How to file for TWC unemployment in Texas - step-by-step guide needed!

I filed back in January and can walk you through it. First, go to the TWC website (ui.texasworkforce.org) and create an account if you don't already have one. You'll need your Social Security number, last employer's info including their TWC tax number (should be on your pay stub), dates of employment, and your bank info for direct deposit. The online application takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything ready. After you submit, you'll get a determination letter in about 2-3 weeks. While waiting, you need to request payment every two weeks (mark these dates on your calendar!). And yes, you need to complete at least 3 work search activities each week and keep documentation of them. Check out this video that explains the whole process: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh If you need to speak with someone at TWC directly (which I recommend for your first time), use Claimyr.com - it helped me get through when the phone lines were jammed. Saved me days of busy signals.

Ouch, retail cuts are brutal right now. Sorry to hear that.

Actually, the process isn't that hard once you get started. Here's what you need to do step-by-step: 1. Gather your documents: Social Security card, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months (company names, addresses, phone numbers, employment dates), and your bank account info for direct deposit. 2. Go to ui.texasworkforce.org and click "Apply for Benefits" 3. Create a TWC account (or log in if you already have one) 4. Complete the application truthfully - this takes about 30-45 minutes 5. After submitting, note your confirmation number 6. Request payment every two weeks on your assigned day (this is DIFFERENT from the initial application and many people miss this step) 7. Complete at least 3 work search activities each week and document them 8. Register with WorkInTexas.com (this is required) The most common mistakes are: missing payment request days, not doing enough work search activities, and not registering with WorkInTexas.com. You'll get several letters in the mail - a Statement of Wages and Potential Benefits Amount, and then a Determination on Payment of Unemployment Benefits. Read them carefully!

The TWC website is GARBAGE!!! I tried filing online 3 times and kept getting errors. Then when I finally submitted everything, they claimed they never received my employment info and delayed my benefits for 6 WEEKS! My advice? Call them directly and do it over the phone with an actual person. Save yourself the headache!!!

Let me clarify some important points about work search requirements since you mentioned them: Work search activities that count include: - Applying for jobs (online or in person) - Attending job interviews - Registering with employment agencies - Attending networking events - Participating in job fairs - Creating profiles on professional job sites - Attending TWC-approved training You must do at least 3 different activities each week. Keep detailed records with dates, company names, contact information, and application methods. TWC can audit your work search records at any time. Regarding your initial application - answer everything truthfully, especially about your reason for separation. If you were laid off due to lack of work, make sure that's clear. If there's any confusion about why you're no longer employed, TWC may need to investigate, which can delay benefits. Also, once you start receiving benefits, report ANY income you earn, even from part-time or temporary work. Failing to report earnings is the most common cause of overpayment notices.

i filed last month after being let go from my warehouse job. the most important thing is to keep requesting payment every 2 weeks even if your still waiting for approval. i missed one payment request date and had to call them to reactivate my claim which was a huge pain

my cousin said you should apply sunday night online cause thats when the system is least busy

I remember when I filed last year I got so confused about the payment request vs. the initial application. They're definitely two different things!

Just wanted to follow up - did you get your application submitted? One other thing I forgot to mention is that after you apply, you'll probably receive a call from TWC to verify some information. Make sure you answer calls from unknown numbers for a few days after you submit your application. If you miss their call, it can delay your claim processing.

Something nobody mentioned yet - if you can't get through on the regular TWC phone line (and you probably won't), try calling your local Workforce Solutions office instead. They can sometimes help with basic unemployment questions or at least give you better information about your claim status. I got way more help from my local office than from the main TWC number when I filed after being laid off from teaching position.

Hey Butch! I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago when my restaurant closed down. One thing that really helped me was setting up a dedicated folder (physical or digital) to keep ALL your unemployment paperwork organized from day one. You're going to get multiple letters from TWC and it's easy to lose track of important dates and requirements. Also, a heads up - when you do your work search activities, don't just focus on online applications. Mix it up with different types of activities like Amy mentioned. I found that attending virtual job fairs (which count!) and networking events through professional associations really helped expand my search beyond just clicking "apply" on job boards. One more tip: if you worked multiple jobs in the past 18 months, make sure you have accurate information for ALL of them, including exact dates and addresses. TWC will verify everything and missing or incorrect employer info is one of the biggest causes of delays. Good luck with your application!

I'm sorry to hear about your job loss, Butch. The retail industry has been hit really hard lately. I went through the TWC process myself about 8 months ago and wanted to add a few things that helped me avoid common pitfalls: When you're gathering documents, also grab your most recent W-2 and any 1099s if you had contract work. Sometimes TWC asks for these to verify your earnings history. One thing that tripped me up initially - when they ask about your "last day worked" vs "last day paid," these might be different dates if you received vacation pay or severance. Make sure you're clear on both dates because it affects when your benefit year starts. Also, once you submit your application, screenshot or print the confirmation page. I've heard too many stories of people's applications getting "lost" in the system, and having that confirmation number is crucial if you need to follow up. The waiting period can be stressful, but hang in there. Most people get approved if they were legitimately laid off due to downsizing. Just stay on top of those bi-weekly payment requests and work search requirements, and you should be good to go. Wishing you the best with your job search!

Hey Butch, I just went through this process a few months ago after my company had layoffs. One thing I wish someone had told me upfront - make sure you have your banking information ready for direct deposit setup during the application. You CAN change it later, but it's easier to get it right the first time. Also, when you're doing your work search activities, keep in mind that TWC sometimes does audits where they actually contact the employers you listed to verify you applied. So make sure every application you log is real and that you keep confirmation emails or screenshots. I know someone who got in trouble for padding their work search log with fake applications. The good news is that if you were laid off due to downsizing (not fired for cause), you should qualify without any issues. Just be patient with the process - it takes a few weeks but the benefits do come through eventually. And seriously, don't stress too much about the online application. Despite what some people say about the website, millions of Texans use it successfully every year. Take your time, double-check everything before submitting, and you'll be fine!

Just want to add something that saved me a lot of stress - when you're filling out the application, don't rush through it even if the website seems slow. I made the mistake of clicking "submit" multiple times because I thought it wasn't working, and it created duplicate applications that took forever to sort out with TWC. Also, regarding the work search requirements everyone's mentioning - start tracking your job search activities from DAY ONE, even before you get approved. I waited until I got my determination letter and then had to scramble to catch up on documenting my previous week's activities. TWC counts your work search from the week you file, not from when you get approved. One last thing - if you have any military service, make sure to mention it in your application. Veterans sometimes qualify for additional job search resources through TWC that can count toward your work search requirements. Good luck with everything!

Hey Butch! I just went through the TWC filing process myself about 2 months ago after my retail job was eliminated (sounds like we're in the same boat with all these industry cuts). One thing that really helped me was calling the TWC Tele-Center early in the morning right when they open - I had much better luck getting through around 8:05 AM than any other time of day. Also, make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and ALL your employment information from the last 18 months ready before you start. I'm talking exact dates, addresses, supervisor names, and phone numbers for every job. I had to stop halfway through my application to dig up an old pay stub because I couldn't remember my manager's name from a previous position. One more tip - when you get to the part about why your employment ended, be very specific that it was due to "lack of work" or "downsizing" rather than just saying you were "laid off." The exact wording can affect how quickly your claim gets processed. The whole thing took me about 40 minutes once I had everything organized. You've got this!

I'm really sorry to hear about your job loss, Butch. The retail industry has been brutal lately with all the downsizing. I went through the TWC process about 4 months ago when my store closed, and while it seems overwhelming at first, it's actually pretty straightforward once you break it down. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here - when you're gathering your documents, also make sure you have your alien registration number ready if you're not a US citizen, and any union information if you were a member. These aren't always needed but having them ready saves time if the system asks for them. Also, I noticed some people mentioned busy phone lines - if you absolutely need to speak with someone and can't get through, try calling right after a holiday when they reopen. I got through immediately the Tuesday after Labor Day when everyone else probably forgot to call. The work search requirement isn't as scary as it sounds. I kept a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company, position, contact method, and confirmation number (for online apps). Takes 30 seconds to log each activity and you'll thank yourself later if they audit you. Hang in there - the benefits really do help bridge the gap while you're searching for your next opportunity!

Hey Butch! I just wanted to chime in as someone who filed for TWC benefits about 6 weeks ago after my retail position was eliminated due to company restructuring. Reading through all these responses, I can see you're getting some really solid advice from everyone here. One thing I'd add that helped me tremendously was setting up text notifications through your TWC account once you get it created. They'll send you reminders about your payment request dates and other important deadlines. I'm terrible at remembering dates, so this feature literally saved me from missing a payment request. Also, regarding the work search activities - don't overlook professional development options! Taking free online courses through sites like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning counts as a work search activity if it's related to improving your job skills. Same with attending virtual career workshops. I found these really helpful for both meeting my requirements and actually improving my marketability. The retail job market is tough right now, but there are opportunities out there. I actually just got hired at a new position last week! The TWC benefits definitely helped me stay afloat while I was searching. You've got this - the hardest part is just getting through that initial application, and it sounds like you're well-prepared now with all the great advice from this community. Best of luck with everything!

Hey Butch! I just filed for TWC benefits last month after being laid off from my retail job too - seems like so many of us are dealing with the same situation right now. One thing that really helped me that I haven't seen mentioned yet is to make sure you have your most recent pay stub handy when filling out the application. TWC asks for your gross weekly earnings, and it's much easier to calculate if you have that pay stub right in front of you rather than trying to estimate. Also, once you submit your application, you'll get an email confirmation, but don't rely on just that. I'd recommend logging back into your TWC account a day or two later to make sure your application shows up in the system correctly. I had a friend whose application got stuck somewhere and she didn't realize it for a week, which delayed everything. One last tip - if you have any part-time or gig work income while you're receiving benefits, report it honestly on your payment requests. I know it seems counterintuitive to report income when you need the money, but TWC will find out eventually through wage records, and it's much better to be upfront about it. They'll just reduce your benefit amount proportionally rather than cutting you off entirely. The whole process is definitely stressful, but you're getting great advice from everyone here. The retail market is brutal right now, but TWC benefits will help you get through while you find something new. Good luck!

Hey Butch! I went through the TWC process about 3 months ago after my retail management position was eliminated, and I can definitely relate to feeling overwhelmed at first. One thing that really saved me time was creating a checklist before starting the application. Here's what I wish I had organized beforehand: - Last 5 pay stubs (to verify wages and employer info) - Employment verification letter or termination notice if you have one - Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit - A quiet 45-60 minutes when you won't be interrupted The biggest mistake I made was trying to rush through it during my lunch break and had to start over because the session timed out. Also, once you submit, you'll start getting mail from TWC pretty quickly - some will be informational, others will be time-sensitive. I set up a dedicated email folder and physical folder just for TWC correspondence so I wouldn't miss anything important. One more thing - the WorkInTexas.com registration that others mentioned isn't just a formality. They actually have some decent job search tools and employer connections, so it's worth spending a few minutes setting up a proper profile there rather than just doing the bare minimum to satisfy the requirement. You're asking all the right questions, which tells me you'll navigate this just fine. The fact that you were laid off due to downsizing (not fired for performance issues) should make your approval pretty straightforward. Hang in there!