What "Request Payment" means at TWC

Request Payment is the button you use in your TWC online account to tell the state you are ready to receive your weekly unemployment benefit. It is not an form you mail in or a phone call you make — it is a step you take inside your account on the TWC website or through the TWC mobile app.

Every week you are unemployed and meet the program rules, you must request payment to receive your benefit check or direct deposit. If you do not request payment, the state will not send you money that week, even if you are otherwise may have access to to it. The request tells TWC that you are still unemployed, that you have looked for work (if required), and that you want your benefit released.

This is different from your initial claim, which you file once when you first lose your job. Requesting payment happens every week for as long as you are receiving benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • You must request payment every week through your TWC online account or the mobile app to receive your benefit that week.
  • Requests are usually due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday of the week you are claiming, though the exact important date depends on your account setup.
  • If you miss the important date, you can still request payment late, but your benefit may be delayed by one or more weeks.
  • You will need to answer questions about your work search and any income you earned that week before you can complete your request.
  • Once you request payment, you can check the status of your payment through your account or by calling the TWC claims line.

How to request payment through your TWC account

Log into your account on the TWC website at twc.texas.gov using your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one before you can request payment. Once you are logged in, look for a button or link labeled "Request Payment" or "Weekly Claim" — the exact wording can change, but it will be on your main dashboard or under a "Claims" or "Benefits" section.

Click the button to start your weekly request. TWC will ask you a series of questions about the week you are claiming. You will need to tell them whether you worked that week, how much you earned if you did work, whether you refused any job offers, and whether you looked for work (if your claim type requires it). Answer each question honestly and completely. Incomplete or false answers can result in your payment being denied or your benefits being stopped.

After you answer all the questions, review your answers to make sure they are correct. Then submit your request. You will see a confirmation message on screen. Write down the date and time of your submission or take a screenshot — this is your proof that you requested payment.

important date and what happens if you miss them

Most TWC claims must be requested by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday of the week you are claiming. However, some accounts have different important date depending on when your initial claim was filed or what type of benefit you are receiving. Check your TWC account or your most recent benefit letter to find your specific important date.

If you miss the Sunday important date, you can still request payment, but it will be late. A late request usually delays your payment by one week or more. For example, if you request payment for the week of January 1–7 on Tuesday of the following week, you may not receive that payment until the week after next. The longer you wait after the important date, the longer the delay.

If you have a reason you could not request payment on time — such as a medical emergency, a death in the family, or a system outage on TWC's website — you may be able to request a waiver of the late penalty. Call the TWC claims line to explain your situation and ask whether a waiver is possible.

Using the TWC mobile app to request payment

You can also request payment through the official TWC mobile app, which is available for both iPhone and Android. read the app from your phone's app store, then log in with the same username and password you use on the TWC website. The app has a "Request Payment" or "Weekly Claim" button in the same place as the website version.

Requesting payment through the app works exactly the same way as on the website. You will answer the same questions, review your answers, and submit. The app sends your request to the same system, so there is no difference in how fast you receive your payment or whether your request is treated differently. Use whichever method is easier for you — website or app.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password" on the TWC login page and follow the steps to reset it. TWC will send a link to the email address on file. If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, check your spam folder.

If you cannot log in even after resetting your password, or if you do not have an email address on file, call the TWC claims line at 1-800-939-6631. You can also visit a TWC office in person to request payment, though this is slower than using your account. Have your Social Security number and your claim number (if you know it) ready when you call.

If the TWC website or app is down for maintenance, wait until it is back online to request payment. TWC usually posts notices about planned maintenance on their website ahead of time. If the system is unexpectedly down and you cannot request payment before the important date, contact TWC to explain what happened.

Payment methods and when you receive your money

Once you request payment, TWC processes your request and releases your benefit. How you receive the money depends on how you set up your account. Most people receive benefits through direct deposit to a bank account, which usually takes one to two business days after TWC releases the payment. Some people receive a debit card in the mail, which is loaded with their benefit when TWC releases it. A small number of people still receive paper checks, which take longer.

You can check the status of your payment in your TWC account. Log in and look for a section called "Payment Status" or "Claim Status." This will show you whether your payment has been released, when it was released, and when you should expect to see it in your bank account or on your card.

Common reasons a payment request is denied

TWC may deny your payment request if you do not answer all the questions, if you answer dishonestly, or if you do not meet the program rules for that week. For example, if you worked full-time and earned more than your weekly benefit amount, you may not receive a payment that week. If you refused a job offer without good reason, your payment may be denied.

If your payment is denied, TWC will send you a notice in the mail explaining why. The notice will also tell you how to appeal the decision if you disagree. You have a limited time to file an appeal — usually 15 days from the date on the notice — so act quickly if you want to challenge the denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I request payment but then find a job before the week ends?

You should still request payment for that week if you were unemployed for part of it. When you request payment, tell TWC the date you started working and how much you earned. TWC will calculate whether you are still may have access to to a partial benefit for the days you were unemployed. Do not skip requesting payment — let TWC do the math.

Can someone else request payment for me?

No. You must request payment yourself using your own account. If you are unable to access your account due to a disability or other barrier, call the TWC claims line at 1-800-939-6631 to discuss your situation. TWC may be able to help you set up a way to request payment that works for you.

Do I request payment if I am on a waiting week?

No. If you are in your waiting week (the first week after you file your initial claim), you do not request payment and you do not receive a benefit. After your waiting week ends, you will start requesting payment for each week you are unemployed. TWC will tell you when your waiting week is over.

What if the website says I cannot request payment?

This usually means your claim has been closed, you have exhausted your benefits, or there is a hold on your account. Check your TWC account for any messages or notices. If you see a message, read it carefully — it will explain what is wrong. If you do not see a message, call the TWC claims line to find out why you cannot request payment.

How long does it take to get paid after I request payment?

If you request payment by the Sunday important date, TWC usually releases your payment within one to three business days. If you receive direct deposit, the money should be in your bank account one to two business days after that. If you receive a debit card, it is loaded when ready when TWC releases the payment. If you request payment late, add one week or more to this timeline.