Website Privacy & Security Information

If you submit personal information by sending an email or by initiating an online transaction, such as a survey, work registration, unemployment benefits claim, or order form, then any information you submit through the services of the TWC website will be available to appropriate TWC staff to assist them in fulfilling their governmental duties. This information may also be sent to the person or organization TWC determines to be the subject of your message or to other governmental agencies involved in administering your request.

Depending on the transaction type, TWC may collect the IP address and the browser configuration of the computer used to complete the transaction. The browser configuration, which establishes device identifying information, and IP address may then be used to verify the validity of the transaction.

TWC stores information files, called cookies, to maintain information needed during the business process. These cookies, related to the business process, are automatically removed from your computer when you close your browser.

All information TWC collects or maintains is subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act and other federal and state regulations governing information sharing. Such laws are subject to being changed by Congress or the Legislature at any time. In most circumstances, the law currently requires TWC to release to the public any properly requested information collected about visitors to its Internet website.

Confidential transactions, such as unemployment claims or unemployment tax records and payments, have the same level of confidentiality whether filed through the Internet or through other methods. To the extent federal or state law makes information that is filed with TWC confidential, whether filed in paper or electronic form, TWC will treat that information as confidential and will not release it to third parties unless otherwise required or permitted by law.

Job seekers should be aware that information posted on this website might be available to employers accessing TWC services, possibly including your current employer. For example, a job application posted in WorkInTexas.com is available to any employer with a matching job order, while information from a new claim for unemployment benefits is only available to the last employer the applicant named on the claim. Information will not be disclosed to other third parties unless TWC receives a Request for Public Information and the law requires or permits TWC to disclose the information. Website visitors who email comments, inquiries or online forms to TWC, or who provide personally identifiable information to TWC, should keep in mind that the Texas Public Information Act may require TWC to release such information if requested.

TWC may disclose personal information without user consent under the following conditions:

• To perform the statutory duties of TWC
• To operate a program authorized by law
• As authorized by state or federal statute or regulation
• Pursuant to a court order
• To enforce TWC’s rights against unauthorized access or attempted unauthorized access to TWC’s information technology assets (i.e., disclose to federal or state law enforcement authorities)

TWC does not currently sell or rent information collected through its website. At this time, TWC does not have an opt-in or opt-out approach to data release and protection. TWC shares some information with government agencies and their contractors for the administration and enforcement of laws, including verifying eligibility for public assistance, supporting law enforcement activities and other purposes permitted by law. Allowable uses of confidential information may include performing statistical analysis, research and evaluation on programs such as Social Security, Medicaid, food assistance, and child support.

In selected areas of the website, TWC encrypts information sent over the Internet using a secure socket layer (SSL) connection to enhance the security of information. In other areas, TWC provides only the security necessary to maintain the TWC website and the information provided as part of TWC's interactive services.

If you are using a computer in a public place, log off and close the browser when you are finished using this website to prevent others from viewing your information.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) provides information via this website as a public service. Please note that users of this website are responsible for checking the accuracy, completeness, currency and/or suitability of all information themselves. TWC makes no representations, guarantees, or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, currency or suitability of the information provided via this website. TWC specifically disclaims any and all liability for any claims or damages that may result from providing the website or the information it contains, including any websites maintained by third parties and linked to the TWC site. TWC makes no effort to independently verify, and does not exert editorial control over, information on pages outside of the "twc.texas.gov" domain or other TWC domains.

TWC does not endorse any of the products, vendors, consultants or documentation referenced in this website. Any mention of vendors, products or services is for informational purposes only.

TWC asserts its copyright on all content created by TWC. Unless otherwise noted on an individual document, file, webpage or other website, TWC grants permission to copy and distribute the information for noncommercial and non-profit use, provided that the content remains unaltered and credit is given to the source. TWC reserves all other rights under relevant copyright statutes.

If you have questions about this website, contact us at webadmin@twc.texas.gov.

The TWC website has been translated for your convenience using translation software powered by Google Translate. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation, however, no automated translation is perfect nor is it intended to replace human translators. Translations are provided as a service to users of the TWC website, and are provided "as is." No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, or correctness of any translations made from English into any other language. Some content (such as images, videos, web files, etc.) may not be accurately translated due to the limitations of the translation software.

The official text is the English version of the TWC website. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in the translated website, refer to the English version of the website which is the official version.

Permission to link to any Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Web domains or pages is not necessary. Our webpage addresses may change at any time without notice. Entities and individuals who link to our website is encouraged to verify link accuracy frequently. To link to our Home Page, use the following URL: https://twc.texas.gov/.

Entities and individuals may not:

• Capture TWC pages or affiliated Web domains within frames.
• Present TWC content as their own.
• Misrepresent TWC content or misinform users about the origin or ownership of TWC content.

TWC asserts its copyright on all content created by TWC and reserves all other rights under relevant copyright statutes.

Any link to the TWC Web domains should be a full forward link that passes the client browser to the Texas Workforce Commission's Web domains unencumbered. The Back button should return the visitor to the original site.

Links from the Texas Workforce Commission

At its discretion, TWC may link to websites that contain information and/or services related to the purpose and mission of the Texas Workforce Commission.

The inclusion of a link on the TWC Web domains to an external website is not intended as an endorsement of any product or service offered or referenced on the linked website, the organizations sponsoring the website, or any views expressed in the website. Links are provided for informational purposes only.

Link Criteria

TWC uses the following criteria when considering requests to link from the TWC website to an external website.

Links to websites proposed for TWC to link to:

• Provides credible, accurate and current information which relates to the mission of the Texas Workforce Commission.
• Is in compliance with all laws and regulations, including policies regarding external links and privacy of user data contained in the State Website Link & Privacy Policy.
• Does not contain any material that could be regarded as hateful, discriminatory, pornographic, libelous, defamatory or offensive.
• Does not belong to or support a political affiliation, or seek to further the agenda of a political organization or candidate running for office.
• Makes reasonable accommodations for users with disabilities.
• Allows users to easily return to the Texas Workforce Commission's Web domains from the linked site; the browser's Back button returns the user to the TWC's Web domains.
• Provides contact information or a link to contact information.

TWC reserves the right to deny or remove links, especially if it determines that a website does not meet all of the criteria listed above.

Link Requests

Send link suggestions to webadmin@twc.texas.gov indicating “Link Request” in the subject line. Each link request should address how the site meets the criteria outlined above.

Link Removal

TWC will regularly review links from its Web domains. Links may be removed or replaced at any time without notice.

We will remove a link if:

• The information on the site is inaccurate or not trustworthy.
• Access to the linked information has become difficult due to non-standard formatting, lengthy download times or intrusive advertising.
• The link is unreachable or unavailable for a lengthy period.
• Links to the site excessively burden TWC systems or personnel.
• The link violates the criteria set forth in this link policy.

Report Broken Links

If you have found a broken link on our website, you can let us know by emailing us at webadmin@twc.texas.gov.

This email is not for unemployment benefits or tax questions.

In accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2054, Subchapter M, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is committed to making its websites and other electronic and information resources (EIR) accessible to individuals with disabilities, including members of the public and agency employees, according to the standards set forth by Title 1 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 206 and Chapter 213.

This accessibility policy establishes a process to ensure that TWC EIR are accessible, or an exception to accessibility compliance has been approved by the TWC Executive Director.

This policy does not apply to durable medical equipment.

Accessible EIR

EIR designed in alternate formats, which can be used in a variety of ways and do not depend on a single sense or ability. Accessible EIR provide the same information, functionality and services to people with disabilities as to those without disabilities.

Alternate Formats

Other ways of publishing information. Some of these formats can be used by everyone while others are designed to address the specific needs of a user. Examples of alternate formats include Braille, ASCII text, large print, recorded audio, and electronic formats that comply with this policy.

Electronic and Information Resources (EIR)

Documents and resources, such as information technology and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the creation, conversion, storage or duplication of data or information. As defined in Title 1 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 213, electronic and information resources include "information technology and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the creation, conversion, duplication, or delivery of data or information." The term includes but is not limited to "telecommunications products (such as telephones), information kiosks and transaction machines, World Wide Web sites, multimedia, and office equipment such as copiers and fax machines."

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

The term "Information and Communication Technology (ICT)" may be used interchangeably with "EIR" when used in documents and contracts.

Employees

TWC provides accessible EIR to its employees with disabilities to perform their job duties. Their access to EIR must be equivalent to the access provided to employees without disabilities, unless this requirement imposes a significant difficulty or expense.

Public

TWC provides access to and use of information to members of the public with disabilities who are seeking information or services from TWC. This access must be comparable to that provided to members of the public without disabilities, unless this requirement imposes a significant difficulty or expense.

Minimum Standard

At a minimum, TWC employees and contractors who are responsible for EIR must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2 Level AA.

TWC provides accessibility services in accordance with the following state and federal laws, rules and standards:

• 1 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 206, Subchapters A and B
• 1 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 213, Subchapters A and B
• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998
• Texas Government Code, Chapter 2054, Subchapter M
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Titles I and II
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2, Level AA

Exception Policy

Under special circumstances such as significant difficulty or expense, staff may submit an EIR accessibility exception request for a non-compliant resource development or procurement.

Situations that may require a request for an exception to accessibility compliance include:

• An EIR resource is found to be inaccessible, but sufficient time or resources are not available to make the resource accessible.
• A purchase request is for software that is inaccessible, but the software is used to produce accessible documents, applications or training.
• An inaccessible document is required to be posted to the TWC Internet by legislative mandate.

A request for an exception to accessibility compliance can be initiated only after the TWC Accessibility Team, including the business area’s Accessibility Liaison, has evaluated the document or resource for remediation and determined no accessible alternate formats are available.

A request for exception to accessibility compliance includes:

• An expiration date
• A plan for alternate means of access for persons with disabilities
• Justification for the exception, including relevant cost avoidance estimates

Such requests must be approved by the Executive Director, pursuant to § 2054.460, Texas Government Code. The Executive Director will specify an expiration date for each approved exception.

Employees Responsibilities

All TWC employees are responsible for ensuring that any EIR they create, purchase or procure and distribute are accessible.

EIR Accessibility Liaison

The EIR Accessibility Liaison has the following responsibilities:

• Provide consultation and assistance to employees in the business area to verify that EIR is accessible.
• Act as liaison between their business area and the TWC Accessibility Team for training and consultation requests.
• Work with the TWC Accessibility Team to test and remediate EIR when necessary.
• Complete requests for an exception to accessibility compliance, if deemed necessary after consultation with the TWC Accessibility Team.

TWC Accessibility Team

The TWC Accessibility Team has the following responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance and training to help divisions and business units develop EIR which are accessible.
• Coordinate with divisions and business units to ensure that EIR posted to the TWC Internet and Intranet are accessible.
• Provide accessibility testing and assistance with remediation of EIR, including determining if accessible alternate formats are available.
• Evaluate requests for an exception to accessibility compliance and provide recommendations for approval or denial.

TWC Executive Director

The TWC Executive Director (or designee) has the following responsibilities:

• Enforce TWC accessibility policies.
• Ensure that EIR are accessible for employee and public use.
• Approve or deny all requests for an exception to accessibility compliance.

TWC EIR Accessibility Coordinator

TWC's EIR Accessibility Coordinator is a central point of contact for information concerning EIR accessibility issues and solutions. The coordinator monitors TWC's compliance with this accessibility policy and maintains TWC's plans and procedures for correcting non-compliant electronic and information resources.

Additionally, the Accessibility Coordinator has the following responsibilities:

• Maintain the agency copy of approved and denied requests for exceptions to accessibility compliance.
• At the end of the exception term for approved requests, determine if:
  • The EIR is still in use.
  • The EIR is still noncompliant with TWC policies.
  • A new exception request needs to be submitted.

Comments or Requests

TWC welcomes comments on how to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability related to vision, hearing, or mobility, send an email to accessibility@twc.texas.gov with comments or requests for improving our website.

Social media sites shall not be used to conduct any official business with TWC, including, but not limited to:

• Unemployment benefits
• Protests
• Appeals
• Open records requests
• Reports of suspected fraud, waste, or program abuse

Postings or comments are not considered TWC business transactions and TWC has no responsibility to act on them. To report suspected fraud, waste, or program abuse in any program administered by TWC, submit a fraud report online or call the TWC Fraud Hotline at 800-252-3642.

Postings are not private. Any communication on any social media site may be subject to monitoring and disclosure to third parties under the Texas Public Information Act or other disclosure laws.

TWC reserves the right to add, remove, or edit social media comments in its sole discretion. TWC will make every effort to monitor social media content and ensure its content is of an appropriate nature. If inappropriate content is found, please notify us immediately at socialmedia@twc.texas.gov so we may review the content and remove it if deemed inappropriate. TWC shall not be held responsible for inappropriate content submitted by social media users.

TWC does not reply to all postings or comments.

To protect the public and staff, please follow these rules when posting comments:

• No confidential or personal information
• No profanity
• No racist, sexist, or derogatory content
• No spam or solicitous material
• No personal attacks or harassing comments
• No copyrighted material

Recommended browsers for browsing our website are Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Click on the respective link to download the latest free version.