TWC layoff timing question - Can I file before May 1 with termination letter? Going back to school impact?

You should wait until your last day of work (May 1) to apply for TWC benefits. If you apply before your last day, TWC will determine you're still employed and deny your initial claim. Even though you have the termination letter, the system looks at your actual last day worked. As for school, TWC does have a training program called "Approved Training" where you can attend school and still receive benefits without having to search for work. You'll need to get your educational program approved by TWC. Not all programs qualify, but many do, especially if it's training for in-demand jobs.

23 years at the same place and they just shut it down?? That SUCKS man. Sorry ur going thru this 😕

I just went through something similar with my company in February. TWC will backdate your claim to your last day worked, so it's fine to apply a day or two after May 1st if you need time to get your paperwork together. DON'T apply early though! For school - if you're planning full-time classes, you HAVE TO get approved for the TWC Training Program. Otherwise, they'll cut your benefits because you won't be "available for work" which is a requirement. The Training Program exempts you from work search requirements while you get new skills. If you're doing part-time classes that don't interfere with accepting full-time work, you're usually fine without special approval, but still need to do your weekly work searches.

The Approved Training program is GREAT but it's not automatic - you have to apply for it specifically. When you file your initial claim after May 1st, you'll be assigned a WorkInTexas office and will need to schedule an appointment with them to discuss the training program. Bring documentation about the school program you're interested in. They're more likely to approve programs that lead to high-demand jobs and that can be completed in a reasonable timeframe. Also, start gathering your separation documents now - the termination letter, any severance information, your final pay stub when you get it, etc. TWC will ask for these. I'm truly sorry about your job loss after 23 years. That's incredibly difficult.

wait are they giving u any severence pay??? after 23 yrs they better be!!! that effects when u can get ui benefits too!!

IMPORTANT: With 8 weeks of severance, you should still apply for unemployment on May 1st, but be 100% honest about the severance when you file. In Texas, lump-sum severance payments can delay your benefits. TWC will calculate when you can start receiving payments. If your severance is being paid out weekly like regular paychecks, TWC will treat it similar to wages and you likely won't be eligible for benefits until those payments end. If it's a lump sum, the rules are different. Don't try to hide the severance information - TWC will find out and it could create an overpayment situation you'd have to pay back.

Sorry about your job loss. When contacting TWC, be prepared to wait on hold forever. When I lost my job last fall I couldn't get through to talk to anyone for weeks. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a live person in under an hour. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh that shows how it works. Really saved me when I needed to get my training program approved and couldn't get through on the regular line. Definitely file right on May 1st, even if the website is slow. It can take 2-3 weeks to get that first payment, so don't delay filing.

ur lucky to get severance! my company gave us nothin when they shut down. just "sorry bye" 🤷‍♀️

Quick update - I called the TWC office and they confirmed I need to wait until May 1st to file, and I should report my severance payment. They also gave me some info about the training programs that might be available through Workforce Solutions. Thank you all for the advice! This has been really helpful. I'm meeting with a career counselor next week to discuss school options that would qualify under their training program.