How Do I Request Payment by Internet or Tele-Serv?

We mail you detailed information on how to request payment of UI benefits by Internet or Tele-Serv:

Internet:Go to Unemployment Benefit Services, (select Payment Request). Use the same User ID and password you set up when you registered for work search on www.WorkInTexas.com.
Tele-Serv: Call Tele-Serv to set up your Personal Identification Number (PIN), request payment, and get other claim information.

What Is Tele-Serv?

Tele-Serv is TWC’s interactive voice response system. Use Tele-Serv and a touch-tone phone to access the following services:

request biweekly benefit payments;
review the status of your claim or UI benefits payment;
obtain general information about UI;
set or change your Personal Identification Number (PIN); and
select your benefit payment option (direct payment deposit or debit card);

You will receive a local Tele-Serv number for the area where you reside. Or, use the toll free number 1-800-558-8321. The following table explains the main Tele-Serv menu options.

Choose option:	Then press
Tele-Serv Main Menu Options
1. To Request Payment (Claim Filing) (Requires PIN)	Use your phone's buttons to: Answer claim questions covering a two-week period, then hear whether your payment request is submitted, and either when to file your next two-week payment request, or that you need to give TWC more information.
2. For Payment and Claim Status (Requires PIN)	Press a number to make a selection and hear: Information about the last four weeks on file. payment amounts and the date issued reason payment was reduced or not issued Balance remaining in UI account Amount of UI Benefits to report to the IRS
3. To Get General Information about Unemployment Insurance (Does not require a PIN)	Press a number to make a selection and hear: How to apply for UI benefits Basic eligibility requirements if laid off if fired if quit How to calculate benefit amounts How part-time work affects a claim How and where to appeal a claim decision and how the appeals process works How to end certain disqualifications How to file claims if you move out of state
4. To Create or Change PIN	Use your phone's buttons to: Establish a new PIN (Does not require a PIN) Change your current PIN (Requires a PIN)
5. To select payment option (direct payment depositor debit card)	Use your phone's buttons to: Choose direct deposit if you want TWC to deposit your benefits directly to your personal checking or savings account. Direct Deposit is free. After you select direct deposit, enter your bank or credit union's 9-digit routing number and your personal savings or checking account number. You can find these numbers on a blank check. (See example.) Continue to follow instructions. If you do NOT select direct deposit, TWC will pay your benefits by TWC UI debit card. You may have to pay fees for using the debit card. Use Option 5 to change back to payment by debit card, if desired.

What Is a PIN?

A "PIN" is a four-digit Personal Identification Number that only you should know. It protects your privacy because no one can call Tele-Serv about your claim without that PIN. You set up your own PIN to use with Tele-Serv, and you will need to remember the PIN you choose.

Your PIN has the same legal authority as your signature on a paper document. Keep your PIN a secret! Do not give your PIN to anyone, not even a member of your family or a TWC employee. You are responsible for any payment requests made with your SSN, PIN, or computer password.

How Do I Set Up My PIN?

If you did not already establish your PIN in the process of filing your initial claim by phone or on the Internet, call Tele-Serv right away to do so. You need to establish your PIN only once. You need to do it before you can get information about your claim or request payments. Use the following steps to set up your PIN:

Call the Tele-Serv number. Press 1 for English, or 2 for Spanish.
Press 4, "To establish or change your Personal Identification Number."
Enter your Social Security number (SSN) using the telephone buttons. Tele-Serv will repeat the SSN. Press 1 to confirm it, or 2 to re-enter it.
Enter the four-digit PIN you want. Do not use the * or # buttons. When the Tele-Serv repeats the PIN, press 1 to confirm it, or 2 to re-enter it.
Wait for the message "Your new PIN has been accepted."

If you have a problem with your PIN, call the TWC Unemployment Insurance Tele-Center for help. If Tele-Serv tells you to call TWC because of a problem related to your PIN, you must call before you can use Tele-Serv again.

What if I Forget My Payment Request Password or Tele-Serv PIN?

If you remember your Payment Request User ID and your security question, you can reset your password on the Internet. The security answer is case sensitive, so enter your response exactly as you set it up. If you don't remember your ID or security information, call a TWC Tele-Center. You may also call the Tele-Center to reset your Tele-Serv PIN (Personal Identification Number).

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