Unemployment benefits are a necessity for individuals to survive, especially in the current economic climate. They provide a safety net for individuals who are out of work for long periods of time and increase their chances of getting back into the workforce.
Without unemployment benefits, many people would be unable to afford basic living expenses and would be forced to take on jobs that do not pay well or even lead to unemployment.
With the rise of automation, unemployment is becoming a much more common occurrence. More and more people are being left without jobs in this technological age. It is crucial for individuals to know about these benefits so they can take advantage of them when they need them most.
Moreover, unemployment benefits are a critical component in ensuring that these people can get back on their feet. These benefits provide monetary support to those who have lost their jobs because of the rise of automation. They also provide the opportunity for people to gain skills that will help them find work again in the future.
This is the reason why the government in Texas established Unemployment Benefits for people who are in need of financial assistance in time of need.
What are Texas Unemployment Benefits?
Texas Unemployment Benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to unemployed workers. They are available to anyone who has been employed in Texas for at least a year and has worked at least 1,000 hours in the previous year.
The unemployment benefits paid by the state of Texas are not taxable income. They can be used to pay for basic living expenses such as housing, food, and utilities.
But the question is, how do you know if you are eligible for the Texas Unemployment Benefits?
- Well first, you should be unemployed through no fault of your own. Meaning, you are not fired or quit your job just because you want to.
- Second, you should be worked in Texas for the past 12 months or more.
- Your wages are on a minimum amount and were determined by the Texas guidelines – taxes, deductions, etc. Applicants may prove that their earnings are entitled by presenting the latest paystubs from past employers.
- Applying or attending job hunts and actively looking for a job in Texas, unless you are not able to do so.
In addition, if you are an independent contractor, you are still qualifying to apply for Texas Unemployment benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or PUA. This is because independent contractors, gig workers, or self-employed are more likely to be out of jobs due to the pandemic.
Now that you are aware of the basic knowledge of unemployment benefits in Texas, you must be wondering how to apply for one. There are 2 ways to apply for it and the preceding information will guide you.
1. Through Online – You can apply for unemployment benefits by going online and filling out an application with Unemployment Benefit Services. You will need the name of your last employer, information about the latter and your past job, the number of hours, pay stubs, and a valid Texas Identification Card number.
2. Through Calling Customer Service Representative – Texas residents who are unemployed can call the state’s Tele-Center at 800-939-6631. The customer service representative will ask for your name, contact information, and probably just the same information if applying online. The customer service representative will then make an appointment for you to visit a local office to speak with a customer service representative in person.
The process is simple and straightforward when applying for unemployment benefits in Texas. Most people can apply within minutes of speaking with their customer service representative – no wonder why a lot of applicants prefer this method.
The application process can be daunting, but it’s important to know the steps and how to fill out the forms. The process is not always clear-cut, so it’s best to contact the agency for more information on how to proceed with your application.
Once you are done with the application process and you are now ready to claim the money, keep reading to know how to claim your Texas Unemployment Benefits.
Claiming unemployment benefits in Texas can be a little confusing. There are several different ways to claim unemployment benefits and it is important to know the difference between them. Below is an overview of 2 types of claims and how much you will receive based on your circumstances.
1. Through direct deposits – The process of claiming unemployment benefits in Texas is quite simple. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) can deposit your payment through direct bank deposits.
Here, you have to submit a claim form together with your personal bank information. You also have to provide some documents that show proof of their identity and address. Once done, the payout will be deposited into your bank account.
2. Through Debit cards issued by TWC – Claiming your unemployment benefits in Texas is easy as long as you have a TWC-contracted bank debit card. Just make sure you have your TWC-issued debit card – which is linked to your unemployment benefits and then go to any ATM or store that accepts it.
If you wish to select or change the type of claim you prefer, you may reach out to their Customer Service hotline at 800-558-8321. The latter is the one who can help you by selecting option number 5. You may also log in to your account on ui.texasworkforce.org and find the Quick Links menu then select Payment Option.
Keep in mind that the amount you will receive is not fixed but depends on the salary you used to earn. The common formula used is dividing your base period quarter with the highest wages by 25 and then rounding it off to the nearest dollar.
Moreover, once you have a job, it’s obvious that you are no longer eligible to claim any unemployment benefits.
Conclusion: The importance of unemployment benefits is often overlooked and sometimes underappreciated because many people believe that the economy will recover in time and they will find a new job. However, this isn’t always true and sometimes it takes years to find another position after losing your job due to downsizing or being laid off.
So try to take advantage of these benefits if you are one of those individuals who have lost their jobs, want to provide social security for the family, who cannot work, and are looking for help through the transition from one job to another.
