TWC work search requirements - can I use non-WorkInTexas job applications?

No, your job applications don't have to be exclusively through WorkInTexas. TWC accepts job applications from any source - LinkedIn, Indeed, company websites, etc. What matters is that you're doing at least 3 qualifying work search activities per week and documenting them properly. Keep track of the employer name, date applied, position, how you applied, and contact information in case you get selected for a work search audit later. Just make sure what you're doing counts as a valid work search activity according to TWC guidelines.

I think it depends on ur county? My brother got in trouble cuz he wasnt using workinTexas last yr so idk maybe rules r different in diff areas

THEY'RE LYING TO YOU!!! TWC ABSOLUTELY does monitor if you're using WorkInTexas or not! I got my benefits CUT OFF for three weeks because I wasn't using their stupid system even though I was applying to 5+ jobs a week. Their "official" policy might say any job applications count, but the REALITY is they want you using their system so they can TRACK YOU. Don't believe anyone who says otherwise!!

TWC employment specialist here. Let me clarify: You do NOT need to use WorkInTexas.gov exclusively for your work search activities. While TWC does encourage using WorkInTexas because it's designed specifically for Texas job seekers, applications through any platform (LinkedIn, Indeed, company websites) absolutely count toward your work search requirements. What matters is: 1. Meeting your required number of work search activities weekly (minimum 3 for most counties) 2. Ensuring activities qualify under TWC guidelines (job applications, interviews, networking events, etc.) 3. Documenting each activity properly (date, employer name, position, contact info, method of application) If you're selected for a work search audit, you'll need to provide this documentation. Keep good records regardless of which platform you use to apply.

When I was on unemployment last year I actually called them about this exact thing! They said any job application counts, not just WorkInTexas ones. But you should really try calling to confirm for yourself. It took me FOREVER to get through to anyone though, I was calling for like 3 days straight and kept getting disconnected or busy signals.

wait u have to do 3 per week?? i thought it was 5?? oh no

i just use indeed lol never had a problem with my unemployment checks

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much better now understanding that my LinkedIn and Indeed applications will count. I'll continue documenting everything carefully in case of an audit. I appreciate everyone taking the time to share their knowledge and experiences!

Just wanted to add my experience - I've been on unemployment twice in the past few years and exclusively used Indeed, LinkedIn, and company career pages for my job applications. Never had any issues with my benefits or work search requirements. The key is really just keeping detailed records like others mentioned. I use a simple Excel spreadsheet with columns for date, company name, position, website/method used, and any follow-up actions. During my one audit, they were totally fine with applications from any legitimate job site as long as I could show I was actively searching and meeting the minimum weekly requirements. Don't stress too much about which platform you use - focus on quality applications and good documentation!

As someone who just went through the unemployment process recently, I can confirm what others have said - you absolutely don't need to use WorkInTexas exclusively! I did probably 80% of my applications through LinkedIn and Indeed, with only occasional use of WorkInTexas when I found something interesting there. Never had any issues with my benefits. The most important thing is keeping really good records. I created a Google Sheet with tabs for each week, and tracked: date applied, company name, job title, where I applied (LinkedIn/Indeed/company site), contact person if available, and any follow-up I did. When I got randomly selected for a work search review, having this organized documentation made the process super smooth. One tip: if you apply through Indeed or LinkedIn, try to also note down the original company name since sometimes the job postings are through recruiters. TWC wants to see you're applying to real positions with real employers. Good luck with your job search!

I went through this same worry when I first started collecting! The good news is that TWC definitely accepts applications from all legitimate job sites - I've used ZipRecruiter, Monster, and even Craigslist (for legitimate postings) without any problems. The key thing I learned is that TWC cares more about whether your work search activities are genuine and well-documented than which specific platform you use. One thing that really helped me was setting up a simple system: I take screenshots of each application confirmation page and save them in a folder on my phone, plus I immediately add the details to my tracking spreadsheet. This way if I ever get audited, I have both the detailed records AND visual proof that I actually submitted each application. Also, don't forget that work search activities aren't just applications - you can also count things like attending virtual job fairs, networking events, or even creating/updating your professional profiles on LinkedIn. Just make sure whatever you do falls under their approved activities list. You sound like you're being really diligent about this, so I'm sure you'll be fine!

I just want to echo what everyone else has said - you definitely don't need to stick to WorkInTexas only! I was on unemployment for about 4 months last year and did probably 90% of my applications through Indeed and company websites. Never had a single issue with my benefits. One thing I learned the hard way though is to be really specific in your documentation. Don't just write "applied to marketing job at ABC Company" - include the exact job title as it appeared in the posting, the date you applied, and how you applied (Indeed, company website, etc.). I got selected for a work search audit in my third month, and they asked pretty detailed questions about specific applications. Having that level of detail saved me a lot of stress. Also, if you're worried about meeting your weekly requirements, remember that phone calls to employers about job openings can count too, as long as you document who you spoke with and when. Sometimes a quick follow-up call after an online application can count as a second work search activity for that same position. Just make sure you're following TWC's guidelines on what qualifies!

I've been on unemployment for about 6 weeks now and can add another voice confirming that you absolutely don't need to use WorkInTexas exclusively! I've been using a mix of LinkedIn, Indeed, company career pages, and occasionally Glassdoor, and haven't had any issues with my benefits at all. What really helped me stay organized was creating a simple Google Form that I fill out immediately after each application. It automatically timestamps everything and feeds into a spreadsheet, so I don't have to worry about forgetting details later. I include fields for company name, position title, where I applied, contact info if available, and any notes about the role or application process. The peace of mind from having everything documented properly is worth the extra few minutes per application. Plus if you ever do get audited, having consistent, detailed records from day one will make the process much smoother. Keep up the good work with your job search!

I went through this exact same panic when I first started collecting unemployment! Just to add my voice to the chorus - you absolutely do NOT need to use WorkInTexas exclusively. I've been using primarily LinkedIn and Indeed for the past 8 weeks and have had zero issues with my benefits. What I found super helpful was creating a dedicated email folder just for job application confirmations. Most sites send you a confirmation email when you apply, so I immediately move those to a "Job Search - [Week of Date]" folder. This gives me both a paper trail and makes it easy to count how many applications I submitted each week. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: if you're applying to multiple positions at the same company (which happens a lot on LinkedIn), make sure to document each application separately. I applied to 3 different roles at one company in the same week and initially only counted it as one work search activity - but each individual application actually counts as its own activity! You're being really proactive by keeping that spreadsheet, so you're definitely on the right track. Don't let the misinformation stress you out - focus your energy on finding great opportunities wherever they are!

I was in the exact same situation about 2 months ago and can definitely confirm what everyone else is saying - you absolutely don't need to use WorkInTexas exclusively! I did maybe 10% of my applications through WorkInTexas and the rest through LinkedIn, Indeed, and company websites. Never had any problems with my unemployment benefits. One thing that really helped me was using the notes app on my phone to immediately jot down application details right after submitting each one. Then I'd transfer everything to a proper spreadsheet at the end of each day. This way I never forgot important details like the exact job title or application method. Also, just a heads up - networking events and job fairs (even virtual ones) can count toward your work search requirements too. I attended a couple virtual job fairs through my local workforce center and those counted as activities. It's worth checking if your area has any upcoming events since they can be a nice break from just submitting applications online. You sound like you're being really thorough with your documentation, so I wouldn't stress too much about it. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll be fine!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who recently completed their unemployment period and found a job! I used exclusively Indeed and LinkedIn for my entire 12-week job search and never once touched WorkInTexas. Not only did I never have any issues with my benefits, but when I got randomly selected for a work search audit in week 8, the TWC representative actually complimented me on how well-organized my documentation was. My system was pretty simple: I kept a running Google Doc with each week separated by headers, and for each application I noted the date, company name, exact job title from the posting, platform used (Indeed/LinkedIn/company site), and a brief note about the role. I also saved PDF copies of job postings when possible since sometimes they get taken down. The audit was honestly way less scary than I expected - they just wanted to verify I was meeting the 3 weekly requirements and that my applications were to legitimate positions. Since I had detailed records from day one, the whole thing took about 15 minutes over the phone. Don't let anyone scare you into thinking you HAVE to use WorkInTexas - focus on applying to quality positions wherever you find them and keeping good records. You've got this!