Apply for Unemployment Benefits

Apply for benefits as soon as you are unemployed or your work hours are reduced. Your claim starts on the Sunday of the week you apply for benefits. Do not apply until after your last workday. We cannot pay benefits for weeks before you became unemployed.

If you worked in a state other than Texasyou need to apply for benefits in that state. If you worked in more than one stateyou may be able to combine two or more state claims into one claim. See If You Earned Wages in More than One State.

If your last job was for a temporary agency or staff leasing companyyou have additional requirements you must meet before you can apply for benefits:

• If your last job was for a temporary agencyyou must:
  • Immediately contact the temporary agency for a new assignment.
  • Wait three business days after your last assignment ended before applying for benefits.
  • The agency has three business days to offer you a new assignment. If you turn down the next assignmentyou may not be eligible for benefits.
• If your last job was for a staff leasing companyyou must immediately contact the staff leasing company for a new assignment.

See If Your Last Work was Temporary Employment to learn how temporary work affects your benefits.

You must provide your:

• Social Security number (SSN)
• Valid (unexpired) state Driver License number or state Identification Card number
• Last employer’s business nameaddressand phone number
• First and last dates (monthdayand year) you worked for your last employer. If you worked for your last employer on more than one occasionprovide the most recent employment dates.
• Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked the week you apply (Sunday through Saturday)
• Information about the normal wage for the job you are seeking
• Military employment (service) start/end dates and a copy of your DD Form 214(s)(member copy 4 through 8)if you served in the military during the past 18 months
• Alien Registration number (if not a U.S. citizen or national)

Note: As of March 92024nationals of the Federated States of Micronesiathe Republic of the Marshall Islandsand the Republic of Palau may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they are lawfully residing in the United States and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Apply for benefits in one of two ways:

• Apply online at Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) by selecting Apply for Benefits. Note: The online UBS application is only available in English and Spanish. Read the user guide for help applying online:
  • Applying for Unemployment Benefits Tutorial (English)
  • Tutoría Sobre Solicitar Beneficios de Desempleo
• Call a Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 during regular business hours and speak to customer service. Additional languages available upon request. TWC accepts calls from any Relay Service.

Important Notice: Do Not Create Multiple UBS Accounts

If you have applied for benefits and logged into UBS beforeyour account information is still in our system. Do not create a new account if you are having trouble with your existing one. Insteadsubmit a contact request to the TWC Help Desk. They will help you regain access to your original account.

When you sign up for online services the first timeyou must select a User ID and password. If you already have a User ID and password from WorkInTexas.comyou can use that to log on to Unemployment Benefits Services.

If notyou will need to create a unique User IDpasswordand Personal Identification Number (PIN). Your PIN is a four-digit number you choose. You will need your PIN to confirm your identity on Unemployment Benefits Services and Tele-Serv.

Security of Your Logon Information

Your User IDpasswordand PIN protect your identity and privacy. Keep them in a safe placesuch as where you keep other important financial and legal documents. Do not give your User IDpasswordor PIN to anyonenot even to a family member or a TWC employee.

Your User IDpasswordand PIN have the same legal authority as your signature on a paper document. You are responsible for any payment requests made with your User IDpasswordand PIN. No one can submit a payment request or get your claim information online without using your personal User ID and password.

You will use the same User ID for your current claim and possibly for any future claim. Alsomake sure to note the email address you are currently using when you sign up for your User IDpasswordand PIN. You will need it if you ever forget your User ID and password.

For more information about User IDs and Passwordssee:

• Tutorial on how to sign up for a TWC Internet User ID (English)
• Tutoría sobre cómo apuntarse para una Identificación de Usuario del Internet de la TWC
• Managing Your Benefits Password & PIN

When you apply for benefitsTWC offers you one of two ways to get your benefit payments:

• Direct depositwhich is direct payment into your personal checking or savings account in a United States bank or credit union
• Debit cardwhich is issued by the TWC debit card vendor

TWC will deposit payments to the TWC debit card account unless you sign up for direct deposit.

If you signed up for direct deposit on a past claimTWC will use the account information you provided then. If that account is closed or has changedupdate your direct deposit information or you may not receive your benefit payments.

To select or change your payment option online or by phone:

• Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and select Payment Option from the Quick Links menu.
• Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select Option 5.

To set up direct deposityou will need:

• The nine-digit routing number for your United States bank or credit union.
• Your account number.
• Your account type.
• A checknot a deposit slipfor your routing or account number. Contact your bank or credit union if you are unsure about your routing and account numbers.

Need Help?

For information about payment optionssee:

• Receiving Benefit Payments by Direct Deposit
• Receiving Benefit Payments by Debit Card

Find information about unemployment benefits including how to applyqualifyrequest and receive paymentsand estimate your weekly benefit amount.

Unemployment Benefits is an employer-paid program that provides temporarypartial income replacement to eligible workers whothrough no fault of their own:

• Lost their job or
• Are working reduced hours.

Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) is TWC’s free online system that allows claimants to access their Unemployment Benefits information. You can use the Internet to apply for benefitsestimate your benefitsupdate your claimrequest paymentscheck your statuschange your payment optionand more.

Tele-Servour automated phone systemis available at 800-558-8321.

Online UBS Logon

Log on with your existing TWC User ID or create a new User ID.

You can access any of our UBS online systems through the above logon link or you can continue reading on this page for information about our serviceshow to use UBSand related user guides.

View Electronic Correspondence

If you have an unemployment benefits claimyou can sign up for Electronic Correspondence for online access to your unemployment benefits correspondence.

Electronic Correspondence allows you to receive mostbut not allof your unemployment notices and forms electronically in a secureonline mailbox. You are responsible for regularly checking your online inboxregardless of whether you receive an email notifying you of new mail. All Electronic Correspondence documents are also available as accessible versions for visually impaired customers.

Once you sign upyou will continue to receive most of your TWC correspondence electronically until you opt out. You must opt out to stop receiving documents by Electronic Correspondence and return to paper mail. For more informationsee the user guide below.

Need Help?

• See a tutorial on how to use Electronic Correspondence (English)
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo utilizar Correspondencia Electrónica

View Claim & Payment Status

If you have applied for unemployment benefits, view your claim and payment information:

• Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and select Claim and Payment Status.
• Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select Option 2.

We update our systems nightlyso consider checking your claim status once daily.

• See a tutorial on how to view the status of your claim (English)
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo ver la condición de su reclamo en línea

Your Tax Information

Unemployment benefits are taxable income reportable to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under federal law. You must report all unemployment benefits you receive to the IRS on your federal tax return.

If you are receiving benefitsyou may have federal income taxes withheld from your unemployment benefit payments. Tax withholding is completely voluntary; withholding taxes is not required. If you ask us to withhold taxeswe will withhold ten percent of the gross amount of each of your benefit payments and send it to the IRS.

Change Your Income Tax Withholding

To start or stop federal tax withholding for unemployment benefit payments:

• Choose your withholding option when you apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefits Services.
• Review and change your withholding status by logging on to Unemployment Benefits Services and selecting “IRS Tax Information” from the Quick Links menu.
• Review and change your withholding status by calling Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and selecting Option 2then Option 5.

View IRS 1099-G Information

If you received unemployment benefits during the previous calendar year, view the total amount TWC paid to you and any amount withheld.

To get your 1099-G information:

• Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and select IRS Tax Information from the Quick Links menu.
• Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select Option 2.

Need Help?

• For more informationsee Federal Income Taxes
• See a tutorial on how to check your IRS 1099-G information (English)
• Vea un tutoría sobre cómo ver la información de su 1099-G del IRS en línea

Request Your Waiting Week

TWC cannot pay you for the first week of your claimalso known as the waiting weekuntil you return to full-time work or exhaust your benefits. If you return to full-time work before exhausting your benefitsyou must inform TWC to receive payment for that first week.

To report that you returned to full-time work:

• Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and select Request Your Waiting Week.
• Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select Option 2 and then Option 4.
• Call a Tele-Center at 800-939-6631.

Repay an Overpayment

An overpayment is caused when TWC pays you unemployment benefits that you are later found not eligible to receive. Overpayments stay on your record until they are repaid. We cannot pay you benefits if you have an overpayment.

You can now repay your overpayment online by debit card or e-check:

1. Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS).
2. Select “Make a Payment on Your Overpayment” from the Quick Links menu and select the www.repay.twc.texas.gov link.
3. Log on with your UBS User ID and password.
4. Select the payment method:
   • Select “Debit Card” to pay by debit card.
   • Select “Bank Account (Online ACH Transfer)” to pay by e-check.
5. Enter the payment amount and review the payment summary.
6. Complete the Customer Information and Payment Information.
7. Submit payment.
8. Print the Payment Receipt Confirmation for your records.

E-checks are available at no charge. Texas.gov charges a service fee for online payments made by debit card. The service fee is a percentage of your payment amount and goes to support the Texas.gov website’s ongoing operations and enhancements.

You Will Need:

• A valid UBS User ID and password. If you are new to UBSyou must wait 30 minutes after creating your User ID and password before you can submit payment online.
• A valid email address associated with your UBS account.
• For e-check payment:
  • The name on the bank or credit union account as it appears on the card.
  • Your bank or credit union account number and routing number.
  • NOTE: The name on the bank or credit union account does not need to be the same name associated with your unemployment benefits claim.

You may also repay your overpayment by mailing a check or money order (payable to TWC) to:

TWC Revenue & Trust Management
P.O. Box 149352
AustinTX 78714-9352

To ensure proper creditinclude on your check or money order your namelast four digits of your Social Security numberand the account number shown on your billing statement.

If you cannot repay the entire overpayment amount at oncecontact Benefit Overpayment Collections to request a repayment plan. If your overpayment meets certain criteriawe can set up a repayment plan.

• Call: 512-936-3338
• Fax: 512-936-3799

• Email: [email protected]

  Please use this email address only for requesting a payment planyour overpayment balanceor instructions for sending payment. 

If you did not apply for unemployment benefitsand you received TWC correspondence regarding an overpaymentreport possible ID fraud at: Report ID Fraud

Need Help?

See Overpayment of Unemployment Benefits

Read our user guides for help with using online Unemployment Benefits Services.

English

• See a tutorial on applying for unemployment benefits
• See a tutorial on how to sign up for a TWC Internet User ID
• See a tutorial on how to use Electronic Correspondence
• See a tutorial on how to view the status of your claim
• See a tutorial on how to check your IRS 1099-G information
• See a tutorial on how to request payments
• See a tutorial on how to calculate and report earnings
• See a tutorial on how to request DUA payments online
• See a tutorial on how to appeal online
• See a tutorial on how to check your appeal status

Spanish

• Vea una tutoría sobre solicitar beneficios de desempleo
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo apuntarse para una Identificación de Usuario del Internet de la TWC
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo utilizar Correspondencia Electrónica
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo ver la condición de su reclamo en línea
• Vea un tutoría sobre cómo ver la información de su 1099-G del IRS en línea
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo solictar pagos de beneficios en línea
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo calcular y declarar ganancias
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo solicitar pagos de DUA en línea
• Vea una tutoría acerca de cómo apelar en línea
• Vea un tutoría sobre cómo ver la condición de su apelación

If you have an active claim, request a benefit payment in one of two ways:

• Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and select Payment Request.
• Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select Option 1.

You Will Need:

• Earnings amount for each week (if applicable)
• Work search activities for each week

Need Help?

• See a tutorial on how to request payments (English)
• See a tutorial on how to calculate and report earnings (English)
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo solictar pagos de beneficios en línea
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo calcular y declarar ganancias

If you have an active DUA claimrequest a benefit payment in one of two ways:

• Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and select Payment Request.
• Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select Option 1.

You Will Need:

Earnings amount for each week (if applicable)

• If you are employed:
  • Number of hours you worked each week
  • Your gross earnings amount for each week
  • Work search activities for each week (if applicable)
• If you are self-employed:
  • Total amount of earnings and commissions before deductions (such as operating expenses)
  • Gross income in the week you received the incomeeven if you performed the work in a prior week. For exampleif you performed services in Week #1 but did not receive payment until Week #2you must report the gross income in Week #2the week when you were paid.

Reminder: You must supply TWC with proof of your employment within 21 days of applying for DUA. See Sending TWC Proof of Employment.

Need Help?

• For more information on DUA and DUA payment requestssee Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
• See a tutorial on how to request DUA payments online (English)
• See a tutorial on how to calculate and report earnings (English)
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo solicitar pagos de DUA en línea
• Vea una tutoría sobre cómo calcular y declarar ganancias

Appeal an Unemployment Benefits Decision

An appeal is your written notice that you disagree with a TWC decision and want your case decided through the appeal process. Appeals can be submitted online.

To submit an appeal:

• Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and select Submit An Appeal.
• For more information and other ways to appealsee How to Appeal a Decision.

Need Help?

Find everything you need to know about how to appeal a TWC decision about your unemployment benefits or how to check your appeal status.

• See a tutorial on how to appeal online (English)
• Vea una tutoría acerca de cómo apelar en línea
• Learn about how to appeal a decision
• Learn about the unemployment benefits appeal process
• Register online for your scheduled hearing

View Appeal Status

To check your appeal status:

• Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and select Appeal List.

Need Help?

• See a tutorial on how to check your appeal status (English)
• Vea un tutoría sobre cómo ver la condición de su apelación

If TWC requested your Work Search Log information, submit your work search activities on UBS. If you cannot submit on UBS and want to upload your work search logsee Submit Your Documents to TWC Online. If you cannot submit onlinesend a copy to the address or fax number we gave you.

For more information on work search logssee our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

You Will Need:

• Details about your work search activities for the week TWC requested
• Download a blank Work Search Log (English)
• Bajar un registro de búsqueda de trabajo en blanco

If TWC asked you to provide unemployment insurance (UI) documentsyou can upload them using our online UI Submission Portal (Portal de UI para la Carga de Presentaciones). Fill out the online form to tell us who you are and what you are sending.

You will need to input your personal information on the portal. Then select the type of submission you want to make from a drop-down menu. The portal also provides a list of the file types you can upload:

• Proof ID - Front and back of your Social Security cardyour driver license or ID cardand proof of residency (utility bill)
• Check Stubs/Wages/Earnings
• DUA Proof of Employment at Time of Disaster
• DUA Proof of Yearly Tax Earnings
• Military Release/Discharge Form (DD214)
• Payment Request - Regular Benefits
• Payment Request - TRA
• Requalification Information Request
• Request for Proof of Federal Employment
• Work Search Log
• Other

You can upload files up to 7 MB in size. Acceptable file types include: pdfjpgjpegtiffand png. Make sure to select the Submit button at the top of the page when you are done.

If you cannot submit onlinesend a copy to the address or fax number we gave you.

WARNING: Do not use this portal to submit your appeal or any appeal documents. You must submit your appeal online using Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS)by mailby faxor in person at a Workforce Solutions office. Learn about submitting an appeal at: How to Appeal a Decision. For information on how to appeal onlinesee Appeals above.

If you are not claiming unemployment benefits and have information that a claim was fraudulently filed using your identityreport the ID fraud claim on TWC’s online portal. Go to Unemployment Benefits ID Fraud for more information.

• Report ID Fraud