Texas Unemployment

Who Oversees Texas Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers and operates Texas’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program day-to-day — the UI Division of TWC takes claims, investigates separations, pays qualified claimants, collects employer wage and tax data, and enforces program rules. The Texas UI program is a federal-state partnership: the U.S. Department of Labor provides federal oversight and sets broad program rules while TWC implements the program under Texas law. At the state level the Legislature (relevant House and Senate committees) also provides oversight through law and budget. Texas Workforce Commission+1

How Can I Qualify for Unemployment Benefits in Texas?

To qualify you must meet three general categories of requirements — (1) past wages, (2) job separation, and (3) ongoing eligibility while you collect benefits.

1. Base-period wages / monetary eligibility

   • TWC looks at your wages during the base period (usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters). You must have earned enough wages in that base period to establish a claim. TWC will mail you a statement showing the wages used and the resulting potential benefit amounts after you file. Texas Workforce Commission+1

2. Separation reason (why you are unemployed)

   • If you were laid off, furloughed, or otherwise involuntarily separated for reasons beyond misconduct, you are generally eligible if you meet monetary rules.

   • If you were fired for misconduct, you may be disqualified (misconduct is defined in statute and agency rules). If you quit, you are eligible only if you had “good cause” connected to the work (e.g., unsafe conditions, reduction in hours, substantial change in terms, or other legally recognized reasons). TWC evaluates the facts of each separation. Texas Workforce Commission+1

3. Ongoing eligibility while collecting (weekly requirements)

   • To receive weekly payments you must be able and available for suitable work, be actively looking for work (TWC will require job search activities unless otherwise instructed), and truthfully report any work and earnings. TWC determines “suitable” work based on your experience, commute distance, pay and local labor conditions. Failure to satisfy ongoing eligibility (e.g., refusing suitable work) can stop payments. Texas Workforce Commission+1

Bottom line: file a claim and TWC will determine monetary eligibility and investigate the separation. If you’re unsure whether your separation counts, file the claim (TWC will review) and be prepared to document wages, communications with your employer, and reasons for leaving or firing. Texas Workforce Commission+1

How Much Will I Receive in Unemployment Benefits in Texas?

Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA): your WBA is calculated by taking the highest-earning quarter in your base period and dividing that quarter’s wages by 25, then rounding to the nearest dollar. Your WBA will fall between the state minimum and state maximum. Effective for claims filed on/after October 5, 2025, Texas’s minimum WBA is $75 and the maximum WBA is $605. Texas Workforce Commission+1

Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA) / Duration: your total benefit pool for the benefit year (the “MBA”) is 26 × your WBA or 27% of total base-period wages, whichever is less. A standard regular UI benefit year is 52 weeks long; benefits typically are available for up to 26 weeks unless extended benefits are triggered. (There are occasional state or federal extensions during very high unemployment or special programs.) Texas Workforce Commission+1

Estimate tools: TWC provides an online Benefits Estimator you can run before filing to see a likely WBA — but the estimator does not determine eligibility; TWC’s official calculation comes after you file and TWC reviews wages. Texas Workforce Commission

What’s the Process for Applying for Unemployment Benefits in Texas?

Step-by-step (typical claimant experience):

1. Gather information — have your Social Security number, driver’s license or state ID, mailing address, phone, valid email, employer names/addresses/phone numbers and dates worked (for the last 18 months), pay amounts, and reason(s) for separation. You may also need immigration documentation if non-citizen. Texas Workforce Commission+1

2. File the claim — best and fastest is to apply online through TWC’s Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) (create or use a TWC User ID). If you cannot apply online, call the TWC Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 to file. The online tutorial and PDF guide walk through each screen. Texas Workforce Commission+1

3. Identity verification — after filing you may be asked to verify your identity (TWC uses ID.me and/or USPS verification tools). Follow instructions quickly to avoid payment delays. Texas Workforce Commission

4. Employer notice and response — TWC will mail/email your most recent employer a Notice of Application asking them to respond (to verify wages and separation). Employers normally have 14 days to respond; their response may trigger an investigation or an unemployment determination. If employer does not respond timely, they may forfeit the right to contest. Texas Workforce Commission+1

5. Weekly requests for payment / work searches — once your claim is established you must request payment (biweekly or weekly depending on instructions) and meet weekly eligibility (report any work/earnings and perform required job search). Use UBS or Tele-Serv (automated phone) to request payments. Texas Workforce Commission+1

6. Decision & appeals — TWC will issue initial determinations. If you disagree, you have a right to appeal (see appeals section). Texas Workforce Commission

Tips to avoid delays: complete identity verification promptly, respond to any TWC notices, keep good records of work searches and contact details, and monitor your UBS account/email/messages for requests for documents. Texas Workforce Commission+1

How Can I Manage My Unemployment Benefits in Texas?

You manage your claim primarily through Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) online and TWC phone services:

• UBS (online account) — apply, request payments, submit work-search logs, upload documents, view payment and claim status, see 1099-G info, and file appeals or requests. You need a TWC User ID and password. TWC has tutorials and a PDF guide for using UBS. Texas Workforce Commission+1

• Tele-Serv (automated phone) — 800-558-8321 (automated) lets you request payment, check claim status and payment history, get 1099-G info, request your waiting week, and change payment options. For human help use the Tele-Center number below but expect wait times. Texas Workforce Commission

• Identity & security — TWC uses ID.me for identity verification; you may need to create/verify that account. Keep your UBS password and PIN secure; TWC explains how to set or change them. Texas Workforce Commission+1

• Payment options — TWC offers debit card or direct deposit; you can change your payment option through UBS. Keep bank info current to avoid return payments. Texas Workforce Commission

• Record keeping — save copies (screenshots or downloaded PDFs) of claim confirmations, work-search logs, uploaded documents, and any TWC notices — these are useful if TWC questions a week or issues an audit. Texas Workforce Commission

How Can I Appeal a Decision Regarding Texas Unemployment Benefits?

TWC provides a multi-step appeals process:

1. Initial appeal / request for hearing — if you disagree with a TWC determination, you may file an appeal (Appeal Tribunal) — typically you must submit a timely written appeal following the instructions and deadlines on the determination notice. You cannot appeal by email or phone; follow the allowed filing methods (online through TWC links, mail, fax, or in person at Workforce Solutions offices). Texas Workforce Commission

2. Administrative hearing — an appeal tribunal hearing is scheduled where both claimant and employer (if interested party) can present evidence and witnesses. A tribunal decision follows.

3. Commission level appeal & judicial review — if you disagree with the tribunal decision you may appeal to the Texas Workforce Commission (Commission) and then (after administrative remedies) you may bring the case to a county court at law or state district court — there are strict statutory deadlines for each step (the Commission page explains timelines and required steps). You must exhaust the TWC administrative appeals options before going to civil court. Texas Workforce Commission+1

Practical advice: read your determination carefully for the exact deadline and address for filing appeals, keep copies of all filings, and submit any requested evidence (pay stubs, employer communications) before the hearing. If you need legal help (e.g., complicated misconduct or benefits recoupment), consider consulting an employment/unemployment benefits attorney or your local legal aid. Texas Workforce Commission+1

How Can I Report Unemployment Fraud in Texas?

If you suspect someone filed a fraudulent unemployment claim using your identity or you spot other UI fraud:

• Use TWC’s secure online fraud portal to report unemployment identity fraud or suspected fraud. There is a specific online form to submit documents and explanations. If the fraudulent claim was filed in another state, report it to that state’s agency. Texas Workforce Commission+1

• TWC Fraud Hotline (anonymous) — you may call 800-252-3642 to submit an anonymous tips line for reporting suspected fraud in a TWC program. The website explains what to include (dates, details, any supporting documents). Texas Workforce Commission+1

• If you receive a notice for a claim you didn’t file — follow the instructions on the TWC notice and immediately report via the fraud portal and keep copies of the notice and any mail you received. If identity fraud occurred, also consider placing fraud alerts with credit bureaus and monitoring your credit. Texas Workforce Commission+1

How Can I Speak to a Representative at Texas Unemployment Customer Service?

TWC offers several phone lines and online contacts:

• Unemployment Tele-Center (to file a claim or get help from staff): 800-939-6631. This is the main number claimants use if they cannot apply or manage via UBS. Texas Workforce Commission+1

• Tele-Serv (automated) for routine account functions: 800-558-8321 (request payment, check status, 1099-G, request waiting week, change payment options). Texas Workforce Commission

• General TWC contact (agency switchboard): 800-628-5115 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CST) for general inquiries. Texas Workforce Commission

Practical note: wait times can be long during busy periods. Before calling, have your SSN, TWC User ID, claim number (if known), and any relevant dates at hand. Use UBS for many tasks to avoid phone queues. Texas Workforce Commission+1

What Happens if I Was Fired?

TWC investigates the reason for the firing to determine eligibility:

• If fired for no fault (e.g., layoff, job elimination, inability to perform due to lack of work): Generally eligible if you meet monetary and ongoing eligibility rules. Texas Workforce Commission

• If fired for misconduct connected to work (as defined in statute/rules): you can be disqualified from receiving benefits for some period. Misconduct typically involves willful or wanton disregard of employer’s interests, deliberate violation of reasonable work rules, or actions that breach employer trust. TWC examines employer statements, witness accounts, and documentation. Texas Workforce Commission+1

If your employer contests your claim: TWC will notify you and your employer and will investigate. You will get a determination; if you disagree you can appeal. Keep any evidence that disproves employer assertions (emails, pay records, witness names). Texas Workforce Commission+1

What Happens if I Quit My Job?

Quitting is treated differently than a layoff:

• Voluntary quit without good cause: generally disqualifies you from benefits. Good cause must be connected to the work (examples that may qualify: unsafe working conditions, harassment you reported and employer didn’t correct, significant reduction in pay/hours, medical reasons documented by a provider, or other legally recognized reasons). TWC evaluates the facts objectively. Texas Workforce Commission+1

• If you quit for good cause and can document it: you may be eligible — but you should be ready to provide evidence (messages, complaint records, medical records, employer responses). TWC will issue a determination based on the submitted evidence. Texas Workforce Commission+1

Practical advice: if you are considering quitting and hope to claim UI, first document the problem and any steps you took to resolve it with your employer (calls, emails, HR complaints). If possible, consult with TWC or an employment attorney before quitting — filing after a quit will require proof that the quit was for good cause. Texas Workforce Commission+1

Texas Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations