How to File for Unemployment in Texas

If you worked in Texas and have unexpectedly lost your job, you may be eligible to receive temporary financial aid through the Texas unemployment insurance program. This guide to how to file for unemployment in Texas will provide an introduction to the process of determining whether you qualify and how to go about filing for Texas unemployment insurance benefits.
Texas Unemployment Phone Numbers
- Austin: (512) 340-4300
- Dallas: (972) 339-6200
- El Paso: (915) 832-6400
- Fort Worth: (817) 420-1600
- Houston: (281) 983-1100
- McAllen: (956) 984-4700
- San Antonio: (210) 258-6600
- Others: 1-800-939-6631

Texas Unemployment Fund Runs Out

The unusually high levels of unemployment in Texas drained the Texas unemployment trust fund during the summer of 2009. In order to meet the unemployment benefit claims and continue to issue checks to claimants, the state of Texas needed to borrow approximately $650 million from the federal government in July 2009.

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Introduction

The unemployment insurance program of Texas provides temporary financial assistance to those who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. If you are deemed eligible, you will receive a weekly benefit payment of $58-$392, depending on what you earned in the previous months.
Step 1: Determine Whether You Qualify
To be eligible to receive unemployment insurance, you must have earned enough wages and must have been separated from your last job through no fault of your own. Although the specifics of individual cases vary slightly, to qualify to receive unemployment you must have:
1. Earned a a specific wage during a recent 12-month period
2. Left your last job because of one of the following circumstances:
  1. Were laid off because of a lack of work
  2. Had the amount of hours you work reduced by your employer
  3. Were fired for any reason other than work-related misconduct
  4. Quit your job due to a documented medical condition
  5. Quit your job with good cause as determined by the Texas Workforce Commission
Step 2: Apply for Benefits
- You can apply for unemployment insurance online through the Texas Workforce Commission website or by phoning any of the six offices or a toll-free number between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. To complete your application, you will need:
1. Your most recent employer's full business name and address
2. The day you started working for your previous employer
3. The last day on which you worked for your previous employer
4. Your regular wage at your most recent job
5. The number of hours and wages earned during the week in which you are applying (if applicable)
6. Your Alien Registration Number (if applicable)
Step 3: Check the Status of Your Claim

Once you have applied for Texas unemployment insurance benefits, you can check on the status of your claim online or by phoning a local office or toll-free number.
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Conclusion
If you have unexpectedly lost your job and are deemed an eligible recipient, the unemployment insurance benefits provided through the Texas Workforce Commission may be just the assistance you need to tide you over until you can find another job. If you have questions about your eligibility or the application process, contact the Texas Workforce Commission.