How Do I Request Payment by Internet or Tele-Serv?
We mail you detailed information on how to request payment of UI benefits by Internet or Tele-Serv:
- Internet:Go to www.texasworkforce.org (click on Payment Request), or go directly to http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/paymentrequest.html. Use the same User ID and password you set up when you registered for work search on www.WorkInTexas.com.
- Tele-Serv: Call Tele-Serv to set up your Personal Identification Number (PIN), request payment, and get other claim information.
What Is Tele-Serv?
Tele-Serv is an automated telephone voice response system that allows you to use a touch-tone telephone to communicate with TWC's computer, making your claim filing easier. Tele-Serv lets you file your required biweekly payment requests by phone, obtain the status of your claim or UI benefits payment, obtain general information about UI, and set or change your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Claimants receive a specific Tele-Serv number for the area in which they reside. The following table lists the main Tele-Serv menu options.
| Tele-Serv Main Menu Options | |
| Choose option: | Then ... |
|---|---|
| 1. To Request Payment (Claim Filing) (Requires PIN) |
Use your phone's buttons to: Answer claim questions covering a two-week period, then hear whether your payment request is submitted, and either when to file your next two-week payment request, or that you need to give TWC more information. |
| 2. For Payment and Claim Status (Requires PIN) |
Press a number to make a selection and hear:
|
| 3. To Get General Information about Unemployment Insurance (Does not require a PIN) |
Press a number to make a selection and hear:
|
| 4. To Create or Change PIN |
Use your phone's buttons to:
|
What Is a PIN?
A "PIN" is a four-digit Personal Identification Number that only you should know. It protects your privacy because no one can call Tele-Serv about your claim without that PIN. You set up your own PIN to use with Tele-Serv, and you will need to remember the PIN you choose.
Your PIN has the same legal authority as your signature on a paper document. Keep your PIN a secret! Do not give your PIN to anyone, not even a member of your family or a TWC employee. You are responsible for any payment requests made with your SSN, PIN, or computer password.
How Do I Set Up My PIN?
If you did not already establish your PIN in the process of filing your initial claim by phone or on the Internet, call Tele-Serv right away to do so. You need to establish your PIN only once. You need to do it before you can get information about your claim or request payments. Use the following steps to set up your PIN:
- Call the Tele-Serv number. Press 1 for English, or 2 for Spanish.
- Press 4, "To establish or change your Personal Identification Number."
- Enter your Social Security number (SSN) using the telephone buttons. Tele-Serv will repeat the SSN. Press 1 to confirm it, or 2 to re-enter it.
- Enter the four-digit PIN you want. Do not use the * or # buttons. When the Tele-Serv repeats the PIN, press 1 to confirm it, or 2 to re-enter it.
- Wait for the message "Your new PIN has been accepted."
If you have a problem with your PIN, call the TWC Unemployment Insurance Tele-Center for help. If Tele-Serv tells you to call TWC because of a problem related to your PIN, you must call before you can use Tele-Serv again.
What if I Forget My Payment Request Password or Tele-Serv PIN?
If you remember your Payment Request User ID and your security question, you can reset your password on the Internet. The security answer is case sensitive, so enter your response exactly as you set it up. If you don't remember your ID or security information, call a TWC Tele-Center. You may also call the Tele-Center to reset your Tele-Serv PIN (Personal Identification Number).