Running out of TWC benefits - can I reapply after exhausting my claim?

Unfortunately, you can't just reapply when your regular benefits exhaust. Texas has a specific process for this situation. First, you need to understand if you're exhausting your benefit amount or if your benefit year is ending - these are different things. If your benefit year is ending (it's been almost 12 months since you first applied), then yes, you can reapply for a new benefit year. But you'll need to have worked and earned qualifying wages since your original claim. If you're just exhausting your benefit amount but your benefit year isn't over yet, you typically can't get more benefits until your benefit year actually ends. Once you exhaust regular benefits, TWC will automatically evaluate if you qualify for any extended benefits programs (though these are usually only available during high unemployment periods). I'd recommend logging into your TWC account and checking your "Claim and Payment Status" to see exactly when your benefit year ends versus when your benefits will exhaust.

when mine ran out last year i couldnt apply again because i didnt have enough work history since my first claim. you need like 3-4 months of work i think before u can get a new claim approved. they look at the base period or somethin

To add some clarity to this situation: 1. Regular Texas unemployment benefits last for 26 weeks maximum (about 6 months) 2. Your benefit year lasts for 12 months from when you applied 3. To qualify for a new claim, you need to have worked and earned wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your new claim. So basically, you need to have worked for at least some period since your last claim to qualify for a new one. Also, there are currently no federal extended benefits programs active in Texas. Those were temporary programs during COVID and have all ended. The best approach is to: 1. Make your last two payments stretch as far as possible 2. Continue your work search requirements (minimum 3 activities per week) 3. Look into other assistance programs like SNAP/food benefits if necessary 4. Call TWC directly to see if they can advise on your specific situation

been there done that!!! the TWC system is designed to force you into taking ANY job even if it pays half what you used to make. i ran out of benefits in january and couldn't reapply cuz i didn't have enough work hours. ended up taking a crappy retail job just to pay bills. good luck!!

I went through this exact situation last year after my benefits exhausted. I spent DAYS trying to get someone on the phone at TWC to explain my options. Busy signals, disconnects, hold music for hours - it was a nightmare. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The agent told me exactly what the others here are saying - I needed to have enough qualifying wages in my base period to establish a new claim. Since I'd only worked a few weeks between claims, I didn't qualify. But at least talking to someone directly gave me peace of mind and I could plan accordingly instead of waiting and wondering.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!! I had the same problem and when I finally got through to TWC they basically told me "too bad so sad" and that I needed to have worked enough qualifying wages. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET QUALIFYING WAGES WHEN NOBODY WILL HIRE ME?!?! They expect us to just magically find jobs when the economy is garbage. And the work search requirement is a JOKE - I applied to 200+ jobs and got maybe 3 interviews. The whole thing is designed to cut you off when you need it most.

One more thing to consider - make sure you're still submitting your payment requests even when you get down to your last payments. Sometimes the TWC system will automatically check if you're eligible for any other programs when your regular benefits exhaust. Also, if you're close to the end of your benefit year (the 12-month period), it might be worth applying for a new claim even if you think you don't have enough work history. Sometimes people are surprised to find they do qualify, especially if they've had part-time or temporary work during their claim period. The TWC system will automatically determine if you qualify for a new claim or not - you don't risk anything by applying.

hey also check out workingtexas.com for job stuff. TWC actually has some decent resources and they can help with resume and stuff. might help u find something before benefits run out

Update: I just got off the phone with TWC (finally!). Turns out what I'm reaching is just my maximum benefit amount, not my benefit year end. The agent said I won't be eligible for more benefits until my benefit year actually ends in October. She suggested I look into Workforce Solutions for job placement help and possibly training programs that could help me get into a different field. Thanks everyone for your advice - at least now I know where I stand and can plan accordingly. I'm going to check out WorkInTexas.com like someone suggested and maybe look into some short-term training programs.