TWC work registration requirement - can I skip WorkInTexas registration if I had UI before?
So I just filed for unemployment last week after getting laid off from my construction job. I remember the TWC agent mentioning something about having to register on WorkInTexas.com, but I totally forgot until today. It's been like 6 days since I applied! Am I going to lose my benefits? Also, I had unemployment back in 2023 for like 3 months and I'm pretty sure I registered then. Do I still have to do it again or am I already in the system? The TWC website is confusing and I've been on hold for 2 hours trying to ask someone directly. Really don't want to mess up my claim over this registration thing.
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Paolo Esposito
You absolutely need to register with WorkInTexas.com as soon as possible! It's a requirement for ALL unemployment claims, even if you've had unemployment before. Not registering can definitely affect your benefits - TWC can withhold payments until you complete this step. Your previous registration won't count if it's been more than a year. I recommend: 1. Register immediately on WorkInTexas.com today 2. Take screenshots as proof you completed it 3. Make note of your registration date If your first payment request is coming up, do WorkInTexas registration BEFORE you submit that request. The system checks for your registration status when processing payments.
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Keisha Brown
•Omg thank you!! Going to register right now. Do you know if they'll deny payments retroactively since I didn't register right away? I'm supposed to request payment tomorrow actually
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Amina Toure
i had same problem in febuary. ignored the workinTexas thing for like 2 weeks and my payment got delayed. big headache. just do it asap man dont wait!!
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Oliver Weber
For anyone reading this thread with similar questions, here's the official policy: WorkInTexas registration is a MANDATORY requirement for ALL unemployment claims in Texas, regardless of whether you've filed before. Your previous registration typically expires after 90 days of inactivity, so you'll almost certainly need to register again for a new claim. Here's what happens if you don't register: - TWC can and will hold your benefit payments - You could potentially be disqualified from receiving benefits entirely - Even if you do eventually register, you might not get back pay for weeks you weren't registered The work registration requirement is separate from your weekly work search requirements (which is currently 3 work search activities per week for most claimants). Both must be fulfilled to maintain eligibility.
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FireflyDreams
•THIS!!!! The TWC agents won't always explain this clearly! They just say "register on WorkInTexas" but don't explain WHY or WHAT HAPPENS if you don't. I wish they would put this in bold on their website.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
I waited 2 weeks to register with WorkInTexas back in January and TWC put my payments on hold. Had to call them about 100 times before I could get someone to review my case. I spent DAYS just getting busy signals and disconnections. FINALLY I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC agent in less than 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh After I got through to TWC, they told me I needed to register on WorkInTexas immediately, and that I wouldn't get any payments until I did. Once I registered and called back to let them know, they released my payment within 3 days. Definitely don't delay on this!
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Keisha Brown
•Thanks for sharing this. I'll check out that service if I can't get through soon. Just spent an hour registering on WorkInTexas - that site is TERRIBLE on mobile!
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Javier Morales
I think everybody is overreacting a little bit here!!! I forgot to register on WorkInTexas for like a MONTH when I filed last year and my payments were fine. Maybe I just got lucky tho? Anyway the registration only takes like 15 min so just do it
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Oliver Weber
•You definitely got lucky. TWC's enforcement of the work registration requirement varies depending on their current backlog and staffing. During peak claim periods, they sometimes process payments without immediately verifying all requirements. However, they can (and often do) conduct retroactive reviews and issue overpayment notices if they find you weren't in compliance. I wouldn't recommend anyone count on getting "lucky" - the potential consequences of delayed payments or overpayment notices are too significant.
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Emma Anderson
Quick question related to this - does creating a WorkInTexas profile automatically count as registering for work? Or are there additional steps after creating the profile?
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Paolo Esposito
•No, creating a profile is just the first step! To be fully "registered for work" you need to: 1. Complete your entire profile including work history 2. Upload a resume or create one using their system 3. Set your job preferences 4. Make your profile viewable to employers If you don't complete ALL these steps, TWC may not consider you properly registered. The system will show your registration as "incomplete" until all required sections are filled out. Don't just create the account and stop - you need to finish the entire profile setup.
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Amina Toure
do you still have to regester if your on DUA disaster benfits??
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FireflyDreams
•DUA is different! For Disaster Unemployment Assistance the work registration requirement is sometimes waived depending on the disaster declaration. You should check your determination letter or call TWC to confirm, but generally DUA claims don't have the same WorkInTexas requirements as regular UI.
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Keisha Brown
UPDATE: I finally got registered on WorkInTexas and made my first payment request today. The TWC rep I spoke with (after 3 hours on hold!) said since I registered before my first payment request, I should be fine. She said they look for the registration when they process the payment request, not when you first apply. Just wanted to update in case anyone else is in a similar situation. Also, that WorkInTexas site is BRUTAL - took forever to fill everything out and it kept timing out.
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Oliver Weber
•That's great news! You did exactly the right thing by registering before your first payment request. And yes, the WorkInTexas site is notoriously difficult to use - it's running on very outdated technology. Remember that in addition to being registered on WorkInTexas, you'll need to complete and document at least 3 work search activities each week before submitting your biweekly payment requests. The TWC is currently requiring 3 work search activities per week for most claimants, though this can vary by county and occupation.
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