Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About Texas Workforce

What is the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)?

TWC is the state agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services such as job matching, recruiting and training to Texas job seekers and employers. TWC also administers the Unemployment Benefits and Unemployment Tax programs. TWC's mission is to promote and support an effective workforce system that offers employers, individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity. TWC strengthens the Texas economy by providing the workforce development component of the Governor's economic development strategy. Texas boasts an incredibly skilled workforce ready to attract enterprise to the Lone Star State. By focusing on the demands of employers, TWC gives Texas the competitive edge necessary to draw business here.

About Us provides more detailed information about the Texas Workforce Commission.

What is Texas Workforce Solutions?

Texas Workforce Solutions is a local and statewide network comprised of the Texas Workforce Commission and its statewide operations, 28 Workforce Development Boards (Boards) for regional planning and service delivery, the Boards' contracted service providers and community partners providing local service delivery, and the TWC Unemployment Benefits Tele-Centers. This network gives customers local access to workforce solutions and statewide services at numerous Workforce Solutions offices.

The Boards are responsible for strategic planning of universal employment services for employers and job-seekers. The integrated workforce delivery system maximizes funding and productivity while eliminating duplicate efforts. Through performance-based contracts, TWC monitors and holds the Boards accountable for program performance and provides technical assistance as needed. About Us provides more detailed information about Texas Workforce Solutions.

What is the Commission on Human Rights?

The Commission on Human Rights governs the Civil Rights Division within TWC, establishing policies and supervising the director's administration of the division. The Commission on Human Rights is the state authority fair employment practice agency, separate from TWC's Commission.

About Us provides more detailed information about the Commission on Human Rights.

How is TWC funded?

Most of the TWC budget is funded through federal sources, such as funding for administration of the Unemployment Insurance program, and grants for employment and retraining services under Wagner Peyser and the Workforce Investment Act. TWC block grants, through allocation formulas, go to workforce development boards that plan and administer Workforce Investment Act, Choices, Employment Services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training, child care, and other workforce and support services.

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Programs & Services

What programs and services does TWC provide?

The major functions of TWC include developing the workforce, providing support services including child care for targeted populations participating in workforce training, and administering the Unemployment Benefits and Unemployment Tax programs. TWC also provides information and analysis on shifts in occupations and industries within the state.

For employers, we offer recruiting, training and retraining, outplacement services and valuable information on employment law and labor market trends and statistics.

For job seekers, we offer career development information, job-search resources, training programs and, as appropriate, unemployment benefits. While targeted populations receive intensive assistance to overcome barriers to employment, all Texans can benefit from the services offered by the partners of Texas Workforce Solutions.

Use our Programs & Services menu to find more detailed information about the programs and services TWC provides.

What are the days and hours for telephone and in-person services?

The standard business days and hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The hours for some services, such as Workforce Solutions offices and TWC's unemployment benefits Tele-Centers, may vary. Hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. are included with the services' Contact Information.

TWC is closed on the following holidays (holidays are not observed if they fall on a Saturday or Sunday):

• January:
  • January 1 – New Year's Day
  • 3rd Monday in January – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• February:
  • 3rd Monday in February – Presidents' Day
• May:
  • Last Monday in May – Memorial Day
• July
  • July 4 – Independence Day
• September:
  • 1st Monday in September – Labor Day
• November:
  • November 11 – Veteran's Day
  • 4th Thursday in November – Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday after Thanksgiving
• December
  • December 24 – Day before Christmas
  • December 25 – Christmas
  • December 26 – Day after Christmas

What online services are available?

TWC offers many services online that are generally available 24x7. Services may not be available during our regularly scheduled maintenance time beginning the second Saturday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Central and lasting 12 hours until Sunday at 7:00 a.m.

For employers:

• WorkInTexas.com – Post job openings and search résumés.
• Unemployment Tax Registration – Register a new tax account with TWC.
• Unemployment Tax Services – Submit quarterly wage reports, pay unemployment tax, view unemployment tax account information and adjust previously filed wage reports.
• QuickFile (Wage Reporting Program) – Submit wage reports by data transfer for any number of employees or from agents and payroll providers representing multiple clients.
• Unemployment Insurance Employer Response to Notice of Application – Respond to an unemployment claim.
• Unemployment Insurance Benefits Earnings Verification – Respond to a request for earnings verification.

For job seekers:

• WorkInTexas.com – Register for job search assistance and use TWC's online job resource.
• Unemployment Benefits Services at ui.texasworkforce.org – Estimate potential benefits, apply for benefits, request payment, check claim status and payment history, update your mailing address, view IRS 1099-G information, change payment option, download a work search log, or review the Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook.

For veterans:

• Texas Veterans Leadership Program – Put in place a road map for successful re-integration into civilian life.
• WorkInTexas.com – Use TWC's online job resource and find jobs posted by employers who are interested in hiring veterans.

For training providers:

• WIA Eligible Training Provider System (ETPS) – Submit a request for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) training provider certification.
• Learner Outcome Tracking System (LOTS) – Submit student-level performance data to determine post-program outcomes for Skills Development Fund and Self-Sufficiency Fund participant training.

For child care providers:

• Child Care Attendance Tracking (CCAA) – Access your referral and attendance information.

For workforce development boards and authorized vendors:

• Cash Draw and Monthly Expenditure Reporting – Authorized vendors process cash draws, adjustments, refunds and expenditure reports on grant contracts.

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Fraud & Open Records

How can I report fraud within a TWC program?

Call the TWC Fraud Hotline at 800-252-3642 or view Reporting Fraud for more information and the option to use e-mail to submit a fraud report.

Can I remain anonymous when reporting fraud?

You can remain anonymous if you call the TWC Fraud Hotline at 800-252-3642. You cannot remain anonymous if you use e-mail to submit the information.

How do I request TWC records under Open Records?

Our Open Records Policy includes rights and procedures for requesting information and the contact information for several different contact methods.

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Other Resources

Are there other frequently asked questions (FAQ) pages available?

There are additional FAQs for various programs and online services. The links are provided below.

For job seekers and employees:

• WorkInTexas.com FAQ
• Unemployment Benefits Services FAQ
• Unemployment Insurance Direct Deposit FAQ
• Unemployment Insurance Debit Card FAQ
• Commission Appeals FAQ
• Internships' FAQ

For business and employers:

• WorkInTexas.com FAQ
• Employers' FAQ
• Unemployment Tax Services Internet Wage Report Filing FAQ
• Unemployment Tax Services Unemployment Tax Payments FAQ
• Unemployment Tax Registration FAQ
• QuickFile FAQ
• Commission Appeals FAQ
• Skills Development Fund FAQ
• Skills for Small Business FAQ
• Self-Sufficiency Fund FAQ
• Charitable Choice Bulletin Board FAQ

For vendors:

• HUB FAQ

Where can I find definitions of terms and abbreviations?

Our Glossary has definitions of many of the terms and abbreviations used on this web site.

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