I found this pdf on the "Claim and Payment Status" page under "Claim Information" -> "Types of additional extended benefits available." Hope this is helpful to anyone that may need it!
BTW - I exhausted my 26 weeks of benefits, received a letter letting me know it was almost exhausted and to fill out a form or call into a number in order to "apply" for my 20 weeks of extended benefits. The form was basically just a few questions asking if I was still unemployed, etc, so I decided to call in instead of mail the form back and I answered the same few questions on the phone, and the TWC rep said my request for extended benefits had been submitted and I should just pick up where I left off. I continued to request my payment online and never missed receiving one payment. I am still receiving the same amount of $$/benefits as I was in the first 26 weeks.
Okay. Today, 06/08/2009, I called 1-800-215-4812 and actually spoke with a person. She informed me that all of my benefits would have to be used before I could file for an extension. And that after I submit the final one I should call them back. They would then start the extension process. Patience, I had to wait about 30 minutes.
You have to call the 1 800 # or your local unemployment # mine is 281-983-1100 for the houston area. The hardest part, besides getting through, is you have to talk to a live person, and tell them you need to file an extension, they'll ask you a few questions, and then tell you you'll get something in the mail. You can also wait to receive a letter they send out,"emergency unemployment compensation" either way you have to be at $0 on your account.
I also have found that it is almost impossible to get "live person" to talk to on any of the Texas Unemployment Groups. I did find one number where you actually get a person. First, when dialing let all of the prompts go through - DO NOT PUSH ANY SELECTION. After the selections are finished, stay on the line - you will get an individual to help you. 1-800-215-4812. These individuals are always willing to help any of us. Because of really never being able to get anyone on line, I have had to actually go to my unemployment office - which is 27 miles one way and they are of tremendous help.
YOu are probably going to be able to receive an extension. My unemployment benefits, like so many others, ran out in March 2009 with no help or extension. By the time your unemployment runs out (April) - the state will have had 3 months of unemployment being 6% or higher. Therefore, you should be able to receive an extension because the law states that anyone in a state with 3 months of unemployment at 6% or more, is entitled to extended benefits. Try emailing Texas Workforce to confirm. By the way the March 2009 stats will come out on April 17, 2009.
Yes you will....My initial 26 week unemployment benefits ended April 09 as well and I have now received and additional 20 weeks, praise God! Also, I did not have a waiting period because I got on the phone and waited 30 minutes to speak to a rep and he put the claim through that day; it was the day after I received my last deposit, which was when I had been told to call. Also, Texas is now on a 3rd tier for all of those who have exhausted the first extension of 20 weeks...it is for 13 additional weeks...Thank God for George Bush (thought I would never say that)..All of this was approved during his last months in office...Rick Perry has been no help to Texans at all, but God was faithful!
Wow. Thanks to all of you who answered this. My benefits run out in a month and a half and even though I am certifying to become a teacher, I'm worried if I can find a teaching job given my results won't be back till next month. Again, thanks for the info-I may even be able to sleep tonight for once!
My benefits run out this month, and I was told that "IF" I am eligible, that I would receive my extension benefits. I was told that not everyone qualifies for extension benefits. I don't know if this TWC employee knew what she was talking about, but she was very negative and ugly. I was told that she would send me an application, but she didn't inform me that it could be done over the phone.
It is now November...I am curious if the person that originally asked the question did or did not receive an extension. My cousin got unemployment...when it ran out, she got an extension that ended in July 2009...and then she got a letter about an additional extension. I have 1 week of unemployment left in my file that I would request next weekend...so I am anxious to know what happens after that as well.
I need this question answered also. Can anyone help? My unemployment benefits are almost completely exhausted. (Teleserv - the automated number that I call to file my claims & get updates on my benefits, say I have only $130 left to be pd to me next week.) I haven't rec'd a letter from TWC yet. Their website mentions this extension, but doesn't tell have to apply for it. I tried calling the phone number listed on the site for my city, but it says they're not accepting any calls. Does ANYONE know how I go about applying for an extension???
I recently was terminated from my position at Austin Community College. The supervisor stated I was under-performing but this was a blatant red herring. He didn't like the fact that I questioned/protested a decision he had made to let go of another woman who had been hospitalized.
How likely is it I can beat ACC's likely challenge of my unemployment comp claim? What can I do to increase the odds I can receive benefits?
I'm hearing that Texas is going to extend UI benefits starting April 12, 2009, has anybody heard anything about this. I googled "texas unemployment extensions april 12, 2009" and found a few comments on it but nothing written in stone.
I am so glad to hear this and thanks for the PDF link that someone posted. My Tier I benefits end in two days actually and what a blessing to know that they will automatically extend them for me. Yes, praise God indeed!
For the Guest that states Praise the government...you know we worked and got laid off...its not like we are asking for hand outs...so no lets thank ourselves for working... :)
I have exhausted all my extension, when congress return on april 12th ,will they be extension benefits for the people who have exhausted all extension, my last extension was tier 3/
Yes, texas got the additional 13 wks (teir 2). This extensions first claim wk started sunday 4/12. My benefit amt. Info for this ext. Is already available on the twc phone line. More info can be found if you google 033109mt.pdf.
You probably need to call before your last check that pays your last benifits are to get a jump. I don't know how long the process takes but I have noticed if you call and give them a heads up and follow up they have pretty good customer service
Your "original" benefits start when you file your claim. You re-file for EU benefits (Tier 1), and Tier 2 will automatically kick in when you've "fully" exhausted Tier 1. There's no need to re-file for Tier 2. There no automatic 13 weeks given at your "full" benefit allowance. You could end-up with full benefits allowed for 13 wks, or you could end up with reduced benefits for 13 weeks or you could end up like I did and got 6 additional weeks on Tier 2 at full benefits allowed. Then when those are exhausted you have to wait until the benefit period ends to re-file for compensation. Luckily, and I say I am one of the lucky ones who found employment with only 1 remaining payment request pending, before I would have to have gone without benefits for 5 months, until my re-filing eligibility date came around again at the end of the year. Unemployment isn't like welfare. Don't take it for granted. It does run out.
You can draw for a maximum of 59 weeks in Alabama. The governor has refused to except stimulus money to that would extend benefits 79 weeks. Email and/or call the governor and your local reps and demand the governor change his mind. Also have anyone and everyone you know do the same.
I exhausted my benefits on my claim for 9/06/09, and was paid $101.00 of what was remaining. When I looked online, it only told me that I had to wait for the next calendar year. I have read all of the information, and it does say that TWC will send a letter about extension of benefits, but I have responsibilities now. After reading all of the comments posted, I called the TWC and waiting about 20 minutes, on a MONDAY morning, and got a rep. She stated that that I still had a bal from another claim, and she made that one retro from 9/06/09. She then stated that if I need to, call back for an extension when this one is exhausted.
Best Bet, is to CALL your TWC number, and get the info that way.
