TWC benefits almost exhausted - how to reapply correctly in 2025?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

I'm so glad you were able to get through and get some clarity on your situation! Even though the news about your temp earnings not qualifying for a new claim isn't what you hoped for, at least now you can focus your energy on the right next steps. The retraining programs through TWC can be a real game-changer - I've seen several people in this community transition to better-paying careers through those programs. Also, don't get discouraged about the job market. Factory closures are tough, but sometimes they can be an opportunity to pivot to something with more stability. Keep us posted on how the workforce office visit goes - your experience could really help others in similar situations.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who's been through the benefits exhaustion process twice in Texas. Since you got confirmation that your temp wages won't qualify you for a new regular claim, I'd strongly suggest applying for any available assistance programs BEFORE your final payment comes through. Things like SNAP, local food banks, and utility assistance programs often have waiting periods, so getting applications in early can help bridge the gap. Also, when you visit the workforce office, ask about their "Choices" program if you have any dependents - it's specifically designed to help parents get training while providing some support. The TWC website doesn't make it easy to find all these programs, but the local offices usually have counselors who know about resources that aren't well-publicized. Hang in there - this transition period is really tough but there are more safety nets available than it initially appears.