Before attempting to apply for benefits, check that the minimum qualifications for Texas unemployment compensation are met. These requirements include having earned a minimum amount of wages, acceptable reason for departure from employer, and searching for work. After reviewing these qualifications, the applicant can begin the process of claiming Texas unemployment insurance. Unemployment compensation in Texas is handled by the Texas Workforce commission (TWC).
Contact the TWC to Register for Texas Workforce Finder
Before filing for unemployment insurance, apply for Texas workforce finder. Workforce finder can be applied for by either going to the nearest workforce center or by applying online at Texasworkforce.org.
Applying and using this search engine to find full-time work is a requirement to keep unemployment benefits. If applying for unemployment insurance in Texas but living in another state, then apply with the current states workforce program.
File a Texas Unemployment Compensation Claim by Phone
Texas unemployment insurance benefits can be applied for either online or by phone. To apply by phone, call one of the following local numbers, or the 1-800 number if a local number is not provided. Customer Service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Austin local: (512) 340-4300
- Dallas local: (972) 339-6200
- El Paso local: (915) 832-6400
- Fort Worth local: (817) 420-1600
- Houston local: (281) 983-1100
- McAllen local: (956) 984-4700
- San Antonio local: (210) 258-6600
- Others call toll free: 1-800-939-6631
File a Texas Unemployment Compensation Claim Online
To apply online, the following information is needed in addition to the contact information and social security number of the applicant:
- Business name and address of last job
- Hire date and final day of work for last job
- The number of hours worked for current week (if any)
- Information on wages received
To apply online go to the TWC's website.
Receiving Texas Unemployment Insurance Payments
Unemployment benefits payments must be requested every two weeks, by phone or online, while on unemployment. When requesting a payment of benefits, the system will check to make sure that all eligibility requirements are stilling being met. This includes providing proof of looking for a full-time job, and actively using the workforce search engine.
Debit cards are used for the payment of Texas unemployment compensation benefits. After requesting benefits every other week, the payment is transferred to the debit card for withdrawal at an ATM, or use wherever Visa is accepted. The applicant will receive the debit card by mail after the first time they request a payment.
For additional information on Texas unemployment, please refer to the Texas Workforce Commission’s website, or the local workforce office. They will be able to provide the most up-to-date information on payment amounts and application processing times.
August 2010 Update on Texas Unemployment Benefit Extension
As of July, 2010, the U.S. Congress approved an extension of the Federal Emergency Unemployment (EUB) program. This allows people receiving benefits to continue receiving benefits beyond the 26 weeks that Texas provides. Additional information on the extension is available at Texas Unemployment Benefits Extension: July 2010 Update. For more information on this topic, see: Eligibility for Texas Unemployment Compensation.
Source:
Texas Workforce Commission (accessed 3/1/2010)
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
