Introduction to Texas Unemployment Benefits
Texas Unemployment is on the rise, nearly 10% of all America’s working class are out of work. This is a difficult and stressful time. Fortunately, programs like Texas Unemployment Insurance are available to help. Texas Unemployment provides temporary, partial wage replacement for workers that become unemployed through no fault of their own.
The purpose of this blog is to help your understand and access Texas Unemployment benefits. To receive more free tips and information, please sign up at the right side of this page.
Eligibility Requirements for Texas Unemployment Benefits
Your eligibility for Texas Unemployment benefits is based on three things:
1) Your past wages;
2) The reason you are no longer employed; and
3) If you are able, available, and looking for work.
You must have been paid enough wages in covered employment during your base period to qualify monetarily. Covered employment means that employer paid unemployment payroll taxes. If you are not sure, contact your employer’s payroll department. Your base period is determined by the Texas Workforce Commission, usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
You must have become unemployed through no fault of your own. If you quit or were fired for misconduct, you may be disqualified from receiving Texas Unemployment benefits.
You must be physically able to work to collect Texas Unemployment benefits. You must be available for and willing to accept full-time employment. Finally, you must be actively looking for work and will be required to submit a weekly job search form.
Applying for Texas Unemployment Benefits
You may file for Texas Unemployment benefits online at http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.html or by telephone by calling the following Texas Workforce Commission claim centers:
Austin (512) 477-0999 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (512) 477-0999 end_of_the_skype_highlighting; Dallas (214) 688-7088; El Paso (915) 533-5259; Fort Worth (817) 334-0360; Houston (281) 933-9393; McAllen (956) 668-0788; and San Antonio (210) 227-7939.
For all other areas and out of state claims call toll free at 1-800-558-8321.
You may file online or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When you apply for benefits, you must provide your:
· Social Security Number;
· Last employer’s business name and address;
· First and last dates (month, day and year) you worked for your last employer;
· Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked this week (including Sunday);
· Information related to your normal wage; and
· Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen or national).
Receiving Texas Unemployment Benefits
If you qualify for Texas Unemployment benefits, your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) will be equal to the wages in your highest quarter of your base period divided by 25. Your maximum benefit amount will be either 26 times your WBA or equal to 27% of your total wages earned during your base period, whichever is less. This amount can be extended by law.
For More Information
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