TWC benefits exhausted - what's my next step without having to spend hours calling?

When your regular UI benefits are exhausted, you have a few options depending on your situation: 1. If you qualify, you might be eligible for Extended Benefits (EB) if they're currently activated in Texas (they turn on/off based on state unemployment rates) 2. You can check if you qualify for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your job loss was related to foreign trade 3. Look into the Dislocated Worker program through Workforce Solutions You should definitely continue your work search activities, but you can pause the payment requests since there's nothing to request until you're on a new program. I went through this last year and was automatically evaluated for EB. Got a determination letter about a week after exhaustion with the decision.

i got the same message last month and freaked out too. tried calling for 2 days and couldnt get thru. turns out they just automatically check if u qualify for extended benefits, u dont gotta do anything. just wait for a letter in the mail or check ur correspondence inbox on the portal. if ur approved, itll tell u to keep doing payment requests

The most important thing is to not stop your work search activities. Even if there's a gap between your regular UI ending and potentially qualifying for Extended Benefits, they may retroactively pay you if you've maintained your work search. I recommend increasing your search beyond medical billing if possible - retail and customer service can tide you over financially until you find something in your field. Also check with Workforce Solutions offices - they have resources specifically for people who've exhausted benefits and might be able to connect you with training programs that include stipends while you learn new skills.

I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT THING IN JANUARY!!!!! The system is SO BROKEN. I spent DAYS trying to get through on the phone and got nothing but busy signals and disconnects. The worst part is you're in limbo waiting to find out if you qualify for extended benefits and bills don't stop coming just because TWC can't get their act together! I ended up having to take a job way below my qualification level just to survive while still looking for something appropriate. I'm still bitter about how they handle this transition - they could at least give clearer instructions in the exhaustion notice!

I had to deal with benefits exhaustion back in February and calling TWC was a nightmare. After trying for days, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a TWC representative. They basically connect you with TWC without you having to keep redialing all day. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The agent confirmed I was eligible for Extended Benefits and explained exactly what would happen next. Saved me so much stress and uncertainty. The peace of mind was worth it since I needed to know if I should be looking for immediate employment at any wage or if I had time to find something in my field.

Question - does anybody know if taking a part-time job while waiting for extended benefits approval messes things up? I'm in a similar situation and got offered 15 hours a week at a place, but worried it will complicate my EB application....

Update on your question about timeframes: The determination for Extended Benefits typically takes 7-14 days after exhaustion. Since we're in 2025 and the unemployment rate in Texas has been fluctuating, EB availability changes. Make sure your contact information is up to date in the TWC portal so you don't miss any correspondence. If you don't hear anything after two weeks, that's when trying to reach a representative becomes necessary. The myTWC app sometimes shows status updates faster than the web portal, so check both.

hey just wanted to share that when my benefits exhausted last yr i panicked too but ended up gettin a job through workforce solutions. they have this program where they help folks whose UI ran out. might be worth checking into while ur waiting to hear about EB. they helped me update my resume and even had some job fairs specific to healthcare admin which sounds close to what ur looking for

To answer your follow-up question: The program through Workforce Solutions is called the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act). You can apply online through the WorkInTexas.com site or visit a local office. Bring your TWC exhaustion notice, ID, and work history information. And yes, continue doing work search activities and documenting them even during this gap period. If you're approved for EB retroactively, you'll need to verify you were searching for work during that time. Even if you don't get EB, these job search records will be helpful for other assistance programs.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! Here's my plan based on what you've shared: 1. Keep doing and documenting my work search activities (still doing 4+ per week) 2. Check my TWC correspondence inbox daily and look at the myTWC app 3. Visit Workforce Solutions this week to ask about the WIOA Dislocated Worker program 4. Give it two weeks before trying to call TWC (and use Claimyr if I can't get through) It's such a relief to know there are still options available. I was seriously panicking thinking I'd have zero income with rent due in two weeks. Will update once I hear something about EB!