TWC benefits almost exhausted - how to reapply correctly in 2025?
I've been unemployed since March 8, 2025 after my factory shut down operations. I'm getting really stressed because I only have two more unemployment payment requests left (about $820 total) and still haven't found a job despite sending out applications everywhere. My benefits are going to run out in less than a month and I'm starting to panic. Do I need to reapply for a new claim or is there an extension process? Will there be a gap in payments if I reapply? I've been doing my work searches every week but the job market in my area is terrible right now. Any advice on reapplying without messing up my remaining benefits would be really appreciated.
17 comments
Axel Far
Unfortunately, Texas doesn't currently have any automatic benefit extensions available. Once your regular UI benefits are exhausted, you'll need to check if you qualify for a new benefit year. The key question is: have you worked and earned wages since you filed your original claim in March? If you worked at all during this benefit year, even temporarily, you might qualify for a new claim based on those wages. If not, you'll likely not be eligible for additional benefits until you work and earn enough qualifying wages in the future.
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Kaitlyn Otto
•I did work for 2 weeks at a temporary position in June, but it only paid about $900 total. Is that enough to qualify for a new claim or do I need more than that? Really worried about how I'm going to pay rent next month.
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Jasmine Hernandez
I went through this exact situation last year! You should start the reapplication process about a week before your final payment request. Log into your TWC account and look for the option to apply for benefits - you'll essentially go through the same process as your first application. Make sure you have documentation of that temp job you mentioned ready because they'll ask for all employment during the base period. The most important thing is to keep doing your payment requests even during the reapplication process! Don't skip a week thinking your benefits are expired.
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Luis Johnson
•I heard that they count the base period differently for a second claim though? something about the quarters being different.
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Ellie Kim
i had this problem in january and tried reapplying but they said i didnt have enough wages in my base period so i got denied then had to apply for food stamps instead good luck
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Kaitlyn Otto
•That's what I'm afraid of! Did you try calling them to explain your situation? I've been trying the TWC phone lines but it's ALWAYS busy and I can never get through to an actual agent.
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Fiona Sand
If you're having trouble reaching a TWC agent on the phone (which is extremely common), I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in a similar situation last month trying to get clarification on my reapplication and spent days getting busy signals. Claimyr got me connected to an actual TWC agent in about 25 minutes. They basically hold your place in line and call you when they get an agent. Saved me hours of redial frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Definitely worth it when you need answers about reapplying for benefits.
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Mohammad Khaled
•Is this legit? I'm suspicious of anything that claims to get you through to unemployment faster. Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else used this successfully???
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Alina Rosenthal
•I actually used this last week when my payment was stuck in pending status. It worked for me - got through to TWC in about 40 minutes after trying on my own for days. The agent was able to fix my issue immediately.
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Luis Johnson
You should be focusing more on your work search tbh. 3 searches per week is the MINIMUM. If you're actually trying to find work before benefits run out, you should be doing like 10+ applications per week. My cousin was in your situation and he only found a job by applying to literally everything within 50 miles whether he was qualified or not.
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Kaitlyn Otto
•I'm actually doing WAY more than 3 per week! I've applied to at least 60 jobs in the past month alone. The problem is I'm getting very few interviews and the ones I do get end up offering way less than I was making before. But thanks for the assumption that I'm not trying hard enough when I'm actually busting my butt every day looking for work.
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Axel Far
•The original commenter could have been more tactful, but their point about expanding your job search is valid. While waiting to see if you qualify for a new claim, consider registering with WorkInTexas.com if you haven't already, and check in with your local Workforce Solutions office. They often have resources, job fairs, and sometimes training programs that can help during this transition period.
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Ellie Kim
TWC IS THE WORST!!!!! I bet they'll make you wait 6 weeks for a determination on your new application while you get ZERO money. Then they'll probably say you don't qualify anyway. The whole system is designed to be frustrating. Good luck getting anyone on the phone!
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Jasmine Hernandez
•While TWC can definitely be frustrating, this kind of blanket negativity isn't helpful to the OP who's asking for practical advice. Many claims are processed without major issues, and even when there are delays, panicking doesn't help. Better to focus on concrete steps they can take to address their situation.
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Kaitlyn Otto
UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC this morning after using the Claimyr service that someone recommended above. The agent confirmed that my temporary job earnings ($900) aren't enough to qualify for a new regular UI claim. However, she suggested I apply anyway because the system will automatically determine if I qualify for any other programs. She also mentioned I should look into Texas Workforce Commission's retraining programs while I continue my job search. Going to check out WorkInTexas.com today and visit my local workforce office tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the advice and information - at least now I know where I stand and can plan accordingly.
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Axel Far
•That's excellent information! I'm glad you got through to someone who could give you clear guidance. The retraining programs can be particularly valuable - they sometimes have stipends available while you learn new skills. Make sure to ask about the Skills Development Fund and Skills for Small Business programs when you visit the workforce office.
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Alina Rosenthal
•Glad you got through! I was in a similar situation last year and ended up doing a 12-week IT training program through TWC that helped me change careers. Definitely worth looking into!
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