Has anyone got TWC benefits extended after exhausting regular UI in 2025?

sry but there arent any automatic extensions anymore like during covid. those ended years ago. regular ui is just 26 weeks now unless theres a major economic crisis or something

The regular Texas unemployment benefit period is 26 weeks maximum, and unfortunately there aren't any automatic extensions available right now like there were during the pandemic (PUA, PEUC, etc). However, there are a couple things you should know: 1. Make sure you're registered with WorkInTexas.com and actively using it. Sometimes they have special programs through the workforce office that might help even after benefits end. 2. If you have a partial job or can get part-time work, you might still qualify for some reduced benefits that could stretch your benefit period longer. 3. If you have any pending wage investigations or appeals that resolve in your favor, those could potentially add more to your benefit amount. Have you visited your local Workforce Solutions office in person? They sometimes know about programs that aren't widely advertised.

I went through this last month!!! It's SO STRESSFUL when benefits are about to run out!! I was freaking out too because I thought maybe there was something wrong with my account since everyone kept saying "check if you qualify for an extension" but there WAS NO OPTION for an extension anywhere on my account! I called TWC for 3 DAYS STRAIGHT trying to get someone to explain it to me. Busy signal, disconnected, busy signal, on hold forever then disconnected again. Nobody could tell me if I was eligible for anything else or if I was just DONE. So frustrating!!!

I was in your situation back in January and unfortunately, there's no standard extension program currently available in Texas. The 26 weeks is all you get unless the unemployment rate triggers special federal extensions (which hasn't happened). However, I recommend calling TWC directly to confirm there aren't any other programs you might qualify for based on your specific situation. Some people qualify for training programs that include stipends, especially if you're willing to learn new skills in high-demand fields. When I was trying to reach TWC, I kept getting busy signals until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that connects you with a TWC agent without the endless busy signals. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Worth it to at least confirm whether there are any other options for your specific case. Sometimes they know about county-specific programs too.

I work with unemployment cases regularly, and I want to clarify a few things: 1. Regular Texas UI benefits are limited to 26 weeks within your benefit year. 2. There are currently NO federal extension programs active in Texas (Extended Benefits or other emergency programs). 3. Extensions only become available when the state unemployment rate exceeds certain thresholds, which hasn't happened recently. 4. What you CAN do is look into Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs through your local Workforce Solutions office. These can provide training opportunities and sometimes financial support during training. 5. Also check with your county's Community Action Agency for possible rental assistance programs if housing is your primary concern. If you've been actively searching for work (documenting your 3+ work search activities weekly) throughout your benefit period, make sure to mention this when seeking other forms of assistance, as it demonstrates your ongoing effort to become self-sufficient.

Just want to add my experience - I exhausted my benefits last month and thought I was completely out of options. Went to my local Workforce office and found out I qualified for their dislocated worker program which includes some financial help while getting training in healthcare. It's not unemployment benefits technically, but it's helping me bridge the gap. You should definitely check if you qualify for any of their training programs!

OK so update on my situation since it might help you. After my benefits ran out, I did eventually reach someone at TWC (after literally 46 calls!!!) and they confirmed there are NO extensions unless you have a pending wage investigation that could increase your benefit amount. BUT what they did tell me is that if you find part-time work, you can actually make your benefits last longer because you'll only use a portion of your weekly benefit amount each week. Might be too late for you now but something to know.

Following up on my earlier comment - since you mentioned struggling with rent specifically, you should immediately apply for the Texas Rent Relief program if it's open for applications, or check with your county's Community Action Agency. Many counties still have rental assistance funds available even after the federal programs ended. Also, if you're receiving SNAP benefits, make sure TWC knows this as it can sometimes help qualify you for priority service in some of their workforce development programs. Did you have any luck reaching a TWC representative to discuss your specific situation?

I'm sorry you're going through this stress - I was in almost the exact same situation last year when my benefits were about to run out. The anxiety is real when you're facing that deadline! Just to add to what others have shared - while there aren't any automatic extensions right now, I did find a couple of additional resources that helped me: 1. Check if your city has any emergency rental assistance programs separate from the county ones. Some cities have their own funds that aren't well-publicized. 2. Look into local food banks and utility assistance programs to free up money for rent. United Way's 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with resources in your area. 3. If you have any gig work options (DoorDash, Uber, etc.), you might be able to do that part-time while still collecting some reduced UI benefits until your 26 weeks are completely exhausted. The Workforce Solutions office appointment is definitely your best bet for longer-term help. They often have programs with stipends that can bridge the gap while you get new skills. Hang in there - you're being proactive and that's going to help you get through this!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress - I know exactly how overwhelming it feels when benefits are about to end. I went through the same thing in late 2024. Unfortunately, everyone here is right that there are no automatic extensions available right now. The federal programs that provided extra weeks during COVID (like PEUC and PUA) ended years ago, and Texas doesn't have its own state extension program unless unemployment rates trigger federal Extended Benefits, which hasn't happened. However, I want to emphasize what others mentioned about the Workforce Solutions office - they really can be a lifeline. When I was in your situation, I discovered they had a rapid retraining program for people who had exhausted UI benefits. It wasn't unemployment, but it provided a weekly stipend while I got certified in a high-demand field. The whole process took about 3 months and I actually ended up with better job prospects than before. Also, if you're comfortable sharing your general location, people here might know about specific local resources. Some areas have county-specific programs that aren't well advertised. You're doing everything right by staying proactive. Those 3 interviews are promising - sometimes it just takes time for the right opportunity to come through. Keep documenting all your job search activities too, as that can help qualify you for priority services at the Workforce office. Hang in there - you're not alone in this!

I'm in a similar situation - just exhausted my benefits last week after 26 weeks and the panic is REAL. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful though! For Dallas specifically, I know the North Texas Workforce Solutions office on Forest Lane has been pretty active with their programs. A friend of mine got into their IT certification program there after her benefits ran out and said they were really supportive. Also, Dallas County has its own rental assistance program that's separate from the state one - might be worth checking into since you mentioned the $1450 rent. The advice about part-time/gig work to stretch remaining benefits is something I wish I'd known earlier. I could have made my last few weeks last longer if I'd picked up even just a few hours of work per week. One thing that's giving me hope is seeing how many people in this thread found alternative programs after UI ended. It seems like there actually ARE options out there, they're just not obvious or well-advertised. The Workforce Solutions appointment sounds like your best next step. Keep us posted on how it goes at the office tomorrow - I'd love to hear what programs they offer since I'll probably need to do the same thing soon!

I'm going through this exact situation right now too - my benefits are ending next week and I've been stressed about it for weeks! Reading all these responses has been so helpful, especially knowing I'm not the only one dealing with this. The consistent message seems to be that while there aren't any automatic extensions available like during COVID, there are definitely other programs worth exploring through Workforce Solutions. I'm planning to visit my local office this week after seeing how many people found training programs with stipends. One thing I wanted to add - for anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation, I've found that some temp agencies actually have programs specifically for people whose UI benefits are ending. They can sometimes get you into temporary-to-permanent positions that might not be advertised elsewhere. It's not ideal but it could be a bridge while looking for something more permanent. @Ethan Moore - definitely keep us updated on how your Workforce appointment goes! It sounds like you're being really proactive about this whole situation. Those 3 interviews are a great sign that employers are interested - sometimes timing is just everything with hiring decisions. Hang in there everyone - this thread proves there are more options out there than it initially seems!

I've been following this thread and wanted to share some additional resources that might help. I went through UI exhaustion in 2024 and found a few things that weren't mentioned yet: 1. Check if you qualify for Emergency Rental Assistance through your local Community Action Agency - many still have funding even though the federal programs ended. 2. Look into your local library's job search resources. Many offer free resume help, interview prep, and sometimes even job fairs specifically for people transitioning off unemployment. 3. If you have any skills in healthcare, transportation, or skilled trades, some employers are offering "hire now, train later" programs with immediate pay while you get certified. 4. Contact local churches and community organizations even if you're not a member - many have emergency assistance funds for rent/utilities that can buy you time while pursuing other options. The Workforce Solutions office really is your best bet for longer-term help though. They often have funding for programs that aren't widely advertised, especially if you've been actively job searching throughout your benefit period. Stay strong - this is a tough transition but you're handling it the right way by seeking information and staying proactive!

I'm really glad you found this community thread because the amount of helpful information and support here is incredible! As someone who's been watching this conversation unfold, I wanted to add a few more thoughts: The consistency of everyone's advice about Workforce Solutions really stands out - it seems like that's genuinely the best path forward for people in your situation. What's encouraging is hearing from multiple people who found training programs with stipends that actually worked out well for them. One thing I noticed is that several people mentioned the importance of having documentation of your job search activities. Since you mentioned having 3 interviews, make sure you have records of all your applications, interviews, and any follow-up communications. This could be really valuable when you meet with Workforce Solutions tomorrow. Also, the suggestion about exploring gig work to stretch your remaining benefits is smart - even picking up a few hours of delivery or rideshare work could help you make those last couple weeks of UI last longer while you're transitioning to whatever program you get into. The fact that you're being so proactive about this whole situation really puts you ahead of the game. You're reaching out for information, you've got interviews lined up, and you're exploring all your options. That kind of approach is exactly what's going to help you get through this transition successfully. Looking forward to hearing how your Workforce appointment goes - it sounds like you're going to have some good options to explore!

I just wanted to jump in and say how amazing this thread has been to read! As someone who went through UI exhaustion about 6 months ago, I can really relate to that panic you're feeling @Ethan Moore. The uncertainty is honestly the worst part. I ended up going through a similar path as many others here - the Workforce Solutions office became my lifeline. I got into their customer service training program which included a weekly stipend that wasn't quite as much as UI but definitely helped bridge the gap. The program was only 8 weeks and I actually got hired by one of their partner employers before I even finished. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: when you go to your appointment tomorrow, ask specifically about their "supportive services" funding. This can sometimes cover things like gas money for interviews, work clothes, or even emergency assistance while you're in training. Not everyone knows to ask about it but it can really help when money is tight. Also, bring copies of your job search documentation with you - they sometimes fast-track people into programs when they can see you've been actively looking for work throughout your entire benefit period. You're doing everything right by staying proactive and reaching out for help. That interview momentum you have going is really promising too - sometimes employers just need a little more time to make decisions. Hang in there!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - I know exactly how overwhelming it feels when you're staring down the end of your benefits with no clear path forward. I went through this same situation about 8 months ago and the anxiety was incredible. Everyone here has given you excellent advice, especially about the Workforce Solutions office being your best bet. I wanted to add one more thing that really helped me: when you go to your appointment, also ask about their "Rapid Response" services if your job loss was due to a layoff or company closure. Even if it's been months since you lost your job, you might still qualify for additional services through this program. Also, I noticed you mentioned having 3 interviews but no offers yet. Don't get discouraged - in my experience, companies are taking longer to make hiring decisions these days, but that doesn't mean you won't hear back. I actually got a job offer 6 weeks after an interview I thought had gone nowhere. One practical tip: if you do end up in a training program through Workforce, many of them have job placement assistance built in. The program I went through had partnerships with local employers who specifically recruited from their graduates. It turned out to be a much better path than just continuing to apply to random job postings. You're being incredibly proactive about this whole situation, and that's going to serve you well. Keep us updated on how tomorrow goes!

I just wanted to say how incredible this community discussion has been! As someone who works in workforce development, I'm really impressed by the quality of advice and support everyone has provided here. A few additional points that might be helpful: 1. When you visit Workforce Solutions tomorrow, ask about their "Individual Training Accounts" (ITAs) - these can fund training programs at local colleges and trade schools, not just their in-house programs. 2. Look into whether you qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your job loss was related to foreign competition or trade - this program provides extended benefits and training funding that many people don't know about. 3. Some local nonprofits partner with Workforce Solutions to provide wrap-around services like childcare assistance during training, transportation help, and even emergency financial assistance. The fact that you're going into this appointment with documentation of your job search activities and a clear understanding of what to ask for puts you in a really strong position. The staff there will appreciate working with someone who's prepared and proactive. One last thought - don't be afraid to ask about multiple programs at once. Sometimes you can combine different funding sources to create a more comprehensive support package while you're transitioning back to work. Wishing you the best at your appointment tomorrow! This thread shows there are definitely paths forward even when UI benefits end.

I'm really sorry you're going through this stress - I know how terrifying it feels when your safety net is about to disappear. I went through the exact same thing about 4 months ago and the panic was overwhelming. Unfortunately, what everyone has said is correct - there are no automatic extensions available in Texas right now like there were during COVID. Those federal programs (PEUC, PUA, etc.) ended years ago, and state Extended Benefits only kick in when unemployment rates reach certain thresholds, which hasn't happened recently. However, I want to echo what others have said about not giving up hope. The Workforce Solutions office really can be a game-changer. When I was in your shoes, I discovered they had a healthcare certification program that included a weekly stipend. It wasn't as much as my UI benefits, but it covered my basic expenses while I got trained in a field that actually had job openings. A couple of things that helped me: 1. I applied for emergency rental assistance through my county's Community Action Agency while waiting for the training program to start 2. I picked up some gig work (Instacart) during my last few weeks of UI, which helped stretch those benefits a little longer 3. The training program I entered had partnerships with local employers who were specifically looking to hire their graduates Your situation with 3 interviews is actually really encouraging - that shows employers are interested in you. Sometimes the hiring process just takes longer than we'd like, especially these days. Keep us posted on how your Workforce appointment goes tomorrow. You're handling this the right way by being proactive and seeking out information. You're going to get through this!