How to submit TWC work search activities - can I upload pictures of handwritten job applications?
Hey everyone! I just got approved for unemployment in Texas and now I'm confused about the work search requirements. This is my first time ever dealing with this. I've been writing down jobs I've applied for in a notebook (company name, position, date, etc). Can I just take pictures of these pages and upload them to the TWC portal when I do my payment request? Or do I need to type everything into their system? Also, how specific do I need to be? Do they actually verify every single job application? Sorry for all the questions, just nervous about doing this wrong and losing benefits!
14 comments
Join the conversation
Emma Thompson
You don't need to upload any proof of work search when submitting your payment request. TWC just asks you to enter the NUMBER of work search activities you completed (minimum 3 per week in Texas). You should keep detailed records of all your work search activities though, since TWC can audit you anytime up to a year later and ask for proof. If that happens, then your handwritten notes would work as documentation. Just make sure you include the date, employer name, position, how you applied, and any contact info or confirmation numbers.
0 coins
Javier Cruz
•Oh really? That's a relief! So I just tell them how many jobs I applied for, not the specific details each time? That makes it way easier. Thanks!
0 coins
Malik Jackson
trust me you dont have to worry about uploading anything. just say you did 3 job searchs each week when they ask. they havent checked mine once in 4 months lol
0 coins
Isabella Costa
•While it's true that TWC doesn't verify every single work search activity, they absolutely DO conduct random audits. I've seen people have to pay back thousands in benefits because they couldn't provide proof when audited. Always keep detailed records of EVERY work search activity for at least a year after your claim ends. Better safe than sorry.
0 coins
Javier Cruz
Has anyone actually been audited before? What did they ask for exactly? I'm still not clear if my handwritten notes would be enough or if I should be saving confirmation emails from job applications too?
0 coins
StarSurfer
•I got audited back in January and it was super stressful! They asked for documentation of ALL my work search activities for a 6-week period. Email confirmations from job applications were perfect. My in-person inquiries where I just had notes weren't accepted for 2 of them and I had to appeal. Make sure you're keeping ALL possible proof - screenshots of online applications, confirmation emails, business cards from recruiters, etc. Handwritten notes alone might not cut it if you get audited.
0 coins
Ravi Malhotra
What counts as work search activities? Does just looking at job postings count or do I have to actually apply?
0 coins
Isabella Costa
•Great question! TWC accepts various activities as valid work search efforts, not just applications. These include: - Job applications (online or in-person) - Creating a profile on WorkInTexas.com - Attending job fairs - Participating in job interviews - Creating a resume or work application - Registering with a staffing service - Attending workforce training or job search seminars However, simply browsing job listings without taking action doesn't count. Each activity should represent a genuine effort to find suitable employment.
0 coins
Freya Christensen
I tried calling TWC last week to ask them this exact question and got disconnected THREE TIMES after waiting over an hour each time. So frustrating! Has anyone found a better way to actually speak to a real person there??
0 coins
Emma Thompson
•I was in the same boat until I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to TWC in under 10 minutes! It basically keeps calling for you until it gets through, then connects you. Saved me hours of frustration. Check out their demo video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh or go to claimyr.com. It was super helpful when I needed clarification on my work search documentation.
0 coins
Omar Hassan
THE TWC SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FAIL!!! They don't explain anything clearly and then when you make a mistake they PUNISH YOU by taking away benefits. I got audited and they said my work searches weren't "adequate" even though I applied to over 20 jobs!!! This is all about making it hard to collect what we're entitled to!!
0 coins
StarSurfer
•While the system definitely has issues, I think the key is understanding exactly what they're looking for. For work search activities, quality matters as much as quantity. Applications for jobs you're actually qualified for count more than mass-applying to random positions. Did they give you specific reasons why your searches weren't considered adequate?
0 coins
Isabella Costa
To answer your original question more directly: When you submit your payment request every two weeks (either online or by phone through Tele-Serv), you'll just enter the NUMBER of work search activities you completed each week. The minimum is 3 per week in Texas. For your records (which you should keep but don't upload unless specifically audited): 1. Include employer name, position, date, application method, contact info 2. Save confirmation emails, screenshots, or reference numbers when possible 3. Vary your activities - include networking, interviews, and job fairs too 4. Make sure activities are for "suitable work" matching your skills 5. Keep records for at least a year after your claim ends The TWC Work Search Guidelines page has all the official details if you want to be extra careful.
0 coins
Javier Cruz
•This is super helpful, thank you! I think I understand the process much better now. I'll continue keeping my written log but will also save digital confirmations whenever possible. Really appreciate everyone's advice here!
0 coins