Do old TWC benefits carry over or reset if laid off in 2025?

I'm getting nervous about my job security and trying to figure out what might happen with unemployment. When I check my TWC account, it shows I still have $3,600 left in regular UI benefits from 2021 (last time I collected). If I get laid off tomorrow, would those old benefits carry over, or does TWC reset to a completely new benefit amount based on my current wages? Not sure if unemployment benefits expire or if that money is still available to me. Anyone dealt with this recently? My benefit year was definitely over years ago, just confused about that remaining balance still showing up.

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18 comments

Dylan Wright

•2d

The system is showing you outdated information. Those old benefits from 2021 are completely expired and no longer available to you. Benefit years only last 12 months from when you first apply, so your 2021 claim is definitely closed. If you get laid off now, you'd need to file a completely new claim, and TWC would calculate a new benefit amount based on your base period wages (roughly the last 12-15 months of work before filing, excluding the most recent quarter). The old $3,600 is irrelevant - your new benefit amount could be higher or lower depending on what you've been earning since 2021.

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Dmitry Popov

•2d

TWC benefit years last exactly 12 months from your initial claim filing date. What you're seeing is just their system showing historical data - those benefits expired long ago and are no longer accessible. If you get laid off now, you'd file a completely new claim. Your benefit amount would be calculated using your base period wages (your earnings over the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before filing). The maximum weekly benefit amount for Texas is currently $693, and they typically replace about 60-66% of your average weekly wages up to that maximum. Your benefit duration would be 26 weeks maximum. Since it's been a few years since your last claim, make sure your account has your current contact information and verify your login credentials work before you actually need to file.

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Ava Rodriguez

•2d

I had the EXACT same issue back in January! Got laid off and saw $4,200 still showing in my account from 2020. Called TWC to try to access it and they laughed (nicely) and explained those benefits expired years ago. Tried calling TWC for days before getting through. Finally used Claimyr to connect with a live agent (claimyr.com). They have this service where they basically call TWC for you and get you connected to an agent within minutes instead of hours of busy signals. I was skeptical but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh) and decided to try it. Actually worked and saved me so much frustration. But yeah, you'll have to file a completely new claim if you get laid off now. The agent told me the system just doesn't clear out old benefit balances from the display.

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Dmitry Popov

•2d

Yes, there's typically a one-week waiting period (sometimes called a "waiting week") before benefits begin. You won't receive payment for this first week, but you still need to request payment for it. After that week, if your claim is approved and you've completed all requirements (ID.me verification, work search requirements, etc.), payments should begin with your first payment request after the waiting week. However, if there are any issues with your claim or identity verification, it could take longer. I'd suggest having at least 4-6 weeks of expenses saved if possible, as even smooth claims can take 2-3 weeks for the first payment to arrive.

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