TWC unemployment with Texas & Oklahoma work history - quit last job but laid off in Texas

You need to file a combined wage claim. Since your most recent work was in Texas, you should file with TWC first, then tell them about your Oklahoma wages. They'll contact Oklahoma for your wage information and combine them. Just be aware that since you voluntarily quit your Oklahoma job, you'll likely need to explain the circumstances during your claim process. TWC will determine if your reason for quitting was 'good cause connected with the work' - if not, they might still deny benefits even with combined wages. When you file online, there should be a section where you can indicate you worked in multiple states.

not totally sure but i think u shud just file in TX since ur here now. my cousin moved from arizona n had to deal w something similiar. the unemployment ppl will figure it out. they ask about previous jobs anyway

Did u try calling TWC to ask directly? Might save u some headache.

When I had a similar situation (worked in New Mexico then Texas), I needed to file what's called a 'Combined Wage Claim' through TWC. Since Texas is your most recent work state, you start here. Fill out the application online and make sure to include ALL your employment history including Oklahoma. TWC will then contact Oklahoma for your wage records. HOWEVER - and this is important - quitting voluntarily can be disqualifying UNLESS you had good cause. Moving because of a spouse's job sometimes qualifies as good cause depending on circumstances, but you'll likely need to provide documentation and possibly appeal if initially denied. After you apply, you'll get a 'Wage Determination Letter' showing all wages TWC is using to calculate your benefits. Check this carefully to make sure your Oklahoma wages are included. If not, call immediately to have it corrected. Be prepared for the process to take longer than a standard claim because interstate claims require more verification steps.

I had a similar situation but between Texas and California. Filed in Texas since it was my most recent employer. The online application has a section where you list ALL your employers for the last 18 months including out-of-state ones. When you do this, TWC automatically initiates a wage investigation with the other state. BUT you'll need to call them after filing to confirm they're actually doing this. Don't just assume they're handling it correctly. Trying to reach TWC by phone is absolute hell though. Busy signals for days.

so did u end up gettin ur benefits?? curious if moving for spouses job counts as good enuff reason

The TWC website is GARBAGE when it comes to explaining combined wage claims! I had to figure all this out the hard way. Here's what happens: You file in Texas, list ALL your jobs including Oklahoma. TWC will ask you specific questions about why you left EACH job. When they ask about Oklahoma, you MUST be 100% honest about quitting, but explain it was for your spouse's job. Here's where it gets tricky - moving for a spouse's job is considered good cause in SOME states but NOT ALL. Each state has different rules about what constitutes 'good cause' for quitting. Since your Oklahoma wages will be transferred to Texas for your claim, TEXAS rules apply to your eligibility determination. In Texas, following a spouse to another location CAN be considered good cause, especially if it was for financial necessity. BUT BUT BUT - you will almost definitely get DENIED initially and have to APPEAL. This is just how the system works. Don't give up if you get denied!

To follow up on my earlier comment about combined wage claims: be sure to gather documentation about your spouse's job offer in Texas. You'll want to show that relocating was a reasonable decision (better pay, benefits, career advancement, etc.). While preparing your application, also collect your Oklahoma pay stubs or W-2s to verify your wages there if needed. Remember that with combined wage claims, all your wages will be subject to Texas's benefit calculation formula, which might be different from Oklahoma's. The maximum weekly benefit amount in Texas is currently $622, regardless of how much you earned in either state.

One more thing about your situation - timing matters. TWC looks at your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). If your Oklahoma employment falls within this period, those wages can be included. Make sure when you file that you understand exactly which quarters will be considered for your base period. Also, prepare for your claim to take longer to process than normal. Interstate claims typically take 4-6 weeks instead of the usual 2-3 weeks because of the communication between state agencies. If you need immediate assistance while waiting, consider applying for SNAP benefits or contacting local assistance programs.