Just filed my first TWC claim - what happens after the phone application?

After they complete your application, TWC sends a 'Statement of Benefits' packet that includes your monetary determination letter. This shows your potential weekly benefit amount based on past wages. You'll also get info on setting up your payment method (direct deposit or debit card) and instructions for requesting payments. You should create an account on ui.texasworkforce.org if you haven't already. You can track your claim status there. Start doing your work search activities immediately (3 per week) and document them - don't wait for approval. Your first payment request date will be listed in your account, usually 2 weeks after filing.

congrats on getting through!! took me 3 days of trying lol. the packet is just paperwork explaining ur benefits and how much $ you'll get. make sure you request payment on the right day or u might miss a week

You'll get a determination letter with your weekly benefit amount calculation and base period wages they used. Review it carefully! If the wages look wrong, you can appeal. Log into your TWC account every couple days to check claim status - it often updates there before you receive anything by mail. Your packet will include your payment request schedule - mark these dates on your calendar! Missing a payment request date could mean losing benefits for that period. Approval timeline varies widely right now - could be 7-10 days if everything's straightforward or several weeks if they need to verify employment separation details with your employer. While waiting, start your 3 required work search activities each week and document them (job site used, position, company, contact info, etc).

EXPECT DELAYS!!!!! They're telling everyone "tomorrow" but my packet took almost 2 WEEKS to arrive and then my online account showed "pending" for another 3 weeks with ZERO explanation!!! And good luck trying to call them again - I've called 200+ times and can't get through anymore. System is totally BROKEN!!

I was in your exact shoes last December! First time filing too. The packet has a bunch of legal language that's confusing, but the important parts are the payment request schedule and your PIN for the telephone system. Even if your claim is still processing, you NEED to request payment on your assigned dates or you'll mess up your claim. Also, you should register on WorkInTexas.com right away - it's required and they check. You can use that site to document your work searches too.

When I applied last month, I was in the same boat trying to reach TWC. After getting nowhere for days, I found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to TWC almost immediately. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh - it basically waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration, especially when I had questions about my determination letter that weren't answered in the packet. Their website is claimyr.com if you need to reach TWC again.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, you definitely need to register on WorkInTexas.com, which is separate from your UI account. It's Texas's job search system, and registration is mandatory for unemployment benefits. The packet will confirm you need 3 work search activities per week in most counties (some rural counties require fewer). Your claim might process faster since you mentioned layoffs. If your employer doesn't contest the separation, approval can happen within 7-14 days. If they dispute it, it could take longer and might require a phone hearing. Important tip: when you get your determination letter, check that your wages are correct! If you worked for multiple employers or across multiple quarters, sometimes not all wages get included. You have a limited time to appeal if the calculation is wrong.

took mine like 10 days to get approved but my buddy waited like a month so who knows lol. just make sure u do those work searches even while waiting cuz they can ask for proof later

One more important thing I forgot to mention - once you get your packet, you'll need to select your payment method. Direct deposit is faster than the debit card option. You can set this up in your TWC account online. Also, don't be surprised if you get a phone call from TWC with additional questions about your separation from employment. Answer honestly but concisely. If you were laid off due to lack of work, just state that clearly. If you're asked about any voluntary separation or misconduct, those answers could affect eligibility, so be truthful but focus on factual details rather than opinions or workplace conflicts.