Losing a job is stressful, but Texas unemployment benefits provide temporary income replacement while you search for your next position. In 2026, Texas pays between $75 and $605 per week in unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks. The program is administered by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and is available to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. No waiting week is required — your first week of unemployment is compensable if you meet all eligibility requirements.
Texas Unemployment Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Texas unemployment benefits, you must meet requirements in three areas: your separation from work, your past wages, and your ongoing availability for work.
You must be unemployed or working reduced hours through no fault of your own. Common qualifying situations include layoffs, employer-reduced hours, being fired for reasons other than misconduct, or quitting with good cause connected to the work such as documented unsafe conditions.
The standard base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the week you file your claim. For a claim filed in June 2026, the base period covers January through December 2025. You must have earned wages in at least two of the four base period quarters, and your total base period wages must equal at least 37 times your calculated weekly benefit amount.
How Much Does Texas Unemployment Pay?
Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is calculated by dividing your highest base period quarter wages by 25. The minimum WBA is $75 per week and the maximum is $605 per week in 2026. For example, if your highest single quarter earnings were $9,500, your WBA would be $9,500 ÷ 25 = $380 per week.
Your total maximum benefit amount (MBA) is the lesser of two calculations: 26 times your WBA, or 27% of your total base period wages. Texas does not have a state income tax, so unemployment benefits are only subject to federal income tax. You can request that TWC withhold 10% of each payment for federal taxes.
Partial Unemployment Benefits
Texas allows you to collect partial benefits if you are working reduced hours and earning less than your weekly benefit amount plus 25%. The earnings allowance is 125% of your WBA. If you earn less than that threshold in a given week, TWC pays you the difference between your earnings allowance and your actual earnings.
How to Apply for Texas Unemployment Benefits
Apply online at the TWC’s Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) portal at twc.texas.gov/services/apply-benefits, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also apply by phone at 800-939-6631 during regular business hours.
Extended benefits are not currently active in Texas as of June 2026, as the state’s unemployment rate remains below the 6.5% threshold required to trigger the program.
Related guides: My Texas Benefits | Texas minimum wage | Unemployment Texas guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Texas unemployment pay per week in 2026?
Texas unemployment benefits range from $75 to $605 per week in 2026. Your specific amount is calculated by dividing your highest base period quarter wages by 25, rounded to the nearest dollar.
How long can you collect unemployment in Texas?
Standard Texas unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks. However, your total payout cannot exceed 27% of your total base period wages.
Is there a waiting week for Texas unemployment?
No. Texas does not have a waiting week. If you meet all eligibility requirements, your first week of unemployment is compensable.
Can I work part-time and collect unemployment in Texas?
Yes. Texas allows partial unemployment benefits. If your weekly earnings are less than 125% of your weekly benefit amount, TWC will pay you the difference.
What disqualifies you from Texas unemployment benefits?
Common disqualifying factors include quitting without good cause, being fired for misconduct, refusing suitable work, and failing to meet work search requirements.