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!

That sounds like a solid plan! Just wanted to add a couple quick tips from my experience: When you visit Workforce Solutions, ask specifically about their "Rapid Response" services too - they sometimes have additional resources for people who've exhausted UI benefits that aren't widely advertised. Also, if you do end up needing to call TWC, early morning (right when they open) or late afternoon seem to have shorter wait times. One more thing - if you're approved for EB, the first payment might take a bit longer to process, so don't panic if there's a delay. Keep us posted on how it goes! This community has been super helpful for navigating these situations.

Just wanted to chime in with some encouragement - I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and it worked out! The waiting period is definitely stressful, but most people I know who exhausted their regular UI were automatically approved for Extended Benefits without having to do anything extra. One thing that helped me during the uncertainty was setting up a simple spreadsheet to track my job applications, work search activities, and any correspondence from TWC. It kept me organized and gave me something productive to focus on while waiting for the determination. Also, don't underestimate networking during this time. I actually found my current job through someone I met at a Workforce Solutions workshop. Sometimes these transitions, as scary as they are, can lead to better opportunities than what you had before. Hang in there!

Just wanted to add a resource that helped me when I was in your exact situation - the Texas Workforce Commission has a "virtual career center" on their website that I didn't know about until someone mentioned it. They have free resume reviews, interview prep, and even some online skills assessments that can help you identify transferable skills from medical billing to other fields. Also, if you're struggling financially during this waiting period, check if your local food banks or churches have emergency assistance programs. Many have specific help for people transitioning between unemployment benefits. I was too proud to ask at first, but it really helped bridge the gap while I waited for my EB determination. The medical billing field is actually expanding with telemedicine growth, so don't give up on finding something in your specialty. Sometimes it just takes longer than we'd like. You've got a solid plan - stick with it!

I just wanted to jump in and share something that might help with your job search in medical billing - have you looked into remote positions with companies like Anthem, UnitedHealth Group, or smaller medical billing companies that have gone fully remote since COVID? I work in healthcare administration and I've noticed a lot more remote medical billing positions opening up, especially for people with your experience. Sites like FlexJobs and Remote.co often have medical billing roles that don't get posted on the regular job boards. Also, temp agencies like Robert Half and Adecco have been placing a lot of medical billing specialists in temp-to-perm positions lately. The key is highlighting any EHR systems you've worked with (Epic, Cerner, etc.) and any specific medical specialties you've billed for. Those details can really make your application stand out. Don't give up - your skills are definitely in demand, it's just about finding the right opportunity!

Just wanted to share some good news that might give you hope - I was in your exact situation back in November 2024 and got automatically approved for Extended Benefits about 10 days after my regular UI exhausted. I never had to call TWC at all, just kept checking my correspondence inbox like others mentioned. The key thing that helped me was staying consistent with my work search activities during that waiting period. When I did get approved, they asked for verification of my job search efforts for the gap weeks, and since I had kept detailed records, I got retroactive payments for that whole period. Also wanted to mention - I ended up finding work through a medical billing company that specifically hires people with unemployment gaps. They actually preferred candidates who had been laid off because it meant they weren't job-hopping. The healthcare industry is really understanding about employment gaps right now. Don't let the stress get to you too much - you've got a solid plan and this community has your back!