TWC work search log - Do I need to upload it or just keep it for later?

You only need to keep your work search log for yourself. When you submit your payment request, TWC will ask if you completed your required work search activities (which is 3 per week for Texas), but you just answer 'yes' if you did them. You don't upload the actual log unless they specifically request it during an audit. Make sure you're writing down all the details though - company name, position, contact info, application method, etc. They can request your logs up to 3 years after you file!

Yeah dont worry bout uploading anything. just keep ur notes somewhere safe in case they ask 4 it. they randomly audit ppl sometimes

TWC doesn't require you to upload your work search logs as part of the regular payment request process. However, you should maintain detailed records of all your work search activities because: 1. TWC conducts random audits where they'll specifically request your logs 2. If selected for an audit, you'll typically have 5-7 days to provide your documentation 3. Your logs should include: date of activity, employer name/contact info, position applied for, application method, and follow-up actions 4. For networking activities, include who you met with, when, and what job opportunities were discussed The best practice is to use the TWC's work search log template which you can download from their website. This ensures you're capturing all the information they might require if you're audited.

When my husband was on unemployment last winter, he just kept a spreadsheet of his job applications. Six weeks in, they randomly selected him for an audit and he had to email his logs. No big deal, but definitely keep good records!

I've been through TWC unemployment twice (laid off in 2023 and again in early 2025). Here's what they ACTUALLY care about: - You don't upload work search logs regularly - When you do your payment request, you'll just answer YES that you completed your activities - IF they audit you (I was audited once), you'll get a message in your correspondence inbox with instructions - The audit will give you about a week to submit your logs - They're looking for QUALITY not just quantity - networking events count, follow-up emails count And if you're having trouble reaching TWC about ANY questions (including work search requirements), try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I kept getting busy signals for days when I had a question about my work search requirements during my audit, but Claimyr got me through to a live person in about 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh

make sure ur doing the right TYPES of work search!! not everything counts!!! i thought going on indeed and browsing jobs counted as a work search activity and then got audited and almost lost my benefits!!! had to appeal and everything!!

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I feel much better now. I'll keep detailed records of my 3 weekly work search activities in case I get audited, but won't worry about uploading anything during my regular payment requests. I'll also make sure I'm doing the right types of activities that TWC accepts. This community is great!

One more tip - I recommend setting up a simple system to track your work search activities as you do them, rather than trying to remember later. I use a basic Google Sheet with columns for date, company, position, contact method, and any follow-up needed. Makes it super easy if you get audited and you're not scrambling to reconstruct what you did weeks ago. Also, don't forget that follow-up calls or emails count as separate work search activities if you're following up on previous applications!

Great advice everyone! As someone who's been through this process, I want to add that it's also helpful to take screenshots of your job applications when you submit them online. Sometimes companies remove job postings quickly, and having that screenshot can be useful proof that you actually applied to a specific position on a specific date. I also keep copies of any email confirmations I get after submitting applications. It might seem like overkill, but during an audit, having that extra documentation can really save you if there are any questions about your work search activities.

Just wanted to share my experience as someone who went through this recently - I kept everything in a simple notebook at first but quickly realized digital is the way to go. I created a folder on my phone where I screenshot every job application confirmation page, save PDFs of job postings, and keep photos of business cards from networking events. When I got audited 3 months into my claim, having all this digital evidence made submitting my documentation super easy. Also, don't forget that if you call a company to inquire about openings (even if they don't have any posted), that counts as a work search activity too! Just make sure to note the date, time, who you spoke with, and what was discussed.

As someone who's currently navigating the TWC system for the first time myself, I really appreciate all the detailed advice here! I've been keeping a simple notebook too, but after reading these responses, I'm definitely going to create a digital backup system. One question though - for those who've been audited, how much detail do they really want? Like if I apply through Indeed, do I need to note the specific job posting ID number, or is "Applied via Indeed for Customer Service Representative position at ABC Company on [date]" sufficient? I want to make sure I'm capturing enough detail without going overboard. Also, has anyone had experience with what happens if you can't find exactly 3 qualifying activities in a particular week due to limited job openings in your field?

I went through something similar when I first started collecting unemployment in Texas. The confusion is totally understandable! Just to echo what others have said - you're absolutely right that there's nowhere to upload your work search logs during regular payment requests. You'll just answer "yes" when asked if you completed your required activities. One thing I learned the hard way is to be really specific in your record keeping from day one. I initially wrote things like "applied at Home Depot" but when I got audited after 2 months, they wanted way more detail - which specific position, application method, confirmation numbers if available, etc. Now I use a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, specific job title, how I applied (online, in-person, email), contact person if applicable, and any follow-up actions. Also wanted to mention that Texas allows some flexibility in what counts as work search activities. If you're struggling to find 3 traditional job applications in a week (which can happen depending on your field), remember that things like attending virtual career workshops, updating your WorkInTexas.com profile, or having informational interviews with people in your industry all count too. The key is making sure they're genuine efforts to find employment, not just going through the motions. Good luck with your first payment request - sounds like you're already being diligent about tracking everything!