Revision 11-4; Effective December 1, 2011

Unemployment benefits are unearned income.

A person who loses employment may be entitled to unemployment benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). To receive unemployment benefits, a person must file an application with TWC. Determine the expected duration and the amount of the unemployment benefits per month. Unemployment benefits may be received on a weekly or biweekly schedule.

Reference: Do not use TWC's Form B-11 to verify unemployment benefits. This form does not verify the actual receipt or amount of benefits.

Verify unemployment benefits by one or more of the following methods:

• Obtain TWC information through a Data Broker report.
• Obtain a letter from TWC.
• Document a contact with a representative of TWC.
• View or obtain a copy of the person's most recent benefit checks.

Data Broker report will verify quarterly earnings and unemployment benefits. Information is obtained using the person's name and Social Security number. A match will result if the person has applied, is receiving or has received unemployment benefits with TWC. Result response time is generally immediate.

A match by name will provide the person's name, alias name, address, telephone number, Social Security number and date of birth.

Available information includes:

• if the person has applied for benefits;
• wages the person earned (per quarter) during the past 24 months;
• the status of a current claim; and
• the amount of weekly unemployment benefits, deductions and payment dates.