Where to File and What You Need Before You Start

In Texas, you file for unemployment through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), not through your employer or a federal office. You can file online at www.twc.texas.gov, by phone at 1-888-209-8264, or in person at a TWC office. Most people file online because it is faster and you get a confirmation number when ready.

Before you start, gather these documents: your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, the names and dates you worked for each employer in the past 18 months, and your final paycheck stub if you have it. If you were laid off or fired, have the reason ready to explain — TWC will ask. If you quit, be prepared to explain why; quitting without cause can delay or reduce your benefits.

The filing process itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes online. You will enter your work history, reason for separation, and banking information for direct deposit. TWC processes most claims within one to two weeks, though some take longer if they need to contact your employer for verification.

Key Takeaways

  • File through the Texas Workforce Commission online at www.twc.texas.gov, by phone, or in person; online is fastest.
  • You need your Social Security number, ID, work history for the past 18 months, and the reason you left each job.
  • TWC will contact your former employers to verify your employment and reason for separation, which can take one to two weeks.
  • Weekly benefits in Texas range based on your earnings history, and you must report your work search activity or any part-time work each week.
  • If TWC denies your claim, you have 15 days to file an appeal and request a hearing with a judge.

What Happens After You File

Once you submit your claim, TWC sends a notice to your last employer asking them to confirm your employment dates, final wage, and the reason you separated. Your employer has about 10 days to respond. If they say you were fired for misconduct, or if you quit without good cause, TWC may deny your claim. If they confirm a layoff or lack of work, your claim moves forward.

While TWC investigates, you will receive a information letter in the mail or through your online account. This letter tells you whether you were found monetarily may be able to access (meaning your earnings history qualifies you) and non-monetarily may be able to access (meaning the reason you left your job does not disqualify you). You need both to receive benefits.

If approved, TWC will tell you your weekly benefit amount and the week you can start claiming. You then log into your account each week to certify that you are unemployed, looking for work, and reporting any income you earned that week. Missing a weekly certification stops your payments until you file it.

Weekly Benefit Amounts and How Long They Last

Your weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings during a specific 12-month period called the base period. TWC calculates this as roughly one-quarter of your highest quarterly earnings, with a minimum of $50 and a maximum that changes yearly. In 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is $901, but most people receive less.

You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks in a standard year. If the state unemployment rate is high, you may be may be able to access for extended benefits that add 13 more weeks. You do not have to use all 26 weeks at once — if you find part-time work, you can claim partial benefits while you work.

If you earn money during a week, report it when you certify. TWC will reduce your benefit by a portion of what you earned. The exact reduction depends on your weekly benefit amount, but generally you keep some of your benefit even if you work part-time.

Work Search Requirements You Must Meet Each Week

To receive benefits, you must be actively looking for work each week. Texas requires you to make at least three work search contacts per week — that means explore for jobs, calling employers, attending interviews, or registering with a staffing agency. You do not have to prove these contacts when you certify, but TWC can ask for documentation later, and lying about your search can result in overpayment demands and fraud charges.

Some people are exempt from work search requirements: those in approved training programs, those with a temporary layoff expected to return within a set time, and those with a scheduled return-to-work date. If you think you may have access to for an exemption, mention it when you file or contact TWC to request one.

If you turn down a job offer or refuse to interview, report it when you certify. TWC will ask why. Refusing work without good cause — such as unsafe conditions, pay far below your usual wage, or a commute that is unreasonable — can disqualify you.

If TWC Denies Your Claim

If you receive a information letter saying your claim was denied, you have 15 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal. You can appeal online through your TWC account, by mail, or in person at a TWC office. Filing an appeal does not cost anything and does not hurt your case.

After you appeal, TWC schedules a hearing before an administrative law judge. You will be notified of the date and time, usually by mail. The hearing is conducted by phone or video conference. You can represent yourself or bring a representative — a lawyer, friend, or family member. Your former employer may also attend to present their side.

At the hearing, you explain why you believe you are may have access to to benefits. If the judge agrees, your benefits start or resume. If the judge upholds the denial, you can appeal again to the Appeals Board, which reviews the judge's decision. This second appeal must be filed within 15 days of the judge's decision.

Reporting Changes and Avoiding Overpayment

If your situation changes — you find a job, move, change your phone number, or start school — report it to TWC. Changes in income are especially important. If you earn money and do not report it, TWC will eventually discover the discrepancy and demand repayment of benefits you were not may have access to to, plus potential penalties.

If you return to work full-time, stop certifying for benefits when ready. Do not claim a week you worked. If you accidentally receive benefits you should not have, TWC will send you a notice of overpayment. You can request a hearing to dispute it, or you can arrange a repayment plan. Ignoring an overpayment notice can result in wage garnishment or tax refund offset.

Keep records of your work search activities — dates, company names, contact names, and how you applied. If TWC audits your claim, you will need to show that you met the work search requirement. A straightforward spreadsheet or notebook is enough.

Special Situations: Partial Unemployment, Separation Pay, and Pension

If you work part-time while receiving benefits, report your earnings each week. TWC will reduce your benefit, but you will likely still receive something. This is called partial unemployment and is common for people in transition between jobs.

If your employer gave you severance pay or separation pay when you were laid off, this can affect your benefits. TWC counts severance as wages for the week it was paid, which may reduce your benefit that week. If the severance is large, it might affect your base period calculation and lower your weekly amount. Report any severance when you file.

If you receive a pension from a former employer, it does not reduce your unemployment benefits. However, if you are receiving workers' compensation for a work injury, that will reduce your unemployment benefit dollar-for-dollar. Report any workers' compensation you are receiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my first payment after I file?

Most claims are processed within one to two weeks if your employer confirms your information quickly. Your first payment arrives one week after you certify for the first time. If your employer disputes your claim or TWC needs more information, it can take three to four weeks or longer.

Can I file for unemployment if I was fired?

Yes, but only if you were fired for reasons other than misconduct. If you were fired for being late, making mistakes, or poor performance, you may not be may be able to access. If you were fired for refusing unsafe work, discrimination, or retaliation, you likely are may be able to access. TWC will ask your employer why you were fired and make a decision based on their answer.

What if I quit my job?

Quitting disqualifies you unless you had good cause — such as unsafe working conditions, harassment, a significant cut in pay or hours, or a medical reason. Personal reasons like stress or wanting a different job are not good cause. If you quit, explain your reason when you file, and be prepared to provide details if TWC asks.

Do I have to report gig work or self-employment income?

Yes. If you drive for a rideshare company, do freelance work, or sell items online, report that income when you certify each week. This income reduces your benefit. Self-employment income also counts toward your work search requirement if you are actively trying to grow that business, but you must document your efforts.

What if I move out of Texas while receiving benefits?

Contact TWC before you move. You can continue to receive Texas benefits if you move to another state, but you will certify through Texas and report to Texas. If you move to another state and find work there, you may be able to file for that state's unemployment instead, which might give you a higher benefit. Ask TWC about your options before you move.