TWC benefits running out but still time left on claim - what are my options?

Unfortunately when your benefit amount runs out, that's it - even if your benefit year hasn't expired yet. The benefit year (April 2025 in your case) just means you can't file a new claim until after that date. I went through this last summer and was shocked how it works. You'll get whatever payments are left ($850) and then nothing else until you either find work or can file a new claim after your benefit year ends.

ur confusing benefit year with benefit amount. the year is just the time window, the $$ is what matters. when money gone its gone

I know exactly what you're going through - the same thing happened to me in December. Let me clarify how TWC benefits work: 1. Your BENEFIT AMOUNT is the total dollar amount you're eligible to receive ($850 remaining in your case) 2. Your BENEFIT YEAR is the period during which you can collect those benefits (through April 2025) Once your benefit amount is exhausted, payments stop regardless of time left in your benefit year. However, you have a few options: 1. EXTENDED BENEFITS: These are only available during periods of high unemployment (not currently active in Texas) 2. TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE: If your job loss was due to foreign trade impacts 3. SHARED WORK PROGRAM: If your employer participates 4. REEMPLOYMENT SERVICES: TWC offers job search assistance, skills training, and resume help I strongly recommend contacting TWC directly to see if you qualify for any of these. Keep requesting payments as normal until your benefits are exhausted, and continue your work search requirements.

Have u tried WorkInTexas.com? They got lots of jobs there and TWC sometimes has training programs that can help u get new skills while looking. My sister did that for medical coding when her benefits ran low last year.

After spending HOURS trying to get through to TWC about a similar situation (benefits exhausted but claim still active), I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me connected with a TWC agent in under 20 minutes instead of spending days dealing with busy signals. They'll call TWC for you and then connect you when they get through. Saved me so much frustration! Here's their website if you want to check it out: claimyr.com - they also have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P88?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh

When I got through, they confirmed what others here said - once benefits are exhausted, that's it until your benefit year ends and you can file a new claim (IF you've worked enough quarters by then). But they did tell me about some resources I didn't know about. They helped me get connected with their Rapid Reemployment program which offers more personalized job search assistance. They also told me about some community resources for utilities and rent assistance that might help bridge the gap. Definitely worth calling to see what options might apply to your specific situation.

I experienced this exact situation in November. Here's what no one tells you: call TWC and ask specifically about the "Earnings Disregard" if you can find ANY part-time work. In Texas, you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount without reducing your benefits, and even if you earn more, you might still get partial benefits that will stretch out your remaining balance longer. For example, if your weekly benefit amount is $300, you can earn up to $75 without any reduction in benefits. Also, MAKE SURE you keep requesting payments even after your benefits run out! If Texas triggers Extended Benefits in the future (due to rising unemployment rates), you might automatically qualify if you've been continuously requesting payments, even with $0 received.

The TWC system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING!!! They don't explain any of this clearly because they WANT people to give up. I spent 9 months fighting with them last year after my benefits ran out early. Called every day for weeks and either got busy signals or disconnected after waiting for hours!! Complete joke of a system designed to frustrate people into giving up. Don't expect any real help from them.

Update: I finally got through to TWC! Used that Claimyr service someone suggested above and it actually worked - connected with an agent in about 30 minutes. They confirmed I don't qualify for any extensions right now, but they did tell me about some workforce development programs that might help. Also applying for some part-time gigs using that Earnings Disregard info to stretch my remaining benefits. Thanks everyone for the advice - feeling slightly less panicked now with a plan.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my benefits are almost gone but I still have time left on my claim. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening. I had no idea about the Earnings Disregard rule or that you should keep requesting payments even after benefits run out. The TWC website really doesn't explain any of this clearly. It's frustrating that you have to dig through forums like this to get the real information. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - especially the tip about Claimyr for getting through to TWC. Going to try that tomorrow since I've been getting nothing but busy signals for days.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! My benefits are down to about $600 with 2 months left on my claim period. I had no idea about most of these resources and strategies everyone has shared. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service to get through to TWC, and I'm already looking into that Earnings Disregard rule for some freelance work I was avoiding. The tip about applying for SNAP and other assistance programs NOW while I still have some income coming in is so smart - I was planning to wait until I was completely broke but that would obviously be way harder. Also going to call 211 tomorrow to see what's available in my area. It's frustrating that TWC doesn't explain any of this clearly, but I'm grateful for everyone here sharing their real experiences. This community is providing way better guidance than the official website! Question for anyone who's been through this - when you did gig work using the Earnings Disregard, did TWC ever question the irregular income amounts or was the reporting process pretty straightforward?