How Do I Apply for Unemployment Benefits with the Texas Workforce Commission?

Introduction

If you have recently become unemployed and live in Texas. you need to learn how to apply for unemployment from the Texas Workforce Commission. The sooner you can get unemployment benefits, the easier it will be to get by while you look for a new job.

What You'll Need

To apply for unemployment benefits, you will need:Your previous employer's phone number and addressYour social security number (or alien registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen)Your previous job's start and end datesYour pay rateThe hours you workedThe start and end dates of your military service if you served in the last 18 monthsTo get unemployment benefits, you need to register for work with Work in Texas within three days of making your application. You must also document your work search.

You must be available for full time work.

You will not receive benefits for your first week of unemployment, called "the waiting week," until you have been paid at least two time your weekly benefit amount and have either found full time work or run out of unemployment benefits.

You have the right to appeal the decision if the Texas Workforce Commission denies your application for unemployment benefits.

You may qualify for unemployment benefits even if you are still employed, if your hours have been reduced.

Go to the Texas Workforce Commission's Apply for Benefits page.

Texas Workforce Commission's Apply for Benefits page

Scroll down until you reach the Get Started header.

Click on the Apply for Benefits link.

Log in to your Texas Workforce Commission account.

If you do not already have one, you can register for an account here too.

Enter all required information in the text fields provided.

Choose a PIN to use for signing documents.

Select a payment method to use to receive your unemployment benefits.

Review the information you have provided to make sure that it is all accurate.

Click on Submit.

You will be taken to the Claim Confirmation page.

Print out the Claim Confirmation page.

It has important information on it.

Click the Next button.

Read the information about the things you need to do if you are accepted for unemployment benefits.

Go to the Work in Texas website.

Click on the Register button in the upper right corner of the screen to register with Work in Texas, which you will use to find a new job.

Wait for a notification from the Texas Workforce Commission about the status of your application.

Conclusion

If you have any questions during the application process or while you are waiting, call a customer service representative at the Texas Workforce Commission. The call center is open seven days a week from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm CST.