How can i apply for unemployment in texas

My name is Melissa and I’m an attorney in Houston, Texas. I am a member of the Houston Lawyer Referral Service, and I have been for the last 20 years. I’ve practiced law for 20 years.

Table of Contents Show

How do you get approved for unemployment in Texas?
How long does it take to qualify for unemployment in Texas?
How long do you have to be unemployed to get unemployment in Texas?
Is Texas unemployment still available?

I wanted to address a couple of questions that we are seeing in our office and ways that you can handle them without having to take legal action. One of the most prevalent questions we are receiving is whether or not you can receive unemployment if you are still employed, but working a reduced number of hours as a result of the COVID pandemic.

And the answer is “yes.” If your employer has not laid you off, but you are still working, but at a reduced the number of hours resulting in a loss of pay, you can apply for partial unemployment benefits through the Texas workforce commission. You can do that either online through their website, or you can call the 800 number and apply for benefits.

Another question we are receiving often is I’m self-employed and as a result of the pandemic, not receiving any income because I can’t work, can I apply for unemployment benefits?

And the answer is “yes.” As a result of the COVID pandemic in connection with federal guidelines, the Texas workforce commission is extending unemployment benefits to self-employed individuals. You may have to provide verifying documents to show that you were self-employed and then you should receive unemployment benefits. Again, you can apply through their website texasworkforce.org, or you can call the 1800 number.

The last question that we were receiving is, am I eligible for unemployment benefits if I cannot return to work as a result of the COVID?

And the answer is “yes.” Governor Abbott has announced new Texas workforce commission guidance for unemployment claimants, for individuals that refuse to return to work as a result of the COVID. And some other reasons for a brief fusil that in which you can receive unemployment benefits is if you are 65 years or older or considered at high risk from getting COVID. Another is if a household member is at high risk for receiving or for catching COVID. If you are dying, you or a loved one is diagnosed with the COVID, you can refuse to return to work and successfully apply for unemployment benefits. If you or a family member are quarantined for 14 days, you can also refuse to return to work and receive unemployment benefits.

Additionally, if you have childcare issues, your child’s school is closed, or the daycare is closed and have no alternative for childcare, you can refuse to return to work and successfully apply for Texas workforce benefits.

Other situations can be reviewed on a case by case basis. Again, to apply, you need to go to the Texas workforce commission website or contact them via telephone.

You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must have earned sufficient wages in your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the start date of your claim). Also, you must be able and available for full-time work.

2. How do I apply for benefits in Texas?

You can apply online or over the phone by contacting 1-800-939-6631.

3. How much will I receive?

The amount you receive will depend on your base period wages. The minimum weekly benefit is $69 and the maximum is $521. The Unemployment Benefits Estimator can be used to estimate weekly benefits.

4. How long will I receive these benefits?

The length of time that you will receive benefits is also based on how much you made during the base period, but not more than 26 weeks.

5. After I start receiving benefits, what do I have to do to remain eligible?

You must continue to file weekly,and you must respond when contacted by the Texas Workforce Commission. You must register as a job seeker within three business days of applying for benefits on WorkInTexas.com or at a Texas Workforce Solutions office. Also, you must continue to be able and available for full-time work. You must actively seek employment, while keeping a record of your work search activities using the Work Search Log. Finally, you must accept suitable work, and this includes considering jobs that pay 75% of your normal wage by your 8th week of unemployment.

6. I was turned down for benefits. How do I appeal this decision?

An appeal must be filed in writing, and it must be submitted within 14 calendar days from the date the decision was mailed to you. Your appeal can be submitted in person at the nearest Workforce Solutions office, or you can mail or fax your letter to the appeals department (the contact information will be on your determination letter. You can also submit your appeal online. Also, you must keep filing your weekly claims regularly because you will only be paid for weeks you filed if you win your appeal.

How do you get approved for unemployment in Texas?

To be eligible for benefits based on your job separation, you must be either unemployed or working reduced hours through no fault of your own. Examples include layoff, reduction in hours or wages not related to misconduct, being fired for reasons other than misconduct, or quitting with good cause related to work.

How long does it take to qualify for unemployment in Texas?

It takes about four weeks from the date you apply for benefits to know if you are eligible for benefits. We use this time to gather information on your past wages, job separation, and general eligibility. You can check your claim status online at Unemployment Benefits Services or call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321.

How long do you have to be unemployed to get unemployment in Texas?

You should apply for benefits as soon as you become unemployed. When you apply for unemployment benefits, the effective date of your initial claim is the Sunday of the week in which you apply. We cannot pay benefits for weeks before your claim effective date.

Is Texas unemployment still available?

Programs under this new act will extend benefits through September 4, 2021. TWC will automatically enroll most Texans who are eligible for benefits under the act, so there is no need to reapply.