How to Apply for Unemployed Benefits in Texas
Unemployment benefits are payments made to those who are out of work. The money used to pay unemployment benefits comes from taxes employers have paid to state and federal governments. Unemployment benefits are only paid to those who are registered as unemployed with the state agency that administers the payments. There are also other restrictions that apply for those seeking unemployment benefits. In Texas, you can apply for unemployment benefits through a process that includes an online and telephone claim system.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Make a case. Ask yourself these questions: "Do I qualify for unemployment benefits based on the reasons why I'm no longer with my last employer?" and "Have I worked long enough to receive payments?" Unemployment benefits are not paid to those who were let go from their job because of misconduct or abandonment. Also, to qualify for payments you must have earned enough wages during the "base period," a 12-month period used to calculate your benefits.
-
2
Gather up your personal information, such as Social Security number, alien registration number if you're not an American citizen, last employer's business name and address, first and last dates worked, number of hours worked and pay rate. You will need to provide accurate information to the Texas Workforce Commission.
-
-
3
Log on to the Texas Workforce Commission's website, www.twc.state.tx.us, or call one of the agency's Texas Unemployment Insurance Tele-Centers to file an unemployment benefits claim. Enter your personal information and last employer's information to submit a claim.
-
4
Register for work at www.WorkInTexas.com. You now have three days to start actively seeking employment. Make a log of every job contact you make and be ready to submit the information when officials from the Texas Workforce Commission request it.
-
5
Wait for a decision. The Texas Workforce Commission will conduct an investigation into the reason you are no longer employed. If you are approved to receive benefits, payments are made to a Visa debit card account that is sent to you in the mail. Those who are denied benefits have 14 days to file an appeal.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Apply quickly for unemployment benefits because it could take three to four weeks from the date you file before a decision is made. Do not wait until you run out of money.
Develop a weekday routine for looking for work that involves sending resumes, making phone and personal contacts and making follow-up contacts.
Request payments online or over the phone every two weeks through the Texas Workforce Commission, if approved. The agency only pays for the weeks that you have submitted a request.
Committing fraud by providing false information and not reporting income and work will immediately stop payments. If it's discovered that you have committed fraud, you will have to pay the money back. You could also be charged, convicted and sentenced to jail.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit job image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
