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Can my husband claim partial TWC benefits after salary and hours cut? Still employed in Texas

My husband just got some really bad news at work last week. His boss cut his monthly salary by $1,100 and reduced his weekly hours from 45 to 37. The company is a small family-owned business going through financial trouble, and they told him they simply can't afford his full salary right now. We're not sure what to do because he's still employed (so not fully unemployed) but this pay cut is seriously hurting our ability to pay bills. Since he's salaried and not hourly, I'm confused if the hour reduction even matters for unemployment claims? This isn't performance-related at all - he's been with them for 3 years with great reviews. Does anyone know if he qualifies for partial unemployment benefits in Texas with a situation like this? Has anyone successfully filed for partial benefits while still working? We've never dealt with the unemployment system before and have no idea where to start.

Emily Parker

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Yes, he can absolutely apply for partial unemployment in Texas! I went through something similar last year when my hours got cut at my accounting job. Here's what you need to know: 1. Texas does allow for partial unemployment when your hours or wages are reduced through no fault of your own 2. He'll need to report any wages earned each time he requests payment 3. TWC has a formula they use - if he earns less than 125% of his weekly benefit amount, he might still get some UI money The application process is the same as regular unemployment. He'll need to create an account on the TWC website and file a claim. Make sure he explains that this is a reduction in hours/pay due to employer financial issues, not a full separation. The key is starting the application process ASAP - benefits aren't retroactive past the week you apply.

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Justin Evans

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Thank you so much for this info! This is really helpful. Do you know if he needs any specific documentation from his employer about the pay cut? Or is his paystub showing the reduction enough?

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Ezra Collins

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ur husband def qualifies! my cousin got partial when his hours got cut from 40 to 25 last yr. just make sure he files online asap dont wait

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Not necessarily true. It depends on how much he's still making and what his base period earnings were. They calculate the benefit amount from previous quarters. Not everyone qualifies just because of a cut.

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While technically you CAN file for partial unemployment in Texas with reduced hours, let me warn you that TWC has been a NIGHTMARE to deal with lately!! I spent THREE MONTHS trying to get partial benefits after my hours were cut, and the system is DESIGNED to frustrate you. First they'll make him verify his identity through ID.me which is a whole ordeal itself. Then they'll probably put his claim "under review" for weeks with no updates. And good luck EVER reaching a human being on the phone - I tried calling HUNDREDS of times and always got busy signals!! Not trying to be negative, but prepare for a frustrating process. The TWC system basically PUNISHES people who are still working part-time but need help. It's RIDICULOUS!!

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Justin Evans

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Oh no, that sounds awful! We definitely can't wait 3 months - we need help now with this sudden pay cut. Is there any way to get through to a real person there?

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Zara Perez

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I used Claimyr to reach TWC when I was in a similar situation with reduced hours. It saved me so much time and frustration! The service connects you with a TWC rep usually within an hour instead of dealing with busy signals for days. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh) and it worked exactly as they showed. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Once I finally got through to a real person, they explained exactly what documents I needed for my partial claim and answered all my questions about reporting my reduced income. Made the whole process way less stressful.

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Daniel Rogers

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I tried Claimyr too after seeing it mentioned here. Had my doubts but it actually worked. Got through to TWC in about 40 minutes when I'd been trying for a week on my own with no luck.

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Aaliyah Reed

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To add to what others said, your husband should know that he'll need to do work search requirements too, even though he's still employed. Texas requires 3 work search activities each week for most claimants. Since he already has a job, I'm not 100% sure how this works, but he should ask TWC about this specifically or it could cause problems with his payments. Also, make sure he understands that he'll need to request payment every two weeks after the initial claim is approved. You don't automatically get the money - you have to certify that you're still eligible by requesting payment through the TWC website or by phone on your assigned day.

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Justin Evans

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That's confusing - he has to look for other jobs even though he's still employed? That seems weird. I hope they don't expect him to quit his current job to qualify. We just need temporary help until his employer can restore his hours/pay.

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I'm a payroll manager who deals with this stuff regularly. Here's some important technical info about partial unemployment in Texas: 1. There's a specific calculation TWC uses: If your husband earns less than his weekly benefit amount plus 25% of that amount, he may receive partial benefits. 2. To qualify initially, he needs to have earned enough wages in his base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). 3. The reduction must be at least 20% of his normal hours or wages to be considered substantial by TWC standards. 4. His employer's unemployment tax account will be charged for any benefits he receives, so they should be aware he's filing. 5. He will need to report ALL earnings during weeks he requests payment, including any PTO, holiday pay, or other compensation. Based on what you described (salary cut of $1,100/month and 8 hours/week reduction), he likely meets the 20% reduction threshold, but the actual benefit amount will depend on his previous earnings and current reduced salary.

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Justin Evans

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This is incredibly helpful, thank you! The 20% threshold is good to know - his reduction is about 24% of his previous salary so looks like he would qualify. Should he talk to his employer before filing or just go ahead and apply? I'm worried they might get upset if they find out he's applying for benefits.

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To answer your follow-up question - yes, it's generally a good professional courtesy to inform his employer before filing, but it's not legally required. His employer will receive notice from TWC anyway once he files, and they'll have to verify the information he provides. Most employers understand when employees file for partial benefits after a significant reduction in hours/pay, especially when the reduction is due to the employer's financial situation rather than employee performance. In fact, some employers even encourage it as a way to retain employees during difficult times. Having a straightforward conversation about his plan to file might actually be appreciated by his employer. He could frame it as: "I understand the company's financial situation and I want to stay on, but the reduction is significant for my family. Filing for partial unemployment benefits would help us bridge this gap temporarily."

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Justin Evans

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That makes a lot of sense. I'll tell him to have that conversation with his boss tomorrow. Hopefully they'll understand that we're just trying to make ends meet during this difficult time, not trying to cause problems.

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Ella Russell

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my friend had his hours cut and tried to get unemployment but they kept asking for more docments every week for like 5 weeks. then he got a letter saying he was disqualified anyways bc he didnt comply with somthing he never got notified about??? whole thing was BS so good luck

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Ezra Collins

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wait i forgot to mention they might ask for his past pay stubs so have those ready? i think i had to upload like 3 months worth when i filed last year

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Emily Parker

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To clarify about the work search requirements someone mentioned earlier - for partial unemployment claims where you're still working reduced hours at your regular job, TWC sometimes modifies or waives the work search requirements. Your husband should ask specifically about this during his application process or when he speaks with a TWC representative. Make sure to get clear guidance on this because requirements can vary based on individual circumstances and current TWC policies. Also, once approved, he'll need to report his earnings accurately when requesting payment every two weeks. TWC will reduce his benefit amount based on what he earns at his job, but as long as he's earning less than his weekly benefit amount plus 25%, he should receive some partial benefits. Lastly, make sure he knows his assigned payment request day (based on the last digit of his Social Security number) and doesn't miss it, as that can cause delays or issues with his benefits.

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Justin Evans

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Thank you for this additional information! I'll make sure he asks specifically about the work search requirements when he talks to them. And we'll definitely keep track of the payment request schedule once he's approved.

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