Can you apply for TWC benefits 5 months after being laid off?

He needs to file ASAP! Texas allows you to backdate a claim, but there are strict limits. The general rule is you can backdate up to 3 weeks without special approval, but he's way beyond that at 5 months. He'll need to explain the good cause for the delay when he applies. Valid reasons might include illness, misinformation from TWC, or not understanding eligibility. Have him call TWC directly to explain his situation - though getting through is nearly impossible these days.

Tell your brother-in-law he should ABSOLUTELY still apply!!! I had a similar situation (waited 2 months tho not 5) and I was able to get SOME backpay but not all. The most important thing is to APPLY NOW because every week he waits is another week lost forever!!!! The TWC system will ask him why he's filing late and he'll need to provide a reason. To be honest, "I didn't know I could apply" sometimes works but "I thought I'd find work quickly" probably won't. Either way he should get SOMETHING even if not the full 5 months backpay!!

my cousin waited like 4 months to apply after getting fired and twc gave him nothing for the missed weeks. they only paid him going forward from when he actually applied. worth a shot tho whats he got to lose?

The actual TWC rule is that claims can only be backdated for "good cause" and there's a specific list of what qualifies. Unfortunately, not knowing you should apply or thinking you'd find a job quickly aren't considered good cause. According to TWC guidelines, good cause includes: - TWC gave incorrect information - You were physically unable to apply (hospitalized, etc.) - You attempted to file but the system was down - You were misinformed by a TWC representative However, he should ABSOLUTELY still apply immediately! He won't get the full 5 months, but he could potentially get benefits going forward if he's still unemployed. And there's always a small chance they might approve some backdating depending on his specific circumstances.

Honestly, TWC is so backed up right now he might actually be better off skipping the phone nightmare and going in person to a Workforce Solutions office if there's one nearby. They can help with applications and sometimes give better advice than the phone reps.

wait so what happens if he applys late? does he at least get money from now going forward?

tell him to say he had covid or something!! thats what my roommate did when she applied late and they gave her like 6 weeks of backpay lol

Thanks everyone for the advice! I've told him to apply immediately and be honest about why he waited. He's going to try calling TWC tomorrow and explain his situation, then submit his application online. I'll update here if we find out anything that might help others in the same situation.