Texas Unemployment Calculator (2021)
If you are getting ready to apply for Texas Unemployment Benefits or you have been approved for benefits and would like to know how much you are likely to receive, we can help. In this post, we will walk you through how to use the Texas Unemployment Calculator to estimate your benefit payment amount.
This post will cover:
- Texas Unemployment Calculator
- FAQs about Texas Unemployment Benefits
Texas Unemployment Calculator
Before you apply for Unemployment Benefits in Texas, you can estimate your potential benefit amount.
You can do this using the Texas Unemployment Benefits Calculator (Estimator).
The estimator cannot tell you whether you are qualified to receive benefits or not.
Here’s how to estimate your benefits:
Step 1 – Visit the TWC’s Unemployment Benefits Estimator Site
The first step in the process is to visit the Texas Unemployment Benefits Estimator website.
Next, enter the information requested.
Note that the estimator will require you to enter wages for four different pay periods, as shown in the image below.
Also, when you visit the website, it will show you, based on the date you visit the wage period the website will be used to calculate your estimate (as highlighted below in yellow).
Step 2 – Enter the Requested Information
Enter the requested information into the estimate calculator.
Once you have provided the information requested, click on the “Estimate” link to view your estimate (as shown in the example below).
If you make a mistake while entering the information, click on the “Reset” button to clear the information entered so that you can start over.
Step 3 – Enter the Requested Information
Once you click the “Estimate” button, you will be taken to a page that will display your estimated Texas unemployment benefit amount as shown in the example below.
The results will show you the Estimated Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) and the Estimated Maximum Possible Benefits.
It will also display the current Minimum and Maximum weekly benefit amount for the state so that you can compare that with your estimated amount.
Your weekly benefit amount is the amount you receive for weeks you are eligible for unemployment benefits.
Your maximum benefit amount (MBA) is the total amount you can receive during your benefit year.
How to calculate unemployment benefits in Texas
To calculate your WBA, divide your base period quarter with the highest wages by 25 and round to the nearest dollar.
Your MBA is 26 times your weekly benefit amount or 27 percent of all your wages in the base period, whichever is less.
Texas Unemployment FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about Texas Unemployment:
How much is unemployment in Texas right now?
In Texas, the weekly benefit amount (WBA) is between $70 and $535 depending on your past wages.
The WBA is the amount you receive for weeks you are eligible for unemployment benefits.
Can I work part-time and collect unemployment in Texas?
Yes. If you work part-time, you may be eligible to continue receiving unemployment benefits as long you meet all other requirements.
The requirements you must meet include looking for full-time work.
However, separation from part-time work may affect your unemployment benefit payment.
If your part-time employer fires you or you quit, the Texas Workforce Commission will review your reason for the job separation and decide whether you can continue to receive benefits.
How long does it take to get approved for unemployment in Texas?
On average, it takes about four weeks from the date you apply for Unemployment benefits in Texas to know if you are eligible for benefits.
Why does it take so long to get a decision?
The main reason is that the Texas Workforce Commission has to gather information on your past wages, job separation, and general eligibility before making a decision on your application.
You can check your claim status online at Unemployment Benefits Services or call the TWC Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321 and select option 2.
What is the maximum for unemployment in Texas?
The maximum weekly benefit amount (WBA) is $535 in Texas.
However, how much you will get in benefits depends on your past wages.
How long Can You Collect Benefits in Texas?
If you qualify for unemployment benefits in Texas, you can receive an initial 26 weeks of benefits.
Additionally, an additional 26 weeks of benefits may be available if the state triggers what is called an “Extended Benefits Period”, as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, an additional 7 weeks of benefits may be available if the unemployment rate remains high.
Is Texas getting the $300 unemployment 2021?
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has stopped paying enhanced unemployment benefits, including the $300 supplementary payment.
This follows Governor Greg Abbott’s directive ending Texas’ participation in these programs.
These extra benefits ended as of the week ending June 26, 2021.
Why does my unemployment claim say $0 Texas 2021?
A $0 balance just means that your claim is still under review by the TWC.
In general, it takes on average about 21 days from the time that you first apply and
become eligible to receive benefits.
If you are approved for benefits, your payment will be sent either by direct deposit or by debit card (US Bank ReliaCard) in the mail.
If you have a $0 balance, continue to request payments every two weeks.
Requesting payments will speed up the process of receiving benefits if you become
eligible.
Does Texas unemployment pay weekly or biweekly?
In Texas, you must request payment in order to receive unemployment benefits.
Benefit requests (and payments) are made biweekly for as long as you are eligible.
To request benefit payments, log into your TWC online account or call 1-800-558-8321.
How do I Contact Texas Unemployment?
For help with applying for unemployment benefits, contact the TWC at the following numbers.
Tele-Center (Speak to a Live Person)
Call 1-800-939-6631
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tele-Serv (Automated Service)
Call 1-800-558-8321
- You can get general information
- Check the status of your claim
- Request payment and other options daily
Available 7 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Texas Unemployment Debit Card Help
Call the U.S. Bank Customer Service at:
1-800-657-6343
Unemployment Claims Appeals Fax Numbers:
- Appeal Tribunal 512-475-1135
- Commission Appeal 512-475-2044
- Online: ui.texasworkforce.org
What is the best time to call Texas unemployment?
Here’s the best time to call the Texas Unemployment Phone Number to speak to a human:
7 a.m. and after 5 p.m. are the best times to Call TWC Tele-Centers.
Texas Unemployment Calculator Summary
We hope this post on Texas Unemployment Calculator was helpful.
Still Have Questions?
To go to the main Texas Unemployment page, click here: Texas Unemployment.
If you need help with Texas Unemployment Website Login, click here: TX Unemployment Website Login.
Get answers to your most pressing Texas Unemployment Questions – Click here: Texas Unemployment Benefits FAQs.
For the Texas Unemployment Handbook, click here: Texas Unemployment Benefits Handbook.
To get the latest news updates on Texas Unemployment Benefits click here: Texas Unemployment Benefits News Today.
If you have further questions about Texas Unemployment Benefits or Unemployment Debit Card, you can fill out the comment form below and we will answer your question ASAP.
Be sure to check out our other articles on Unemployment Benefits, including:
Whether Unemployment Benefits are Taxable
List of States Extending Unemployment Benefits
Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card
How to file for Unemployment (in all 50 States)
Unemployment office Phone Number (All 50 States)