How do I complete my Work Search Requirements?

On November 1, 2020, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) reinstated work search requirements. TWC set the maximum number of work search activities claimants will be required to complete each week at 3 but, gave each local workforce area the ability to lower the required number based on the COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations in their area. Work search is a federal requirement that TWC suspended March 2020. Work search actives can be completed safely online and will help prepare claimants for the expiration of CARES Act funding on December 26, 2020.   

How many activities do I need to complete? 

TWC provided all claimants with a work search letter that lists the specific number they are required to meet. Depending on your preference you received this either through the mail at your mailing address or via electronic correspondence on your online unemployment benefits account. If you cannot locate your work search letter, no worries, use this link to locate the number of work search activities required in your workforce area.  

I know my required number of work search activities. What do I have to do to complete them? 

First, you will need to identify that type of unemployment you are on. You can locate this information in your Statement of Benefits letter sent from TWC to either your physical mailbox or correspondence inbox.  

Once you know what type of claim you have, utilize the below chart to identify work search activities you can complete.  

I am self-employed, how do I complete work search activities? 

Self-Employed PUA claimants are required to undertake activities to resume their business and must certify this when requesting payment for unemployment benefits bi-weekly.  If the business will not reopen, Self-Employed PUA claimants are required to perform work search activities, meet the minimum number of weekly work search activities, and apply for jobs suitable to their skills and talents. They also have a resume waiting for their completion in WorkInTexas.com, the opportunity to apply for work through WorkInTexas.com, and have the same resources available to them as other job seekers through Workforce Solutions offices. 

I’ve completed my required number of work search activities, how do I let TWC know? 

Next time you request payment, TWC will ask if you have completed work search activities. You will confirm that you have completed them. Unless TWC contacts you for additional information, no further action is needed from you. Your work search requirements for the weeks you requested payment are complete! Just keep records to show you completed them.  

What additional information could TWC ask for? 

TWC may ask for your work search log. Claimants should keep a record of the work search activities they complete. We suggest you utilize this work search log. You will only need to submit these to TWC if asked. But you do need to make sure you keep your work search log for one year. While TWC may not ask for it right away, we have the right to ask for it within the claim year.