Filing for unemployment benefits can feel overwhelming, but staying informed about your claim’s status is crucial to ensure timely payments and avoid delays. In Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) manages unemployment insurance, and understanding the status of your claim is the first step toward staying on top of your benefits.
Here’s a guide to checking your Texas unemployment claim status.
How to Check Your Texas Unemployment Claim Status?
Checking the status of your unemployment claim in Texas is straightforward and can be done online or by phone:
1. Online through Your TWC Account
- Check this tutorial on How to View Your Claim & Payment Status.
2. By Phone
- Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 for claim assistance.
- Have your Social Security number and claim information ready.
Unemployment Benefits Eligibility
TWC evaluates claims based on past wages, job separation, and ongoing eligibility requirements. You must meet all three to qualify.
1. Past Wages
Benefits are calculated using taxable wages reported by your employer(s) during your base period: the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim’s effective date.
2. Job Separation
Eligibility depends on the reason you are unemployed or working reduced hours:
- Laid Off: Lack of work or business closure.
- Reduced Hours: Employer reduced hours for reasons other than disciplinary action.
- Fired: Eligible only if termination was not due to misconduct.
- Quit: Usually not eligible unless quitting for a good cause related to work, such as unsafe conditions and unpaid wages, or under certain personal circumstances.
3. Ongoing Eligibility
You must remain available and actively seek work while receiving benefits.
Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions offers resources to help Texans navigate unemployment and find their next career opportunity, giving free unemployment claim guidance, career counseling and benefits to join training and education programs.
Explore in-demand careers and connect with top employers at upcoming Workforce Solutions hiring events. Register today to secure your spot and access career-building resources.
