Unemployment Benefits Information

For Employees: View unemployment benefits information for individuals.

Unemployment Insurance (UI) Information

Employers who need to follow up on a UI claim should contact the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) online. If they do not have internet, they may call the TWC Tele-Center at 800.939.6631. They are open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Mass Claims Program

If you have to close your business either temporarily or permanently and need to lay off employees, you may be able to submit a mass claim for unemployment benefits on their behalf. The Mass Claims program streamlines the unemployment benefit claims process for employers faced with either temporary or permanent layoffs. Employers can submit basic worker information on behalf of their employees to initiate claims for unemployment benefits. You can submit a mass claim request to Employer Benefits Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information, see Mass Claims for Unemployment Benefits or contact TWC’s Mass Claims Coordinator at 512.463.2999.

Shared Work Program

If your business has slowed down due to the pandemic and you need to reduce employee working hours, you may be able to avoid laying off employees by submitting a shared work plan. The Shared Work program provides Texas employers with an alternative to layoffs and helps employers and employees withstand a slowdown in business.

The Shared Work program allows employers to:

  • Supplement their employees’ wages lost because of reduced work hours with partial unemployment benefits.
  • Reduce normal weekly work hours for employees in an affected unit by at least 10 percent but not more than 40 percent. The reduction must affect at least 10 percent of the employees in that unit.

To submit a shared work plan online, log on to Employer Benefits Services (EBS). EBS online is fast, easy, secure, and available 24/7.

For more information, please see TWC's Shared Work web page, or send an email to ui.sharedwork@twc.state.tx.us. If you are unable to get online, you can contact TWC's Shared Work Department by phone at 512.340.4337 or 888.741.0446.

Rapid Response Services

Through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) provides immediate on-site services for both employees and employers. Rapid Response Services and activities are early-intervention services designed to enable workers affected by closures or layoffs to transition to new employment as quickly as possible.

Rapid Response Services are tailored to each company and begin upon receipt of:

  • A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice
  • A public announcement (media, newspaper or radio station)
  • A Trade Adjustment Assistance petition
  • Other information that a permanent plant closure or mass layoff is planned (such as the employer voluntarily notifying the WSA Board or TWC of an impending layoff)
  • Or in the wake of a natural or other disaster resulting in mass job dislocation

Additional TWC Links

Other UI Related links

Other Services

Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) provides outplacement services to work closely with you to plan and coordinate for layoffs and closings. They provide immediate services to assist employees who are facing job loss. Services include the following:

  • Assistance looking for a job through WorkInTexas.com, the state’s premier job search website
    Other services include job application and resume writing, interviewing skills and effective interviewing techniques
  • How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance
  • Labor Market Data
  • Stress & Financial Management Seminars
  • Funding for skills training in targeting occupations in demand growing industries in the Alamo Area *(subject to program eligibility)
  • Other Assistance from WSA