TWC benefits exhausted - what options after regular UI runs out in Texas?

Unfortunately, Texas no longer has any unemployment extension programs since the pandemic emergency programs ended. All the federal extensions like PEUC are gone. However, here are some other resources you should immediately apply for: 1. SNAP benefits (food stamps) - apply through YourTexasBenefits.com 2. CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) - can help with those utility bills 3. Texas Rent Relief program - they periodically open applications when funding is available 4. Check with local churches and community action agencies Also, has your husband tried applying at Amazon warehouses? They're hiring all over Texas right now, starting at $18-22/hour with pretty much immediate starts. Might not be ideal, but it's something while he continues looking in his field.

my bf went thru the same thing last yr. he got a job at UPS loading trucks at nite shift. hard work but they start u right away and its like $17/hr plus benefits after 90 days. also try whataburger they hired my cousin in 2 days

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the TWC system is BROKEN and USELESS once your benefits run out. My husband and I both worked in oil & gas and went through this nightmare last year. The state of Texas doesn't care if you become homeless! Call your state rep's office and tell them what's happening - sometimes they can help with utility assistance programs that have special funds. Also, if your husband is getting interviews but no offers, something might be off with how he's interviewing. Is he addressing the gap period? Sometimes employers think you've been sitting around collecting unemployment by choice. Have him emphasize all the applications and his eagerness to work.

Have u tried 211? They can connect u with emergency rent assistance and utility help. Also food banks dont just have food anymore, many have emergency funds for families about to be evicted.

One thing to know is that your husband can actually requalify for a new benefit year if he's worked at all during his claim period (even part-time). If he earned enough wages in the quarters before filing a new claim, he might be eligible again. The issue is that he would need to have worked enough to establish a new base period, even if those jobs were temporary. Also, if you're facing eviction, immediately contact Texas Legal Aid (texaslawhelp.org) as there are specific procedures landlords must follow, and knowing your rights can buy you more time. As for the job search, the Texas Workforce Commission offers retraining programs that can help transition to industries that are actively hiring. The TWC offices (not the unemployment side, but the workforce side) can provide career counseling and sometimes have connections with employers who are actively hiring. But you'd need to physically go to a Workforce Solutions office, as the phone lines for regular TWC are nearly impossible to get through.

If your husband is still trying to reach TWC to ask about possible extensions or reapplying, I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to a TWC agent quickly. I was in the same boat last month - regular benefits exhausted and couldn't get anyone on the phone for days. Tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a real TWC agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Even though there aren't extensions available anymore, talking to an agent directly helped me understand all my options, including how to properly file a new claim based on my limited part-time work during my benefit year. Worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing.

You might want to check if your husband qualifies for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if his job loss was related to foreign competition or outsourcing, which happens a lot in oil and gas. It provides extended benefits AND pays for retraining. Worth asking TWC about specifically. Also, while not immediate help, he should look into CDL training programs. They're short (4-6 weeks), many companies will pay for the training if he commits to work for them, and starting pay is typically $60-70k in Texas with guaranteed employment. My brother-in-law did this after 20 years in oil and gas and wishes he'd done it sooner.

Just following up - were you able to contact the workforce office or apply for any of the assistance programs mentioned? Sometimes the workforce offices know about job openings that aren't publicly posted yet, especially if your husband is willing to consider something different from his previous field.

That's such great news that you're making progress! The Workforce Solutions offices really are underutilized - they have so many resources that people don't know about. Industrial maintenance is actually a really solid career path with good job security and decent pay. My neighbor made that transition from construction a few years ago and he's doing well. Just wanted to add one more thing since you mentioned getting approved for utility assistance - make sure to ask them about weatherization programs too. Some of the same agencies that help with utility bills also offer free home energy efficiency improvements that can lower your monthly bills long-term. Every little bit helps when you're getting back on your feet. Fingers crossed for that manufacturing interview next week! Sounds like you're taking all the right steps.

I'm so glad to hear things are turning around for you! It's amazing how much the Workforce Solutions offices can help when you actually get in there - I wish more people knew about them. Industrial maintenance is definitely a smart move - those skills are needed everywhere and it's recession-proof work since companies always need their equipment maintained. One more resource I wanted to mention since you're getting back on track - if the manufacturing interview goes well, ask about their employee assistance programs. Many larger manufacturers offer things like financial counseling, emergency loans, or even help with rent/utilities for new employees who are getting back on their feet. Not all companies advertise these programs but they often exist, especially in tight labor markets. Also, once your husband gets stable employment again, look into building a small emergency fund through your bank's automatic savings program - even $5-10 per paycheck adds up and can prevent this kind of crisis in the future. But for now, just focus on getting through this immediate situation. You're doing all the right things!

I've been following your updates and I'm really glad to see things are starting to look up! Just wanted to add that if your husband does get into industrial maintenance, consider having him look into getting his OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification online while he's waiting for the interview results. It's relatively inexpensive (around $60-100) and many employers in manufacturing/industrial settings either require it or view it very favorably. It shows initiative and safety awareness, which are huge in those environments. Also, since you mentioned you're working part-time at a daycare, you might want to check if your employer offers any employee assistance programs too. Even smaller employers sometimes have access to things like counseling services, financial planning resources, or emergency assistance funds through their insurance providers. Worth asking HR about. Keep us posted on how the interview goes - rooting for you both!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through a similar situation in Texas about 18 months ago when my benefits ran out. One thing that really helped us was contacting our local United Way chapter - they have a database of emergency assistance programs that aren't widely advertised and can sometimes provide one-time rent or utility payments while you're getting back on your feet. Also, if your husband is open to it, temp agencies can be a lifeline. I know it's not ideal when you're used to stable employment, but places like Randstad, Manpower, and Robert Half often have same-week placements, and some of their "temp" positions end up going permanent. The pay might not be what he made in oil field services, but it can bridge the gap while he continues looking for something better. Sounds like you're already making great progress with the Workforce Solutions office though! That manufacturing interview could be exactly what you need. Keeping my fingers crossed for you both.

I'm really inspired by how proactive you've been in seeking out resources and following through on everyone's suggestions! It sounds like you're doing everything right - visiting Workforce Solutions, applying for assistance programs, and now looking into certifications and temp work. One thing I'd add is to make sure your husband creates profiles on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn if he hasn't already. Set up job alerts for multiple industries so opportunities come to him automatically. Also consider looking into solar installation companies - Texas has been huge for solar growth lately and many companies will train on the job. The work has some similarities to oil field in terms of working outdoors and with equipment, but it's a growing industry with better long-term prospects. You mentioned being 2 months behind on rent - if you haven't already, document everything about your financial hardship and job search efforts. Some landlords and courts are more willing to work with tenants who can show they're actively trying to resolve the situation rather than just avoiding it. Really hoping that manufacturing interview goes well for you both! The fact that you found it through Workforce Solutions is a great sign - those connections often lead to actual hires since employers trust that referral system.

I wanted to follow up on some of the great suggestions here with a few additional resources that helped my family when we went through something similar. If your husband is interested in getting back into energy but wants more stability, consider looking into utility companies like CenterPoint Energy, Oncor, or your local electric co-ops. They're always hiring for line work, meter reading, and maintenance positions, and the pay is typically $20-25/hour to start with excellent benefits. Many will train you on the job if you have any electrical or mechanical background. Also, since you mentioned being behind on rent, reach out to Catholic Charities even if you're not Catholic - they often have emergency rental assistance funds and don't require you to be a member. Same with Salvation Army and local Methodist churches. For immediate income while job hunting, consider signing up for gig work like Instacart, DoorDash, or Amazon Flex. It's not a long-term solution but can bring in $100-200 a week with flexible hours around interviews. My neighbor did DoorDash during dinner hours while job hunting and it helped keep the lights on. You're handling this crisis really well - staying organized, following up on leads, and keeping a positive attitude. That manufacturing interview is going to go great!

I'm really glad to see this conversation has been so helpful and that you're making progress! I wanted to add one more resource that hasn't been mentioned yet - if your husband is a veteran, make sure to check with the VA about their Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. Even if he's not a veteran, some areas have state-funded veteran spouse assistance programs. Also, for immediate help with groceries, don't overlook church food pantries - many are open to anyone in the community regardless of membership and some operate multiple times per week. The Feeding America website has a food pantry locator that can show you all the options in your area. Since you mentioned working at a daycare, you might also want to look into getting your CDA (Child Development Associate) credential if you don't already have it. Many daycares will pay for the training and it can lead to higher hourly wages or supervisor positions. It's something you could work on during your off hours while your husband is job hunting. Keep us updated on how that manufacturing interview goes - the whole community is rooting for you both! The way you've tackled this crisis head-on shows real resilience.

Just wanted to add another resource that saved us when we were in a similar situation - check if your local community college has emergency financial aid programs for community members, not just students. Many have small grants or emergency funds for families facing eviction or utility shutoffs. You don't have to be enrolled - some programs are specifically for community crisis situations. Also, if that manufacturing interview goes well, ask about shift differentials. Many manufacturing jobs pay extra for evening or night shifts (sometimes $2-3 more per hour), and night shift often has better job security since fewer people want those hours. It might not be ideal long-term, but the extra money could really help you catch up on bills while building up that emergency fund everyone mentioned. Your resilience through this whole situation is really inspiring. The fact that you're both actively job hunting AND pursuing all these assistance programs shows you're going to make it through this. Thursday can't come fast enough - sending positive vibes for that interview!

I've been following your story and I'm so impressed by how you've turned this crisis into action! Your husband's manufacturing interview is tomorrow - that's huge! I wanted to share one quick tip that helped my brother land his manufacturing job: if they ask about his employment gap, have him frame it as "I've been strategically using this time to explore opportunities that align with my long-term career goals while staying current with safety certifications." It sounds so much better than just saying he was unemployed. Also, since you mentioned the night shift differential - definitely express interest if they offer it. Manufacturing companies love when candidates are flexible with shifts because it's usually their biggest staffing challenge. One last thing - if this interview goes well, ask about their 90-day review process. Many manufacturing jobs have significant pay increases after the probationary period (sometimes $2-4 more per hour), so it's good to know what to expect. Fingers crossed for tomorrow! You've both worked so hard to get to this point. Please update us - this whole community is invested in your success now!

Just wanted to wish you and your husband the best of luck on today's interview! I've been following your journey and it's amazing to see how you've turned such a difficult situation into a comprehensive action plan. The way you've researched every resource, followed through on all the suggestions, and maintained such a positive attitude while dealing with potential eviction shows incredible strength. That manufacturing company is lucky to be interviewing someone who clearly knows how to problem-solve under pressure. Your husband's oil field experience combined with his willingness to work night shifts and his newly planned OSHA certification makes him a really strong candidate. Whatever happens today, you should both be proud of how you've handled this crisis. You've already made so much progress with the utility assistance, SNAP application, and all the other programs you've applied for. This interview is just one more step in your recovery plan. Can't wait to hear how it goes! The whole community is rooting for you both. 🤞

This is absolutely incredible news! 🎉 I've been following your story from the beginning and I'm literally tearing up reading this update. $19.50 + $2.50 shift differential is fantastic, and the potential for another $2/hour at 90 days means you could be looking at over $24/hour soon. That's going to make such a huge difference for your family! You both should be so proud of how you handled this crisis. The way you systematically worked through every suggestion, stayed organized, and never gave up is truly inspiring. And your husband clearly impressed them - being offered the job on the spot after months of rejections must feel amazing. This is exactly why communities like this exist - when people share real, actionable advice instead of just sympathy, it can literally change lives. Your story is going to help so many other families who find themselves in similar situations. Congratulations on making it through the worst of it! Monday is going to be a great day. 💪