Unemployment Insurance TWC Mass Claims Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
What is the mass claims program?
What are the advantages of using the mass claims program?
Preparing for a Layoff
How can I help employees start the unemployment benefits process before a layoff?
How can TWC help before a layoff?
How do I submit mass claims layoff information to TWC?
What if we can't provide all of the requested information?
What is the Mass Claims Agreement letter?
What day does the claim week begin?
When will our employees begin receiving their benefits?
After the Layoff
How do claimants activate their claim?
What other information can TWC provide employers and employees about unemployment benefit?
Introduction
What is the mass claims program?
The Mass Claims program streamlines the unemployment benefit claims process for employers faced with layoffs (permanent or temporary) of 10 or more employees at one time. Employers can submit basic worker information on behalf of their employees to initiate claims for unemployment benefits.
What are the advantages of using the mass claims program?
Employers:
- can submit the layoff information prior to the layoff, which ensures a smooth transition for both employer and worker.
- can establish claims more efficiently than workers who submit their own claims.
- can submit the worker's final week of earnings, helping to ensure proper payment.
- can submit wages in lieu of advance notice of layoff information, reducing subsequent contact by TWC.
- are not inundated with a written notice of application for each individual who applies for unemployment benefits.
- automatically become a party of interest to each claim filed.
Preparing for a Layoff
How can I help employees start the unemployment benefits process before a layoff?
Immediately notify your employees that your company will start the unemployment benefits process by submitting information to TWC. If your workers are not aware you are starting the process, they may submit their own claim. Duplicate claims could slow the process.
How can TWC help before a layoff?
Once we receive information from you about the potential claimants, we will create inactive benefits claim for your employees and mail them instructions on how to activate their claim once they are laid off. Also, TWC provides an employee information sheet for your company to give your workers before the layoff.
How do I submit mass claims layoff information to TWC?
- Complete and return the Mass Claims Excel Spreadsheet (Excel) and Mass Claims Agreement Letter. (Word)
- For each laid-off worker, enter the employee's name, Social Security number, home address and other required information.
- At least five working days before the layoff, submit the spreadsheet and agreement letter to TWC by e-mail at ui.massclaims@twc.state.tx.us.
- TWC will confirm receipt of your information. If you do not receive a confirmation or if you have questions, call the Mass Claims Coordinator at 512-463-2999.
What if we can't provide all of the requested information?
Contact the Mass Claims Coordinator at 512-463-2999. Some information is more crucial than others, and the coordinator can determine what action to take.
What is the mass claims agreement letter?
The Mass Agreement Letter outlines the provisions TWC requires from an employer before the Mass Claims Excel Spreadsheet can be processed. An authorized company representative must sign and return the letter to assure compliance with those provisions, such as electronic file security, required information, deadlines, and instructions for appeals.
What day does the claim week begin?
The claim week begins on Sunday. Which Sunday depends on the last day worked. Generally, if an employee's last work day was:
- Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, the claim will begin on the previous Sunday.
- Thursday or Friday, the claim will begin the following Sunday.
When will our employees begin receiving their benefits?
Usually within two or three weeks after the initial claim is made. However, if your employees were paid wages instead of advance notice of the layoff, they are not eligible for benefits during the period covered by these wages.
After a Layoff
How do claimants activate their claim?
Claimants activate their claim by Requesting Payment through TWC's online Unemployment Benefits Services at ui.texasworkforce.org, or by calling Tele-Serv, TWC's interactive voice response system. If a potential claimant does not request payment, TWC does not activate the claim and the claimant does not receive unemployment benefit payments.
What other information can TWC provide employers and employees about unemployment benefits?
Unemployment Insurance Information provides you and your employees with detailed information on the unemployment benefits program and work search requirements. When your employees submit a claim for unemployment benefits, TWC mails them a booklet called, Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook (PDF) and a Work Search Log. Encourage your employees to read the entire booklet so they will be aware of their rights and responsibilities when filing for unemployment benefits.
IMPORTANT If your employee has an overpayment balance, with TWC, TWC will apply current benefit payments to the balance until the full amount is recovered.