File through the Texas Workforce Commission website or by phone

In Texas, you file for unemployment through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), not through your employer or a private company. You can file online at www.twc.texas.gov, by phone at 1-800-939-6631, or in person at a TWC office. Most people file online because it is faster and you get a confirmation number when ready.

The online filing takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you have your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your last job — employer name, address, and the dates you worked there. You will also need to know your last pay date and how much you earned in the past 18 months. Have these details ready before you start.

If you file online, you can start the process, save it, and come back to finish it later. The system will email you a confirmation once you submit. If you file by phone, a TWC representative will ask you the same questions and file the claim while you are on the call.

Key Takeaways

  • File directly with the Texas Workforce Commission at www.twc.texas.gov, not with your employer or a third-party website.
  • You will need your Social Security number, ID number, and your last employer's name, address, and employment dates.
  • Online filing at the TWC website is the fastest method and gives you a confirmation number right away.
  • After you file, TWC will mail you a debit card within 7 to 10 days if your claim is found to have merit.
  • You must file a weekly claim each week you want to receive a payment, even if you have already filed your initial claim.

What happens after you file your initial claim

Once you submit your claim, TWC reviews it to make sure you meet the basic requirements — you lost your job through no fault of your own, you earned enough in the past 18 months, and you are ready and able to work. This review usually takes one to three weeks. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you whether your claim has merit or whether TWC needs more information from you or your employer.

If TWC approves your claim, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 days. This card works like a regular bank card and you can use it to withdraw money or make purchases. The card will show your weekly benefit amount — the maximum in Texas is currently $521 per week, but your amount depends on how much you earned before you lost your job.

If TWC denies your claim or needs more information, the letter will explain why and tell you how to respond. You can request a hearing if you disagree with the decision. The hearing is free and you can attend by phone.

Filing your weekly claim each week

After your initial claim is approved, you must file a weekly claim every week you want to receive a payment. You do this through the same TWC website or by phone. The weekly claim takes about 5 minutes and asks whether you worked that week, how much you earned if you did work, and whether you are still looking for a job.

Weekly claims are due by the end of the week you are claiming for — usually by Sunday or Monday, depending on when your claim week ends. TWC will tell you your claim week schedule in the letter that approves your initial claim. If you miss the important date, you lose the payment for that week and cannot claim it later.

You can file your weekly claim online, by phone, or through the TWC mobile app. Many people set a phone reminder for the same day each week so they do not forget.

Using a TWC office in person

If you prefer to file in person or need help with your claim, you can visit a TWC office. Texas has offices in most cities and counties. To find the office nearest you, go to www.twc.texas.gov and search for "office locations" or call 1-800-939-6631 and ask for the address.

Walk-in hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some offices require you to schedule an appointment online before you come in. Bring your Social Security number, ID, and information about your last job. A TWC representative can help you file your claim on a computer at the office if you do not have internet at home.

What to do if you cannot reach TWC by phone

During busy periods — especially right after a large layoff or economic downturn — the phone lines fill up quickly and you may wait on hold for hours or get a busy signal. If this happens, file online instead. The online system does not have wait times and you will get a confirmation number the same day.

If you have a specific question that requires talking to someone, try calling early in the morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Mondays and Fridays are usually busier. You can also email TWC through the website, though responses may take several days.

Protecting yourself from fraud

Be cautious of websites or phone numbers that claim to help you file for unemployment in Texas. Scammers sometimes create fake TWC websites or call people claiming to be from TWC and asking for personal information or payment. The real TWC website is www.twc.texas.gov and the real phone number is 1-800-939-6631. TWC will never ask you to pay a fee to file a claim or to receive your benefits.

If you receive a call or email claiming to be from TWC and asking for money or unusual personal information, hang up or delete it and call the real TWC number to report it. Do not click links in emails claiming to be from TWC — instead, go directly to www.twc.texas.gov by typing the address into your browser yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for unemployment if I quit my job?

In most cases, no. TWC requires that you lost your job through no fault of your own. If you quit without a good reason related to your work or employer, you are not may be able to access. If you quit because of unsafe conditions, wage theft, or harassment, you may have a case. File a claim and explain your reason — TWC will investigate.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

If your claim is approved, you will receive your debit card within 7 to 10 days. Your first payment will be loaded onto the card once you file your first weekly claim. The whole process from filing your initial claim to receiving your first payment usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

What if my employer says I was fired for misconduct?

TWC will contact your employer and ask them to explain why they fired you. You will have a chance to respond in writing or at a hearing. Misconduct means you deliberately broke a rule or did something you knew was wrong. Being slow at your job or making an honest mistake usually does not count as misconduct.

Can I file for unemployment if I am self-employed?

Texas does not cover self-employed workers under regular unemployment insurance. However, if you were self-employed and also worked as an employee for someone else, you may be able to file based on your employee wages. File a claim and list all your jobs — TWC will determine what you are may be able to access for.

What if I moved out of Texas after I lost my job?

You can still file for unemployment in Texas if you worked there and lost your job there, even if you now live in another state. File through the Texas Workforce Commission website or phone number. If you are now working in another state, that state may have its own unemployment program you should also look into.