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.