Filing for TWC unemployment without a Texas license or ID - what can I use instead?

You can definitely still file without a Texas ID! Where it asks for Texas ID number, just enter your social security number instead. The system will accept that as an alternative. Make sure you also have your previous employer's information (company name, address, contact info) and your last day worked ready when you file. Since you mentioned you just moved here, double-check that you're filing in the right state - unemployment is typically filed in the state where you worked, not where you currently live.

u can use ur ssn instead of tx id. thats what i did when i first moved here 2 yrs ago. just make sure u got ur w2 or pay stubs handy cuz theyll ask for proof of employment

Just to add some important information here - since you've only worked in Texas for 6 weeks, you might run into a base period issue. TWC looks at your employment history in the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters to determine your benefit eligibility. If you don't have enough wages in Texas during that period, you might need to file an interstate claim that includes your Colorado wages. When you complete your application, be sure to include your Colorado employer information for the past 18 months. The system should detect this and process it appropriately. Also, make sure you're updating your work search contacts each week - Texas requires at least 3 work search activities per week for most areas.

Good luck even getting through to file! I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone when I had issues with my application. The automated system is a nightmare.

When you moved to Texas, did you work enough to qualify for TX unemployment? I think you need to earn a minimum amount in TX (like $2600 or something) during your base period to qualify here. Otherwise you might need to file in Colorado instead? Not sure tho, just something to check.

I WENT THRU THIS EXACT THING IN 2023!!! The whole system is designed to make it difficult on purpose!! They kept telling me different things every time I called. One agent said I needed Texas ID, another said I didn't. Finally got it straightened out after like 6 weeks and almost losing my apartment. The whole system is BROKEN!

One more thing to consider - make sure you also register with WorkInTexas.com as part of your unemployment requirements. You have to do this within 3 days of filing your claim. It's a separate system from the unemployment system, but it's required for everyone receiving benefits in Texas. I learned this the hard way and almost lost a week of benefits because I didn't know.

my cousin moved here from oklahoma last year and had the same issue. he ended up going to get a texas id first because he got tired of dealing with the website problems. took him like 2 weeks to finally get his claim submitted correctly.

Just to follow up on everyone's advice - yes, you can use your SSN in place of the Texas ID number. And since you mentioned you're in temporary housing, make sure you provide an email address that you check regularly, and set up your correspondence preferences to electronic if possible. Also, don't forget that after you file, you'll need to request payment every two weeks on your assigned day, even if your initial claim is still being processed. Your first payment request will be available 2 weeks after you file your initial claim.

That's great news that you got your application submitted! Just a heads up - since you mentioned you're dealing with an interstate claim, it might take a bit longer than usual to get your determination letter (sometimes 2-3 weeks instead of the typical 1-2 weeks). During this waiting period, make sure you keep track of any correspondence from TWC - they might request additional documentation like pay stubs from your Colorado employer or ask you to verify your work history. And don't forget to register with WorkInTexas.com within 3 days of filing like Chloe mentioned! Also, even though your claim is still processing, start your work search activities now so you'll have them ready when you do your first payment request. Good luck with everything!

Hey Javier! I went through something similar when I relocated from Arizona to Texas in 2022. One thing I didn't see mentioned yet - if you run into any issues with the interstate claim processing, you might want to keep your Colorado contact information handy. Sometimes TWC needs to verify employment details directly with your previous state's unemployment office, and having all your Colorado employer info (including HR contact numbers if you have them) can speed things up. Also, since you mentioned temporary housing - you can update your address in the system anytime if you move before your claim is fully processed. Just log into your account and update your contact info. The system is pretty good about sending important notifications via email if you set that up, but some documents still come by mail. Hope everything works out quickly for you! The hardest part is usually just getting that initial application submitted, which sounds like you've already conquered.

Welcome to Texas! I went through a similar situation when I moved here from California about 18 months ago. Since you've already gotten your application submitted with your SSN, here's what to expect next: Keep an eye out for a "Monetary Determination" letter (usually comes within 2-3 weeks for interstate claims). This will tell you if you qualify and what your weekly benefit amount will be. Since you worked in both states, they'll combine your wages from Colorado and Texas to calculate your benefits. One more tip - download the TWC mobile app if you haven't already. It makes requesting payments and tracking your claim status much easier than using the website. You can also log your work search activities right in the app, which is super convenient. The interstate process can feel overwhelming at first, but you're on the right track. The fact that you got your application submitted is the biggest hurdle. Now it's mostly just waiting and staying on top of your weekly requirements. You've got this!

Just wanted to add one more resource that might help - if you do end up needing to speak with someone at TWC about your interstate claim, try calling right when they open at 8 AM. I found that's when you have the best chance of getting through without waiting on hold for hours. Also, have your claim number ready (you should get this in your confirmation email after filing) along with your SSN and all your employment dates from both states. Since you're dealing with temporary housing, you might also want to consider having important mail forwarded to a trusted friend or family member's address if that's an option. Some TWC correspondence still comes by physical mail even if you set up electronic delivery, and missing something important could delay your benefits. Hang in there - the interstate process takes a bit longer but it definitely works. You should start seeing movement on your claim within the next couple weeks!

Just wanted to share another tip that helped me when I was in a similar situation - make sure you save/screenshot your confirmation page after filing your initial claim! The confirmation number is super important and sometimes the confirmation emails can get delayed or end up in spam. I learned this the hard way when I couldn't find my confirmation email and needed that number to check my claim status. Also, since you mentioned being new to Texas, don't be discouraged if your first few work search contacts don't pan out right away. The job market here can be really good, but it takes time to get familiar with the local employers and networking opportunities. Focus on quality applications rather than just trying to hit the minimum 3 per week - TWC sometimes audits work search activities, so having solid, genuine contacts is important. Hope your claim processes smoothly! Sounds like you've gotten great advice from everyone here.

Hey Javier! I just went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago when I moved from Louisiana to Texas. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - once your interstate claim gets approved, keep all your documentation from both states organized in one place (digital folder works great). TWC sometimes needs additional verification months later, especially for interstate claims, and having everything ready can save you weeks of back-and-forth. Also, since you mentioned temporary housing, consider setting up informed delivery with USPS so you can see what mail is coming even if you're not always at the same address. Some TWC notices are time-sensitive, and this helped me catch important deadlines when I was bouncing between temporary places. One last thing - Texas has some really good workforce development programs through the local workforce boards that can help with job placement. Since you're already going to be registered with WorkInTexas, it might be worth checking out what additional resources are available in your area. Sometimes they have connections that aren't posted on the regular job boards. Good luck with everything! The hardest part is definitely behind you now that you got the application submitted.

One more important tip for your interstate claim - make sure you keep copies of your most recent pay stubs from both your Texas job and your Colorado employer. TWC might request these as additional verification for your wages, and having them ready can prevent delays in processing your claim. Also, since you mentioned you've been trying to call for 3 days with no luck, try using the TWC website's secure messaging system once your account is fully set up. Sometimes you can get answers to specific questions faster through their online portal than by phone, especially for document submission or claim status updates. The fact that you worked in Texas, even briefly, should definitely help with your claim since you can file here and they'll pull in your Colorado wages. Interstate claims are pretty common in Texas due to all the people relocating here, so the system is generally set up to handle them smoothly once you get past the initial application hurdle. Keep us posted on how it goes! This thread has become a great resource for anyone dealing with similar interstate filing issues.

Just wanted to add that if you run into any technical issues with the online application system (which unfortunately happens more often than it should), try clearing your browser cache and cookies or switching to a different browser entirely. I had problems with the site not saving my progress properly when I was using Chrome, but it worked perfectly in Firefox. Also, if you're using any ad blockers or privacy extensions, try disabling them temporarily while filling out the application - sometimes those can interfere with the form submission process. The TWC website can be pretty finicky, but once you find a browser/settings combination that works, stick with it for all your future interactions with the system.

Welcome to Texas and sorry to hear about the layoff situation! I'm glad you were able to get your application submitted with the SSN workaround. Just wanted to add one more thing I learned from my interstate claim experience - when you do your first payment request in about 2 weeks, the system might ask you some additional questions about your work history in both states. Don't be alarmed if it takes longer than usual to complete that first request - they're just making sure they have all the wage information from Colorado properly linked to your Texas claim. Also, since you mentioned you're job hunting while waiting for benefits, consider reaching out to local recruiters who specialize in your field. Many of them are familiar with the challenges of relocating to Texas and can provide valuable insight into which companies are actively hiring transplants from other states. Plus, any interviews or networking meetings with recruiters count toward your work search requirements. Best of luck with everything!

This thread has been incredibly comprehensive! As someone who just moved to Texas from out of state myself (though I haven't needed to file for unemployment yet), I'm bookmarking this whole discussion. The SSN workaround for the Texas ID requirement seems to be the key solution that multiple people have confirmed works. One small addition I'd make - for anyone else reading this who might be in temporary housing like Javier was, you might want to consider getting a PO Box at your local post office as a backup for any important mail. It's relatively inexpensive and gives you a stable mailing address even if your living situation is still in flux. Some people prefer this over mail forwarding because it gives you more control over when and how you pick up important documents. Thanks to everyone who contributed their experiences here - this is exactly the kind of real-world guidance that's so hard to find on official websites!

This entire thread is such a goldmine of practical advice! As someone who's been helping friends navigate unemployment claims in Texas for a few years, I can confirm that the SSN workaround for the Texas ID field is legit and works consistently. One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're dealing with an interstate claim like yours, keep in mind that your benefit year starts from the date you file, regardless of how long the processing takes. So even if there are delays getting everything sorted out between Texas and Colorado, you won't lose any weeks of eligibility as long as you keep requesting payments during the processing period. Also, since you mentioned the company had layoffs, make sure you have documentation of that if possible (like a layoff notice, company email, or termination letter that mentions the layoff). Sometimes TWC needs this to confirm you're eligible for benefits rather than having quit voluntarily. Even if it seems obvious to you, having that paper trail can prevent delays later. The community here really stepped up with advice - this is going to help so many people dealing with similar interstate filing issues!