Can seasonal workers apply for TWC unemployment after holiday layoffs?

Yes, you can typically apply for unemployment in Texas after seasonal work ends! You need to meet these basic requirements: 1. You need to have earned enough wages during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before applying) 2. You must be unemployed through no fault of your own (seasonal layoff counts) 3. You must be able and available to work 4. You must be actively seeking work (3 work search activities per week in Texas) The fact that you knew it was temporary doesn't disqualify you. TWC considers seasonal layoffs as job separation that's not your fault. Just make sure when you apply that you accurately report it was a seasonal position with a predefined end date.

i did seasonal at amazon warehouse last yr and got benefits after. you def qualify even if u knew it was temp. the important thing is just dont quit, wait til they officially lay u off or else TWC might call it voluntary

You might not qualify if this is your ONLY job in the past year. TWC looks at your base period which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. You need at least $2,500 in total earnings across that period to qualify for minimum benefits. Seasonal work absolutely counts as a valid job separation, but if you haven't worked before this seasonal job, you might not have enough wages in your base period. That said, it never hurts to apply - worst they can do is say no.

The TWC system is SO FRUSTRATING when it comes to seasonal work! I did seasonal last year at a Halloween store and when I applied they initially DENIED me saying I "knew the job was temporary" which is ridiculous since that's literally what seasonal means!!! I had to call them like 20 times before finally getting someone who fixed it. They eventually approved me but I lost almost a month of benefits because of their mistake. Make SURE you specify it was a layoff not that "the job ended" in your application!!!

When I was in your situation, I spent days trying to reach TWC on the phone with no luck. Someone on this forum recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a lifesaver. They got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days calling and getting busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh As for your question, yes seasonal workers qualify for unemployment! Just make sure when filing you select "laid off" as your reason for separation, not "job ended" which can cause confusion in the system.

I know everyone is saying you can get unemployment after seasonal work (which is true) but based on what you've shared about being out of work for 2 years before this, you probably won't qualify. The minimum wages required in your base period is $2,500 across multiple quarters, and with just a couple months of seasonal work, you likely won't hit that threshold. Not trying to be negative, just realistic. You should still apply though because sometimes there are exceptions or other programs you might qualify for.

To address your specific question about wages needed: You need to have earned at least $2,500 in total during your base period AND have wages in at least 2 of the 4 base period quarters. If your seasonal job spans across 2 quarters (like Nov-Jan), you MIGHT qualify if you earn enough. For example, if you make $15/hr and work 30 hours/week for 12 weeks, that's about $5,400 which exceeds the minimum amount, but it needs to be properly distributed across quarters. I'd suggest applying regardless - TWC will calculate your eligibility based on the specific quarters that apply to you.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you do apply for unemployment after your seasonal job ends, make sure you have all your documentation ready. Save your hiring paperwork that shows it was designated as seasonal/temporary work, keep your paystubs, and if possible get something in writing from your employer when they lay you off that confirms it was a seasonal separation. Also, Texas allows you to file your claim the Sunday of the week your employment ends, so don't wait too long after your last day. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed. And definitely keep track of your work search activities from day one - you'll need to report 3 per week once you start receiving benefits. Good luck with your seasonal job! Sounds like you have a good chance of qualifying based on your hours and pay rate.