to wait! And the message system on the portal never gets responses. The whole system is designed to make people give up.

I just checked and I don't have any write-ups or performance issues documented. My last evaluation was actually pretty good (3.5/5). So I'm going to go ahead and apply online tonight. Thank you everyone for the help and advice! I'll update when I hear something back from TWC.

Congratulations! This is exactly how the system is supposed to work. Partial unemployment benefits exist specifically for situations like this. For the original poster, make sure you continue to document any conversations with managers about requesting more hours. This creates a clear record that the reduction was not your choice. Also, when you do your work search activities, save all documentation in case TWC requests it during a random audit.

Thank you so much for laying this out step by step! I'm feeling more confident about applying now. Quick question about the work search requirement - when you say "walking into places counts," do you mean just going in and asking if they're hiring, or do you need to actually fill out applications? And for documenting it, is there a specific format TWC wants or can I just keep a simple list with dates and company names? I want to make sure I'm doing this right from the start so there are no issues later. Also really glad to hear the ID.me thing might take a few tries - I was getting frustrated thinking I was doing something wrong!

For work search contacts, you need to make a "genuine effort" to find work - this can include filling out applications online, submitting resumes, attending job fairs, or yes, even walking into businesses and inquiring about openings (though actually applying is stronger). The key is showing you're actively seeking work. For documentation, TWC doesn't require a specific format, but I kept a simple spreadsheet with: Date, Company Name, Contact Method (online application/in-person/phone), Position Applied For, and any reference numbers. Some people just use a notebook. The important thing is having the info ready if they ask for it during an audit. Don't worry about the ID.me frustration - their system is notoriously glitchy! Try different browsers, clear your cache between attempts, and make sure your lighting is good for the facial recognition part. Most people get through eventually, it's just annoying. You've got this! The fact that you're asking the right questions shows you're going to handle this process well. Just remember to be consistent and honest in all your reporting.

For work search activities, you need to make actual job contacts - so yes, filling out applications or speaking with managers/HR about openings. Just walking in and asking "are you hiring?" without following through doesn't count. Online applications through company websites or job boards like Indeed are the easiest way to meet the requirement. For documentation, TWC provides a work search log in your online portal that you should use. It asks for: company name, contact method (online, in-person, phone), date, and type of work sought. Keep it simple but accurate. You can also keep your own backup records with confirmation emails or screenshots of submitted applications. And yeah, ID.me is notorious for being glitchy! Don't stress if it takes multiple attempts - the facial recognition technology can be finicky with lighting, angle, etc. Just keep trying with good lighting and a steady hand. Once you get through that hurdle, the rest of the process is much smoother.

For work search activities, you need to make actual contact about employment opportunities - not just walk by. This can include filling out applications online or in-person, talking to hiring managers, attending job fairs, or even calling to inquire about positions. TWC wants to see genuine effort to find work. For documentation, keep it simple but detailed: Date, Company Name, Contact Method (online app, in-person, phone), Position Applied For, and Result. You can use a basic spreadsheet or even handwritten notes. TWC has their own work search log you can download from their website if you want to be extra organized. And yes, ID.me is notorious for being glitchy! Don't get discouraged if it doesn't work the first time. Make sure you're using good lighting for the facial recognition part and have your ID clearly visible. Sometimes clearing your browser cache or trying a different device helps. The key is just to start the process - you can always ask questions later once your claim is established. You're taking the right steps by planning ahead!

For work search activities, you need to make actual contact and show genuine job seeking effort. Walking in counts if you speak to a manager/hiring person and ask about openings, but just grabbing an application without talking to anyone might not qualify. Online applications definitely count - apply through company websites, Indeed, etc. For documentation, TWC doesn't require a specific format but I kept a simple spreadsheet with: Date, Company Name, Contact Method (online application/in-person/phone), Position Applied For, and Contact Person if applicable. When you do your weekly payment request, you'll enter 3 of these activities. Don't stress about ID.me - their facial recognition is super finicky. Make sure you're in good lighting, remove glasses if you wear them, and try different browsers if it keeps failing. The whole process is designed to be frustrating but you'll get through it!

For work search activities, you need to make actual job contacts - just walking in and asking "are you hiring?" counts, but filling out applications is even better. You can apply online, in person, call about job openings, attend job fairs, etc. TWC doesn't have a specific format for documentation, but I kept a simple spreadsheet with: Date, Company Name, Contact Method (online app, in-person, phone), and Position Applied For. When you do your weekly payment requests, there's a section where you report your work search activities. You just enter the employer names and dates - they don't usually ask for detailed proof unless you get audited (which is pretty rare). The key is being consistent and honest. And yeah, don't stress about ID.me! Their system is notoriously glitchy. Make sure you're using a good camera/lighting and follow their instructions exactly. Sometimes it helps to try at different times of day when their servers aren't as busy. Once you get through that hurdle, the rest of the process is much smoother.

For work search activities, you need to make genuine job contacts - so yes, actually applying or inquiring about positions, not just walking by. Here's what counts: 1. Online applications through company websites or job boards 2. In-person visits where you speak to a manager/HR about openings 3. Attending job fairs or hiring events 4. Following up on previous applications For documentation, TWC doesn't require a specific format, but keep a simple log with: Date, Company Name, Contact Method, Position Applied For, and Contact Person if applicable. Some people use a spreadsheet or just a notebook. The key is being able to show you're actively seeking work if audited. Don't stress too much about the format - focus on making genuine contacts and keeping basic records. And yes, ID.me is notoriously glitchy! Most people need multiple attempts, so don't take it personally when it doesn't work the first time.

For work search, you need to make actual contact attempts - so yes, going in and asking about openings counts, but you should also ask for an application or at least get the name of who you spoke with. Online applications definitely count too. TWC doesn't require a specific format for documentation, but I kept a simple spreadsheet with: Date, Company Name, Contact Method (online app, in-person, phone), and Position Applied For. Some people just use a notebook - whatever works for you! The key is being able to show you made genuine efforts if they ever audit you. And yeah, ID.me can be super finicky - the facial recognition part especially. Don't stress if it takes multiple attempts, that's totally normal. Just make sure you're in good lighting and follow the prompts exactly. You've got this! The whole process seems scarier than it actually is once you get started.