TWC work search requirements - can I use non-WorkInTexas job applications?
I'm currently receiving unemployment benefits and trying to keep up with the work search requirements. I've been applying to jobs through LinkedIn and Indeed, but someone told me that TWC only counts applications through WorkInTexas.gov as valid work search activities. Is this true? Do all my job applications HAVE to be through the WorkInTexas site to count toward my weekly work search requirements? I've already submitted 5 applications this week but now I'm worried they won't count and my benefits might get suspended. Help!
17 comments
Join the conversation
Malik Thomas
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.
0 coins
Emma Wilson
•Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. I was getting ready to redo all my applications through WorkInTexas. I've been keeping a spreadsheet with all that information for each application, so sounds like I'm good.
0 coins
Isabella Oliveira
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
0 coins
Malik Thomas
•The work search requirements are actually statewide, not county-specific. Your brother might have had issues for other reasons - maybe he wasn't meeting the minimum number of work search activities or couldn't provide proper documentation during an audit. But the platform itself (WorkInTexas vs. other job sites) isn't the determining factor.
0 coins
Ravi Kapoor
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!!
0 coins
Freya Larsen
•Same thing happened to my cousin. They cut her off even tho she was applying to jobs everywhere. System is rigged.
0 coins
GalacticGladiator
•I've been through the TWC unemployment system twice in the past 3 years, and I can confirm this is incorrect. I never once used WorkInTexas for my job applications (used Indeed, LinkedIn and direct company sites), and I never had any issues with my benefits. If your benefits were cut off, it was likely for a different reason such as not meeting the minimum number of work search activities or not properly documenting them during an audit. The TWC does not require use of WorkInTexas specifically, though they do encourage it.
0 coins
Omar Zaki
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.
0 coins
Emma Wilson
•Thank you for the clear explanation! This clears up my confusion completely. I'll keep detailed records of all my applications regardless of where I apply.
0 coins
Ravi Kapoor
•Then why did they cut off my benefits??? I had proof of all my applications but they still said I wasn't complying with requirements!
0 coins
Omar Zaki
•Without knowing the specific details of your case, I can't say exactly why your benefits were interrupted. There are several reasons this could happen beyond just the platform used for applications: - Not meeting county-specific minimum requirements (some counties require more than 3 activities) - Activities that don't qualify under TWC guidelines (some networking doesn't count) - Incomplete documentation during an audit - Missing a scheduled appointment or required check-in - Issues unrelated to work search (earnings reporting, availability for work, etc.) If you believe there was an error, you can appeal the decision or contact TWC for clarification about your specific case.
0 coins
Chloe Taylor
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.
0 coins
GalacticGladiator
•If anyone needs to reach TWC and is struggling to get through, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me connect with a TWC agent without the endless busy signals. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh or visit claimyr.com. It basically holds your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to sort out an issue with my work search documentation.
0 coins
Isabella Oliveira
wait u have to do 3 per week?? i thought it was 5?? oh no
0 coins
Omar Zaki
•The minimum requirement for most Texas counties is 3 work search activities per week. However, some counties may have different requirements. You can verify the specific requirement for your county on the TWC website or in the documentation TWC sent you when your claim was approved. If you've been doing 5, you're exceeding the minimum requirement for most counties, which is fine.
0 coins
Freya Larsen
i just use indeed lol never had a problem with my unemployment checks
0 coins
Emma Wilson
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!
0 coins