From the Texas Workforce Commission: Unemployment Benefit Claim Self-Service for Employers

If your business has been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19), TWC can help you manage layoffs and unemployment benefit claims. You can manage claims online at any time by using TWC’s online unemployment portal, Employer Benefits Services, or by calling TWC’s Tele-Center employers’ line at 866-274-1722 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday.

When an individual submits a claim naming your company as the last employer, TWC sends you a Notice of Application for Unemployment Benefits. When you respond to this notice, be sure to include information if your business was impacted by COVID-19. Respond online using our Unemployment Insurance Employer Response portal: https://apps.twc.state.tx.us/EMPRESP/security/logon.jsp

TWC is experiencing an increase in call volumes and hold times on our Tele-Center phone lines. You are encouraged to use TWC’s online unemployment portal, Employer Benefits Services, to handle your claim needs quickly. EBS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also encourage you to sign up for Electronic Correspondence so you can receive your TWC communications online as soon as possible. If you are new to EBS, you will need to create a TWC EBS Administrator account when you first log on.

Log on to EBS to:

• Manage access to your online account by setting up an EBS Administrator Account

• Sign up for Electronic Correspondence so you can receive your TWC communications online as soon as possible

• Appeal Online and View Appeal Status: An appeal is your written notice that you disagree with a TWC decision and want your case decided through the appeal process

• Submit a Shared Work Plan: Find out how to avoid laying off workers by reducing the hours of some employees, who can also receive a partial unemployment benefit payment

• Submit a Mass Claim Request: Streamline the unemployment benefits claims process if faced with layoffs by taking advantage of our mass claims process

• Designate an Address for Mailed Correspondence: Choose one mailing address to receive your unemployment insurance notices at a single location, even if you have multiple locations

• Respond to a Notice of Maximum Potential Chargeback: Chargebacks concern claims where you were not the claimant’s last employer, but that may affect your tax rate

TWC will investigate why your former employee lost their job and mail a decision explaining whether they are eligible for unemployment benefits. TWC has waived the work search requirement for all claimants at this time