Right now economic times are harsh and many people are losing their jobs due to downsizing, lack of business and companies going out of business. If you thought your job was secure and have recently learned differently, be sure you file for unemployment benefits. Do this as soon as possible to avoid losing any benefits that you are entitled to.
Your first step is to log on to http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.html Here you can file for benefits and get answers to any questions you may have. There are a few things you will need to apply online:
1. Your last employers name and address.
2. The first and last dates you worked for that employer.
3. Number of hours you worked in the week you are filing and your pay rate.
4. An alien registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen or national.
When you are sure you have gathered all of the correct information you will need to create a username and password to be able to access your payment requests. You will be required to do at least five job searches per week to be eligible for benefits. You will receive a letter in the mail that includes a Job Search Log to keep track of your searches. TWC may or may not request this information from you, so be sure to keep it updated. You will be given a specific day to call or log-on to request payment. If you forget your scheduled day, you can always request payment on Fridays.
Once you have filed the claim for benefits you can check the status of the claim online also. There will be a long list of options to choose from. You must give them at least one business day to start the process before you can inquire as to the status.
You must also register for work in Texas. You can do this from the TWC homepage, it is one of your options. This has to be done within five days of applying for benefits. You can also go to your local Workforce Commission to apply and register. TWC offices may also have local job listings available. Sometimes you can pick up and odd job here and there to help out with your bills until your claim is approved.
If, for some unforeseen reason, your claim is denied, you do have the right to file an appeal. To file an appeal you need to write to TWC Appeal Department, 101 East 15th Street, Austin, Texas 78778-0002. You do need to provide a few things in the letter for the appeal:
1. Be sure to include your name and social security number.
2. Your current address.
2. A copy of the Determination of Payment letter and the date you received it.
You only have 14 days to file an appeal, so be sure to do it quickly. Also continue to request payment every two weeks unless you have returned to work full-time. Even if a decision is made in your favor, TWC will only pay you for the weeks you filed a payment request.
*Not only are you eligible for benefits when you are laid-off, but you may also qualify if you were fired through no fault of your own or if you had to quit your job due to medical issues. Be prepared though, they will ask for documentation.
http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/uiclaim.html
