How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits Online in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing a job can be a stressful experience, but applying for unemployment benefits in Texas doesn’t have to be. The process is fast, easy, and secure when you apply online through the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS).

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to apply for benefits online, including what information you need to get started, how to request payment, and what to do after you complete your application.

Why Apply for Unemployment Benefits

If you’ve lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits to help cover your expenses while you search for new employment.

These benefits are designed to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who are unemployed or partially unemployed due to reasons beyond their control, such as a layoff, reduction in hours, or termination. By applying for benefits, you can receive weekly payments that can help you pay for basic necessities like rent, food, and utilities, which can help relieve some of the stress that comes with losing a job.

Advantages of Applying Online

Applying for Texas unemployment benefits online through the UBS has many advantages, including speed, convenience, and security.

When you apply online, you can complete your application in the comfort of your own home, without having to travel to a Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) office or wait in line.

Additionally, applying online is faster than applying over the phone or by mail, as you can enter your information directly into the system, which can help speed up the processing time. Finally, applying online is secure, as the UBS uses advanced security measures to protect your personal information and prevent fraud.

Who Should Call the TWC Tele-Center

While most people can apply for benefits online through the UBS, there are a few exceptions.

If you worked in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, or Puerto Rico in the past 18 months, you must call the TWC Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 to apply for benefits instead of applying online.

Additionally, if you need assistance with your application or have questions about the application process, you can call the TWC Tele-Center for help.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you start your application, there are a few pieces of information you’ll need to gather to ensure a smooth and successful application process. You’ll need the following information to complete your application:

• Your Social Security number
• Your last employer’s business name, address, and phone number
• The first and last dates you worked for your last employer (month, day, and year)
• The number of hours you worked and your pay rate if you worked during the week you apply (including Sunday)
• Your military service start and end dates and a copy of your DD Form 214(s) if you served in the military during the past 18 months
• Your Alien Registration number (if not a U.S. citizen or national)

Applying for Benefits

Once you’ve gathered the information you need, it’s time to start your application. Applying for benefits online through the UBS is easy, and you can do it in just a few steps. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Log on to the UBS at ui.texasworkforce.org.
2. Create a user ID and password or log in with your existing TWC user ID.
3. Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, and contact information.
4. Enter your last employer’s business name, address, and phone number, along with the first and last dates you worked for them and the number of hours you worked, and your pay rate if you worked during the week you apply (including Sunday).
5. If you served in the military during the past 18 months, provide your military service start and end dates and a copy of your DD Form 214(s).
6. If you are not a U.S. citizen or national, provide your Alien Registration number.
7. Review your application carefully to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.

Submit your application and wait for a confirmation number to appear on the screen. Make sure to write down this number and keep it in a safe place.

Important Tips to Keep in Mind

As you complete your application, there are a few important tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful application process:

• Read all instructions carefully to ensure that you are providing all the required information.
• Complete each screen from top to bottom, answering all questions and providing all required information.
• Pay attention to red asterisks* on the screen, which identify required information that must be answered.
• The system will log you out if you have not selected any action button such as Next, Previous, or Submit within 30 minutes. Your information will not be saved, so make sure to submit your application before the 30-minute time limit expires.
• Your application is not complete until you submit it and receive a confirmation number. Make sure to write down your confirmation number and keep it in a safe place.
• All information you provide must be true and complete. There are penalties for withholding information or giving false information, including penalties for perjury in regard to citizenship or immigration status.

Requesting Payment

After you have completed your application and been approved for benefits, it’s time to request payment. To request payment, you will need to log on to the UBS and select “Payment Request” from the Quick Links menu on the My Home page.

You should request benefit payment every two weeks after your first filing date on your scheduled filing day. You should request payment on the filing day listed on the instructions as Tele-Serv Filing Day and on your claim and payment status whether you use Tele-Serv (800-558-8321, option 1) or UBS to request payment.

It’s important to remember that if you miss your designated filing day, you can still request payment during the same week on the open filing days of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. If you miss requesting payment during your designated filing day or open filing days, you should request payment as soon as possible to avoid any delays in receiving your benefits. If your payment request is late, your benefit payment may be delayed or you may not get paid.

Checking Your Claim Status

You can check your claim status online at the UBS or by calling Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and selecting option 2.

It typically takes about four weeks from the date you apply for benefits to know if you are eligible, so make sure to read all materials sent to you by the TWC and respond promptly to any contact requests.

Changing Your Payment Option

If you’ve completed your application and selected U.S. Bank Reliacard as your payment option but later decide you want to receive your benefits through direct deposit into your personal checking or savings account at any bank or credit union chartered in the United States, you can easily change your payment option. Simply log on to the UBS, select “Payment Option,” and then “Change Payment Option” to update your payment information.

 

 

Conclusion

Applying for unemployment benefits online in Texas is a fast, easy, and secure process that can help provide temporary financial assistance while you search for new employment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can complete your application with confidence, request payment on time, and receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Remember to keep your confirmation number safe and accurate and complete all required information in your application, and respond promptly to any requests for additional information or contact from the TWC.

If you encounter any difficulties during the application process or have questions about your eligibility for benefits, don’t hesitate to contact the TWC Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 to speak with a customer service representative. They are there to help guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the financial assistance you need during this difficult time.

By staying informed, completing your application accurately and on time, and requesting payment as scheduled, you can successfully navigate the process of applying for unemployment benefits in Texas and receive the support you need while you search for your next job opportunity.