What Is the Max Unemployment Benefit in Texas?

Unemployment benefits in Texas provide temporary financial support to eligible individuals who find themselves out of work. This program, overseen by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), helps bridge income gaps for those actively seeking new employment. Understanding the specifics of these benefits, including maximum amounts and eligibility requirements, is important for individuals navigating periods of unemployment.

Maximum Weekly Benefit and Duration

The maximum weekly benefit amount an eligible individual can receive in Texas is $591. This payment provides partial income replacement to help cover living expenses. The actual benefit received depends on an individual’s past earnings.

Unemployment benefits in Texas are generally available for up to 26 weeks. The actual number of weeks an individual receives benefits can be shorter, influenced by their work history and total eligible amount. Texas does not offer extended benefits beyond the standard 26 weeks.

Eligibility Criteria for Benefits

Several conditions must be met to qualify for unemployment benefits in Texas. Individuals must be unemployed or working reduced hours through no fault of their own. This typically means job loss due to layoffs, business closures, or other non-voluntary reasons. If employment ended due to misconduct or a voluntary resignation without good cause, eligibility may be impacted.

Claimants must be able and available for work, meaning they are physically and mentally capable of performing suitable full-time employment. They must also be actively searching for new employment opportunities, including registering for work with WorkInTexas.com within three days of applying for benefits. Applicants must have earned sufficient wages during a specific timeframe, referred to as the “base period.”

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit Amount

The Texas Workforce Commission determines an individual’s weekly benefit amount (WBA) based on their earnings during a “base period.” This period covers the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the claim is filed. Wages earned in the highest-paid quarter within this base period are used for the calculation.

To calculate the WBA, the TWC divides the wages from the highest-paid quarter by 25, then rounds the result to the nearest dollar. For a claim to be payable, an individual must have earned wages in at least two of the four base period calendar quarters. Total base period wages must also be at least 37 times the calculated weekly benefit amount. Benefits are proportional to an individual’s recent earnings, up to the statewide maximum.

The Application Process

Applying for unemployment benefits in Texas can be done through the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) online Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) portal or by calling a Tele-Center. Apply as soon as possible after job loss, as the claim begins the Sunday of the week the application is completed.

Before starting the application, gather information such as your Social Security number, your last employer’s business name, address, phone number, and the first and last dates you worked for them. If you served in the military within the last 18 months, have your DD Form 214 ready. After submitting the application, claimants receive a determination letter within two to three weeks. Following approval, payments must be requested bi-weekly, and individuals must fulfill ongoing requirements like conducting work search activities and reporting any earnings.