TWC seasonal layoff - only $300 benefits left but asked to reapply?

What you're experiencing is a partial benefits year situation. Since you're within the same benefit year (12 months from when you first applied), you technically have that $300 left from your previous claim. However, since you've worked and earned wages since your last claim, you might qualify for a new benefit calculation. TWC regulations for seasonal workers actually have some specific provisions. You should: 1. Go ahead and reapply as prompted 2. Make sure you report ALL wages earned since your last unemployment period 3. TWC will determine if your new wages qualify you for a recalculated benefit amount If your new wages are sufficient, they'll establish a new benefit amount that will likely be higher than the $300 remaining. If not, you'd receive the remaining $300 until exhausted, then potentially qualify for Extended Benefits depending on current availability.

had same thing happen 2 me last year with my landscaping job. the $300 leftover doesnt matter once u reapply with new wages. they recalculate everything from scratch. but warning it took them like 3 weeks to process my new application and i got $0 during that time so start saving now if u can

The TWC system is HORRIBLE for seasonal workers!!! I went through this EXACT situation last year with my hotel job. When you reapply they're going to make you wait 3-4 weeks minimum while they "process" your claim. And guess what? The whole time you're waiting with ZERO income! What they DON'T tell you is that if you worked enough in your base period, you'll get a whole new benefit amount, but they're in NO HURRY to calculate it. Meanwhile bills pile up and they don't care AT ALL. You'll call and call and call with no answer. The $300 remaining is basically meaningless once you reapply with new wages. They'll calculate an entirely new benefit amount (usually about 60-65% of your average weekly wage).

There's some confusion in this thread I want to clarify. When you have a partial benefits year situation (some benefits remaining but you've worked since last claim): 1. You must reapply if it's been 30+ days since your last payment request 2. TWC will determine if your new earnings qualify you for a new benefit amount 3. If your new earnings qualify you, they'll establish a new benefit year with new benefit amounts 4. If not, you'll receive remaining benefits from previous claim ($300 in your case) For seasonal workers, make sure to indicate "expect recall" on your application and provide the approximate return date. This affects your work search requirements and potential training obligations. Also important: keep requesting payments on your regular schedule even while waiting for the new determination. The system will hold these requests and retroactively pay you once approved.

Yes, absolutely start requesting payments according to the schedule they assign you (usually every two weeks on a specific day). Even though those requests will show as pending until your new claim is processed, they're still in the system. When your claim is approved, they'll process all those pending payment requests at once. With your earnings of $14k over 5 months, you should definitely qualify for a new benefit calculation. Just make sure all employers during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters) are listed on your application.

I just went through this situation with my retail seasonal job. I had like $450 left from my old claim but had worked enough to qualify for a new claim. When you reapply after working, they actually look at your "base period" which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters. So for you applying in December 2025, they'll look at July 2024 through June 2025 wages. The good news: You'll likely get a new benefit calculation. The bad news: Their "processing time" is ridiculous, like 3-5 weeks right now. One weird thing - make sure you're still doing your work searches even while waiting! My friend got denied because she didn't do her work searches during the waiting period.

Yes, the current requirement in Texas is 3 work search activities per week for most counties. Some rural counties may have lower requirements (1-2 per week). Very important: Since you indicated you expect recall in March, make sure you document this clearly. TWC may waive or reduce your work search requirements if you have a definite return date with your previous employer. This is especially common for seasonal industries like construction and agriculture. When you complete your reapplication, there will be a specific question about expected recall. Make sure to provide your employer's contact information so TWC can verify your return-to-work date if needed.

Keep that recall letter safe! You don't need to upload it initially, but TWC may request documentation if they need to verify your recall status. Having that letter ready will make the process much smoother if they do request it. Once your new claim is processed, you'll get a determination letter that will specify your exact work search requirements based on your recall status. This might be reduced from the standard 3 activities per week, but continue doing the full amount until you receive official notification of a reduction. Also, make sure you're documenting all work search activities in detail - employer name, contact method, position applied for, etc. TWC has been conducting more work search audits lately.

Thanks everybody for all this helpful info! I'm going to: 1. Reapply today and make sure I list the return date in March 2. Keep my employer's recall letter ready if they request it 3. Start doing my 3 weekly work searches right away until told otherwise 4. Request payments on schedule even while waiting for the new determination It sounds like I should expect 3-5 weeks of processing time, which is going to be tight financially but at least I know to plan for it. I'll update here if I run into any other issues or once my claim gets approved with the new benefit amount. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!