After you submit your unemployment benefit application, TWC staff will review your information and process your claim. In the meantime, there are a few steps you can take.
- Set up a Personal Identification Number (PIN) if you have not already done so.
- Call our automated phone system, Tele-Serv, at 800-558-8321. Select Option 4. Enter your Social Security number (SSN), confirm your SSN, then enter your chosen four-digit PIN. Wait for the message “Your new PIN has been accepted.”
- Read our Unemployment Benefits Handbook online.
- View or download our online PDF version at: https://twc.texas.gov/files/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-handbook-twc.pdf. Our handbook is not only required reading for everyone who applies for unemployment benefits, it contains useful information that answers many questions about claims, benefits payments, contact information, Electronic Correspondence (EC), and much more.
- Sign up for Electronic Correspondence (EC).
- Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) online at: ui.texasworkforce.org and select Electronic Correspondence from the Quick Links menu. UBS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This free service allows you to receive most, but not all, of your unemployment notices and forms electronically in a secure, online mailbox.
- Choose a benefit payment method, either debit card or direct deposit.
- Debit Card: TWC’s default option is the ReliaCard© debit card, provided by U.S. Bank.
For more information: https://twc.texas.gov/receiving-benefit-payments-debit-card.
- Direct Deposit: Have your benefit payments deposited directly into your personal checking or savings account at any United States bank or credit union. For more information: https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/receiving-benefit-payments-direct-deposit.
- Debit Card: TWC’s default option is the ReliaCard© debit card, provided by U.S. Bank.
You can change your payment option online or by phone:
- Log on to UBS at: ui.texasworkforce.org and select Change Payment Option from the Quick Links menu.
- Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and select option 5.
- Request benefit payment every two weeks online or by phone. Do not wait for TWC to determine your eligibility:
- Log on to UBS (ui.texasworkforce.org) and select Request a Payment.
- Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and select Option 1.
For more information: https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/request-benefit-payments.
- Be patient. Although we are processing claims as quickly as possible, it can take at least four weeks for TWC to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. To find out the status of your claim:
- Log on to UBS (ui.texasworkforce.org) and select Claim and Payment Status.
- Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and select Option 2.
- If you are experiencing financial hardship or need health assistance because of COVID-19, dial 2-1-1, the Texas Social Services Hotline, to get the help you need.
For more detailed information on unemployment benefits claims, visit our Unemployment Benefits web page at: https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits.
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