Texas unemployment benefits have a maximum weekly amount and a maximum total you can draw over 26 weeks

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) sets a maximum weekly benefit amount that changes each year based on the state's average wage. For 2024, the maximum is $901 per week. You cannot receive more than this amount in any single week, regardless of how much you earned before losing your job.

Your actual weekly amount depends on your prior earnings — TWC calculates it as a percentage of what you made in your highest-earning quarter during the base period. If that calculation would give you more than the weekly maximum, you get the maximum instead. If it would give you less, you receive the lower amount.

The maximum total benefit amount for a claim is 26 times your weekly benefit rate. So if your weekly rate is $450, your maximum total is $11,700. If your rate is the full $901, your maximum total is $23,426. You can draw this total over the standard 26-week benefit year, but you cannot receive more than the state maximum in any week.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas sets a weekly maximum of $901 for 2024, and you cannot receive more than this amount in any single week no matter your prior earnings.
  • Your actual weekly benefit is based on your highest-earning quarter in the base period, calculated as a percentage of those wages.
  • The total you can draw over 26 weeks is your weekly rate multiplied by 26, capped by the state maximum.
  • If you worked part-time or had lower earnings, your weekly benefit will be less than the maximum, and your total will be proportionally lower.

How TWC calculates your weekly benefit amount

TWC looks at your earnings during the base period, which is the first four of the five calendar quarters before you file your claim. They find your highest-earning quarter and divide that amount by 26 to get a preliminary weekly rate. This is called the high-quarter method.

For example: if your highest quarter was $13,000, TWC divides $13,000 by 26 to get $500 per week. That becomes your weekly benefit amount, assuming it does not exceed the state maximum of $901.

TWC then checks this amount against two other calculations — a statewide average and a percentage of your average weekly wage across all four base-period quarters — to make sure the amount is reasonable. In most cases, the high-quarter method produces your final weekly rate.

Minimum and part-time earnings

Texas has no stated minimum weekly benefit amount. If your base-period earnings were very low, your calculated weekly rate could be $10, $20, or even less. You would still be able to draw that amount if you meet all other requirements.

Part-time workers and seasonal workers often receive lower weekly amounts because their highest quarter was lower than a full-time worker's. If you worked part-time at $8 per hour for 20 hours per week, your highest quarter might be $3,200, which would give you a weekly benefit of about $123.

The maximum of $901 per week applies equally to all workers — there is no separate cap for part-time or seasonal workers. But your actual amount will reflect your actual earnings history.

What happens if you work while drawing benefits

If you work part-time or find temporary work while receiving unemployment, your weekly benefit is reduced by the amount you earn, minus a small disregard. Texas allows you to earn up to $25 per week without any reduction to your benefit. Earnings above $25 are subtracted dollar-for-dollar from your weekly benefit.

For example: if your weekly benefit is $450 and you earn $100 in a week, you subtract $25 (the disregard) and reduce your benefit by $75. You would receive $375 in benefits that week plus your $100 in wages, for a total of $475.

This reduction applies each week you work. You do not lose your claim or your remaining balance — you straightforward receive less that week. If you earn enough to reduce your benefit to zero, you still have the remaining weeks available when your earnings drop.

How the 26-week benefit year works

Your benefits are available over a benefit year, which runs for 52 weeks from the date you file your claim. Within that year, you can draw benefits for up to 26 weeks. The weeks do not have to be consecutive — if you return to work for a few weeks, those weeks do not count against your 26-week total.

Once you have drawn 26 weeks of benefits, your claim is exhausted. You cannot draw more unless you file a new claim in a new benefit year, which requires a new base period and new earnings history.

If you are still unemployed after 26 weeks, you may be able to file for Extended Benefits (EB), a federal program that provides additional weeks when the state unemployment rate is high enough. EB is not automatic — you must meet specific conditions and the state must be in an EB trigger period.

Partial weeks and waiting week

Texas requires a one-week waiting period before you can receive your first benefit payment. This week does not count toward your 26-week total, but you must wait it out. You cannot receive a benefit for the week you file your claim.

If you work part of a week, you report your earnings for that partial week. Your benefit is reduced based on those earnings, using the same $25 disregard and dollar-for-dollar reduction described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive the maximum of $901 per week?

Only if your highest base-period quarter was at least $23,426. Most workers earn less than that, so they receive less than the maximum. Your actual amount depends entirely on your prior earnings history.

What if I was laid off mid-quarter — does that hurt my benefit amount?

It depends on when in the quarter you were laid off. TWC uses your highest-earning quarter, so if you were laid off early in a quarter, that quarter may not be your highest. Your benefit is based on the quarter where you earned the most, regardless of when you lost your job.

Do bonuses or commissions count toward my benefit calculation?

Yes, if they were reported as wages on your W-2 or pay stub during the base period. Bonuses and commissions are included in your total earnings for each quarter. If you received a large bonus in one quarter, that quarter may become your highest-earning quarter.

Can I get more than $901 per week if I had very high earnings?

No. Texas law sets $901 as the absolute maximum weekly benefit for 2024, regardless of how much you earned. Even if your highest quarter was $50,000, you cannot receive more than the weekly maximum.

What happens to my remaining balance if I find a job before 26 weeks?

Your remaining balance stays available for the rest of your 52-week benefit year. If you lose that job within the same benefit year, you can file a new claim and draw the remaining weeks. Once the 52-week year ends, any unused weeks are gone.