TWC eligibility after 7 months at job - fired in February 2024

Yes, you likely qualify! Texas uses a base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you apply. Since you worked from July 2023 to February 2024, you should have enough wages in your base period. The key is that you were terminated for reasons that weren't your fault (like business needs). Make sure you apply ASAP through the TWC website or by calling them. When I got laid off last year, I couldn't get through on the phone lines for DAYS, but I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P88?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh It was a huge relief after hearing busy signals for a week straight.

The previous response isn't completely accurate. It's not just about having worked recently - TWC needs you to have earned enough wages during the base period. You must have wages in at least 2 of the 4 base period quarters, AND your total base period wages need to be at least 37 times your weekly benefit amount. Since you only worked 7 months, it depends EXACTLY when those months were and how much you earned. If your 7 months were all in the same quarters, you might have an issue. But apply anyway - there's no penalty for applying and being denied.

definitely apply!! i only worked 5 months at my last job and got benefits no problem. as long as u weren't fired for misconduct you should be good. the online application isnt too hard

It's not just about how long you worked at your last job. TWC looks at your wages during the "base period" - that's the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So right now (February 2024), your base period would be October 2022 through September 2023. Did you work anywhere else before your 7-month job? Those wages would count too. The most important factors: 1. You must have wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period 2. You must have earned enough total wages in your base period 3. You can't have been fired for misconduct Definitely apply and let TWC determine if you qualify. They'll contact your employer to verify the reason for separation. Make sure when you apply you're clear it was a termination due to business needs, not for cause.

When I got laid off in 2023, TWC made this INSANELY complicated!!! They denied my claim initially saying I "didn't have sufficient base period wages" even though I had worked for over a year. Had to appeal and everything. MAKE SURE you include ALL employment for the past 18 months when you file, not just your most recent job!!! They don't tell you this clearly in the application and it cost me weeks of benefits! The TWC system is designed to confuse you and deny benefits!!

Based on your follow-up comments, it sounds like you definitely should apply. Having worked at another place before your 7-month job will help meet the requirement of having wages in multiple quarters of the base period. When you apply, have this information ready: - Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers for the last 18 months - First and last dates you worked for each employer - Number of hours worked and pay rate - Alien Registration Number (if you're not a US citizen) - DD-214 (if you served in the military in the last 18 months) After you apply, TWC will send you a "Statement of Wages and Potential Benefit Amounts" showing what they have on record for your wages. Review this carefully to make sure all your employment is included. Don't forget to register with WorkInTexas.com as well - it's required while receiving benefits.

The timeline varies a lot, but you should expect at least 2-3 weeks before your first payment. After you apply, there's a mandatory waiting week (the first week you're eligible, you won't get paid for it). Then you have to request payment every two weeks. My timeline looked like this: - Applied: Day 1 - Received Statement of Wages letter: Day 7 - Request for additional information from TWC: Day 10 - Determination letter (approval): Day 14 - First payment request: Day 15 - First payment received: Day 21 But I've heard of people waiting over a month if there are any complications or if their employer contests the unemployment claim.

dont forget u have to do 3 work search activities EVERY WEEK and record them!! they can audit u and ask for proof so keep track of everything. i just use a spreadsheet with dates and companies i applied to

Yes, activities like updating your resume, attending job fairs, and participating in job-related workshops can count toward your work search requirements. TWC has a list of qualifying activities on their website. However, most of your activities should be actual job applications. Also, an important tip: After you're approved, you'll need to request payment every two weeks. Set a reminder for yourself because if you miss a payment request period, you may not be able to claim those weeks later. And finally, while you're waiting for approval, start your work search activities right away. You'll need to report them for your waiting week and every week after, even before you're approved.