Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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General Information

General Information

Why should I keep a work search log?
TWC requires that you actively search for work to be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. TWC may request your work search log anytime during your benefit year to verify your work search activities. If TWC cannot verify your work search activities, you could be held ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits for the requested week.

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What information do I need to provide to prove I have been searching for work?
If you fill out the work search log completely, you will have sufficient information to prove that you have been searching for work. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for TWC to verify the work search activity. You can access the work search log online at http://www.twc.texas.gov/ui/bnfts/worksearchlog.html.

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If I register with a temporary agency, can I list that agency as a contact if I apply for specific jobs with that agency?
You can count each contact with a temporary agency as a separate work search activity as long as the contacts occur on different days. Calling the temporary agency back about the same specific position does not count as a separate work search activity.

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How many work search activities are required for each week?
The Work Search Notification form (BI940) contains the minimum number of required work search activities that you must make each week. TWC mails you this form when you file your initial claim and each time your required work search quantity changes. You can call Tele-Serv to verify your current minimum required work search activities. The number of minimum required work search activities is determined by your local Workforce Board and may change during your claim year if labor market conditions change.

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What if I don't make the required number of work search activities each week?
You are ineligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits for any week in which you haven't made the minimum required work search activities.

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How do I list jobs I've applied for on the Internet?
For the Employer/Agency/Service/Event, write the name of the service or company used to apply for work (e.g., Monster.com). Provide as much information as possible about the position.

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How do I keep track of my work search activities?
You can keep track using the work search log that TWC mailed to you when you applied for unemployment insurance benefits. You can access the work search log online at http://www.twc.texas.gov/ui/bnfts/worksearchlog.html. You can also write down your work search activities on your own log. Make sure you include all the details TWC needs to verify your work search activities.

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What is an acceptable work search activity?
Acceptable work search activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Registering for work and/or re-employment services with the Texas Workforce Network.
  • Completing a job application in person or online with employers who may reasonably be expected to have openings for suitable work.
  • Mailing a job application and/or a résumé, as instructed in a public job notice.
  • Making in-person visits with employers who may reasonably be expected to have openings for suitable work.
  • Sending job applications to employers who may reasonably be expected to have openings for suitable work.
  • Interviewing with potential employers, in person or by telephone.
  • Registering for work with private employment agencies or placement services.
  • Using the employment resources available at Workforce Centers that may lead directly to obtaining employment, such as:
    • Obtaining and using local labor market information;
    • Participating in skills assessments for occupation matching;
    • Participating in instructional workshops; or
    • Obtaining and following up on job referrals from the Workforce Center.
    • Attending job search seminars, job club meetings, job fairs, or employment related workshops that offer instruction in improving individuals' skills for obtaining employment. Using online job matching systems, including TWC's Internet-based system, to submit applications/resumes, search for matches or request referrals, and/or apply for jobs.
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