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Resources, tips and tools to build a stronger Texas workforce.
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Requesting Payment
Waiting to request payment until TWC determines whether you qualify for benefits. If you do not submit a request on time, your payment may be denied.
You must request payment to receive benefits. Request benefit payment as instructed, approximately one to two weeks after you apply, and every two weeks after that. You can find the date you are scheduled to request payment online using TWC’s Unemployment Benefits Services or by calling Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321. If you do not request payment within the calendar week your request is due, your payment may be delayed or denied.
When requesting payment, you will answer several questions regarding your work and earnings and whether you met eligibility requirements during the claim period. You must then certify that your responses are true and complete. If you work during a benefit payment period, report your gross earnings as part of your payment request. For detailed information, go to Report Your Earnings.
You can request benefit payments online or by phone:
- Online: 24 hours a day using Unemployment Benefits Services at ui.texasworkforce.org. Select Payment Request. You will need a User ID and password. For more about the password requirements, go to Managing Your Benefits Password & PIN. Use the same User ID and password that you use for WorkInTexas.com.
- Phone: Tele-Serv, our automated telephone system, at 800-558-8321. Select option 1. You will need your social security number and the four-digit PIN you created when you first applied for benefits.
Payment Timing
If you are eligible, we will issue your first payment approximately four weeks after you apply for benefits.
Texas law requires us to hold the payment for the first payable week, known as the "waiting week," until you receive three times your weekly benefit amount. Typically, the first payment is only for one week even though the payment request is for two weeks.
If you have no earnings or deductions and are eligible each week, you would:
- Request weeks 1 and 2, and be paid for one week (week 2).
- Request weeks 3 and 4, and be paid for three weeks (weeks 1, 3 and 4).
- Request benefits every two weeks after that and be paid for those two weeks.
After the first payment, you should receive payments on your debit card or direct deposit account within two business days after we process your payment requests.
Claim & Payment Status
There are several ways to confirm your payment or obtain other claim status information.
To check your claim status, including benefit amounts, eligibility and payment information with TWC:
- Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services. Select Claim and Payment Status. Scroll down to Most Recent Payment heading to see the TWC Processed Date and the Amount Deposited.
- Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select option 2.
If you receive payment by direct deposit, you may also:
- Call your bank or credit union or log on to their web site.
If you receive payment by debit card, you may also:
- Log on to www.myaccount.chase.com or call Chase Bank customer service at 866-865-1273.
Receive automatic notice of deposits by registering for the My Alerts notification service with Chase Bank. Register at www.myaccount.chase.com or call Chase Bank customer service at 866-865-1273.
Changing Your Payment Option
To change your payment option either:
- Log on to ui.texasworkforce.org and select Payment Option from the Quick Links menu.
- Call Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select option 5.