You Can File Online or by Telephone
For Unemployment Insurance Benefits

FILE ONLINE

It’s fast and easy to apply online with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for your Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.  You can file anytime, day or night.  If you’re eligible, expect your claim to begin the Sunday of the week you submit your application.  You can apply from your home, computers at public libraries or computers at a local office of Workforce Solutions.

To apply, click on “Unemployment Insurance”. You will find instructions and applications in both English and Spanish.

The UI Web site is user-friendly and has an online glossary, a frequently asked questions page, and information in both English and Spanish.  After filing your application,  WorkInTexas.com – the state’s job bank – automatically launches to give you the added convenience of beginning your job search immediately.

You must be registered in WorkInTexas.com, so remember to take the time and completely fill out the online job application and resume.  The more information you provide, the easier it will be for you to find a good job quickly!

 The TWC online UI benefits application is for regular, initial claims only.  If you don’t have computer access, you can call a UI Tele-Center.

In order to qualify for Unemployment Insurance, you should be separated from their jobs through no fault of their own, be available for work and be actively seeking work.

Visit www.texasworkforce.org for more information.

FILE BY TELEPHONE

To File Your First Claim:
If you live in the Houston-Galveston Gulf Coast region, call
Houston Unemployment Insurance Claims Services at (281) 983-1100

If this number is not a local call for you, call 1-800-939-6631 Toll Free

You will need the following information for your call:

• The name and mailing address of your last employer
• The starting and ending dates of your last job
• And if you are not a U.S. citizen, your alien registration number

return to top