Texas Unemployment Benefits: Complete Filing Guide
How to file for unemployment in Texas. TWC requirements, benefit amounts, weekly certification, and step-by-step instructions for TX unemployment.
Table of Contents
Financial Disclaimer
This article provides general information about financial matters and is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Benefits, tax rules, and regulations change frequently and vary by location.
For personalized guidance, consult a qualified financial advisor, CPA, or your state's unemployment office.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers unemployment insurance benefits for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This guide covers eligibility, filing, benefit amounts, and ongoing requirements for Texas unemployment benefits.
Texas Unemployment at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $563 |
| Maximum benefit duration | 26 weeks |
| Waiting period | None (eliminated) |
| Filing method | Online at Unemployment Benefits Services |
| Administering agency | Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) |
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Texas unemployment benefits, you must:
Earnings Requirements
Base period: Texas uses your wages from the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
Minimum earnings: You must have been paid wages in at least two quarters of your base period and have total base period wages of at least 37 times your weekly benefit amount.
Work Requirements
- Lost job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
- Physically able to work and available for full-time work
- Actively seeking employment each week
- Registered for work with WorkInTexas.com
How to File in Texas
Online (Recommended)
Website: Unemployment Benefits Services
Steps:
- Create an account or log in
- Complete your unemployment claim application
- Register at WorkInTexas.com (required)
- Request payment every two weeks
By Phone
TWC Tele-Center: 800-939-6631
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 7 PM; Saturday, 9 AM - 3 PM
Information You'll Need
- Social Security Number
- Driver's license or state ID number
- Employment history for the last 18 months
- Last employer's name, address, dates worked, and reason for separation
- Alien registration number (if applicable)
Benefit Amounts in Texas
Calculating Your Weekly Benefit
Texas calculates your weekly benefit based on wages in your base period.
Formula: Highest quarter wages ÷ 25 = Weekly Benefit Amount
Minimum weekly benefit: $72 Maximum weekly benefit: $563
Example Calculations
| Highest Quarter Earnings | Weekly Benefit |
|---|---|
| $5,000 | $200 |
| $7,500 | $300 |
| $10,000 | $400 |
| $14,075+ | $563 (maximum) |
Total Benefit Amount
Maximum total benefits: 26 weeks or 27% of your total base period wages, whichever is less.
Certifying for Benefits (Payment Requests)
You must request payment every two weeks to continue receiving benefits.
How to Request Payment
Online: Log into Unemployment Benefits Services
By phone: TWC Tele-Center (800-939-6631)
By IVR: Call the automated payment request line
Work Search Requirements
Texas requires you to:
- Complete at least 3 work search activities per week
- Document all work search activities
- Be registered with WorkInTexas.com
- Be available for and actively seeking full-time work
Working While Receiving Benefits
You can work part-time and still receive partial benefits.
How It Works
- Report all earnings when you request payment
- The first 25% of your weekly benefit amount is disregarded
- Remaining earnings reduce your benefits dollar-for-dollar
Severance Pay in Texas
Lump-sum severance: Generally does NOT affect benefits
Salary continuation: May be considered wages and affect benefits
Report all severance payments when filing your claim.
Appeals Process
If denied, you have 14 calendar days from the mailing date to appeal.
- File your appeal online, by mail, or by fax
- Attend a telephone hearing
- Receive a decision from the hearing officer
Key Takeaways
- Maximum benefit is $563/week for up to 26 weeks
- No waiting period in Texas
- Must register with WorkInTexas.com
- Request payment every two weeks
- Complete 3 work search activities per week
- Appeal deadline is 14 days if denied
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