< Back to Texas Unemployment

First TWC work search log due - only have 2 job applications but need 3!

I'm totally freaking out! I filed for unemployment on February 25th and just realized my work search log is due this week. TWC says I need 3 work search activities per week but I only have proof of 2 job applications I submitted. I spent most of my time researching companies and figuring out how to use WorkInTexas because I thought that was the only place I could apply! What else can I count as a work search activity? Will emails showing I applied to those 2 jobs be enough proof? I've spent hours looking at job listings but didn't actually apply to more than those 2. Also, this would be my first payment if approved - if I mess up this work search log, will my entire claim be rejected? Would I have to reapply from scratch or can I just fix it next week? I've never been on unemployment before and I'm scared of doing something wrong!

Mila Walker

•

Good news - you don't need to panic! TWC accepts many activities as valid work search efforts, not just job applications. Here's what else counts: - Creating a resume or updating an existing one - Attending job fairs (virtual ones count too) - Networking with professional contacts about job opportunities - Meeting with a career counselor or attending a workshop - Taking skills assessment tests - Registering with a staffing agency - Participating in job training Just document what you did, when you did it, and any relevant contact information. As long as you're honest about your activities, you should be fine. And make sure to do all 3 required activities every week going forward!

0 coins

Ethan Clark

•

Omg thank you so much! I did update my resume last week and I also registered on Indeed and spent about 2 hours setting up my profile there. Would those count as separate activities? I still have the confirmation emails from Indeed showing when I created my account.

0 coins

Logan Scott

•

I went through this EXACT same situation back in January! I was totally confused about the work search requirements too. So here's what I did - I called TWC directly to explain my situation. It took FOREVER to get through (like 3 hours of calling and getting disconnected). Btw, I eventually used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC agent in like 30 minutes instead of spending all day calling. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The agent told me that for my first week, they were pretty understanding as long as I showed good faith effort. Just be honest about what you did and make sure you meet all requirements going forward. Hope this helps!

0 coins

Chloe Green

•

I second this! TWC is usually understanding for the first week, especially if you're new to the system. Just document everything you can and be ready to explain your situation if they ask.

0 coins

Lucas Adams

•

dont worry so much, the TWC isnt gonna come knocking at ur door if you only have 2 instead of 3 for your first week lol. Just make sure u do it right from now on. they got thousands of claims and arent checking every single person's work search that carefully

0 coins

Harper Hill

•

TERRIBLE ADVICE. The TWC absolutely does audit work search logs randomly. My brother-in-law got his benefits COMPLETELY CUT OFF last year because he couldn't provide documentation for his work searches when they requested it. They made him pay back two weeks of benefits and he had to appeal to get back on unemployment. It was a NIGHTMARE that took over a month to resolve. DON'T RISK IT! Follow the rules exactly or you'll regret it!!!

0 coins

Caden Nguyen

•

When i was on umemployment last year i did stuff like: - updated my linkedin and added new skills - went to the workforce center and used their computers (they sign a paper proving you were there) - called a company to ask if they were hiring (asked for the hiring manager's name and wrote it down) - took a free online course related to my field You can totally count resume updates and job research as activities! Just write down what you did, when, and any relevant details. The TWC form lets you add notes to each activity.

0 coins

Ethan Clark

•

Thanks for the suggestions! I did spend a couple hours researching companies in my industry. Would that count as one activity if I write down which companies I researched and what I learned about their job openings?

0 coins

Avery Flores

•

To directly answer your question - if you don't submit a complete work search log for your first payment request, your payment will likely be delayed while TWC reviews your case, but your entire claim won't be rejected. You won't need to reapply completely. However, you should submit your payment request with the best documentation you have of your work search activities. TWC defines work search activities quite broadly. In addition to job applications, these activities count: 1. Creating and uploading a resume to WorkInTexas.com (which it sounds like you did) 2. Setting up job alerts on employment websites (Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.) 3. Researching employers in your field (document which companies and dates) 4. Creating accounts on job boards 5. Updating your resume Just make sure to document dates, times, and specific details of each activity. Moving forward, aim for at least 3 clear job applications per week to stay compliant.

0 coins

Ethan Clark

•

This is such a relief! I was worried my whole claim would be thrown out. I definitely did several of these activities but wasn't sure they counted. I'll document everything as best I can and make sure to do the full 3 job applications each week going forward. Thank you!

0 coins

Chloe Green

•

I was in your same position when I first applied! It's confusing at first but gets easier. Just FYI - if you're using WorkInTexas, make sure you're actually applying through it and not just browsing. Each application gets recorded automatically in the system which helps with your work search log. Good luck!

0 coins

Ethan Clark

•

Oh! I didn't realize applications through WorkInTexas get automatically recorded. That's super helpful, thank you!

0 coins

Harper Hill

•

The TWC system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING and they make it hard on purpose so they can deny benefits!! My cousin lost 6 weeks of benefits because of their ridiculous work search rules that nobody explains properly. They expect you to somehow magically know everything without clear instructions! And calling them is almost IMPOSSIBLE - busy signals all day! If I were you, I'd document EVERYTHING - even the time you spent trying to figure out their broken website. Take screenshots of everything. Write down every minute you spent job searching. Don't give them any excuse to deny your benefits!

0 coins

Mila Walker

•

While I understand your frustration, I don't think the system is deliberately designed to deny benefits. It's just outdated and underfunded. But your advice about documenting everything is absolutely correct - that's the best approach for anyone navigating unemployment benefits.

0 coins

Lucas Adams

•

btw make sure ur requesting payment on the right day based on ur SS#... i messed that up at first and had to wait another 2 weeks for my money

0 coins

Ethan Clark

•

Thanks for the reminder! I'll double check what day I'm supposed to request payment.

0 coins

Caden Nguyen

•

i remember my first work search log i was so nervous lol. ended up being fine. just remember for next time that networking counts too! i literally counted a linkedin message i sent asking about opportunities as one of my activities.

0 coins

Ethan Clark

•

That's good to know! I have some former colleagues I could reach out to about opportunities. I'll definitely start doing that as part of my work search activities.

0 coins

Avery Flores

•

One important clarification: While your first payment might be delayed if your work search log isn't complete, TWC won't automatically deny your entire claim. They may contact you for additional information or issue a determination that you can appeal. Regarding documentation, TWC typically doesn't require you to submit proof of work search activities with each payment request, but they can audit you at any time, so keep records of everything for at least a year. Emails confirming job applications, screenshots of completed applications, notes from networking calls - all of these are good to maintain. Moving forward, I recommend setting a calendar reminder each week to complete your 3 required work search activities. This simple habit will help ensure you remain eligible for benefits throughout your claim period.

0 coins

Ethan Clark

•

Thank you for explaining this so clearly! I'll definitely set up a calendar reminder system. Do you know how detailed my notes need to be for activities like researching companies or updating my resume?

0 coins

Mila Walker

•

For activities like researching companies or updating your resume, you should include: 1. The date of the activity 2. Which companies you researched (list at least 3-4) 3. What specific positions or departments you were exploring 4. Any follow-up actions you took (bookmarked job postings, made notes on requirements) For resume updates, note: 1. Date of update 2. What sections you modified 3. What skills or experiences you added This level of detail shows TWC that these were meaningful job search activities, not just casual browsing. Good luck with your claim!

0 coins

Ethan Clark

•

This is exactly what I needed! I'll document my activities with this level of detail going forward. I feel so much better about my situation now. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice!

0 coins

TaxRefund AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
7,051 users helped today