Mass Claims for Unemployment Benefits

You:

• Can submit the layoff information before the layoff, which ensures a smooth transition for both employer and worker
• Can establish claims more efficiently than workers who submit their own unemployment benefits claims
• Can submit the worker's final week of earnings, helping to ensure proper payment
• Can submit information on severance pay or wages in lieu of notice of layoff, 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

You can submit a Mass Claim up to 7 days after the layoff occurred. You must sign up for Employer Benefits Services (EBS) to submit a Mass Claims Request. EBS online is fast, easy, secure, and available 24/7.

To sign up for EBS, you will need to establish a password and user ID and select an account administrator. To learn more about Employer Benefits Services and how to sign up for an EBS account, see the EBS Administrator Duties user guide.

To complete your Mass Claim Request, you will need:

• Your company’s name, address, telephone number, fax number, and the contact information for an authorized representative with signature authority
• Your TWC Tax Account Number
• The names, home addresses, and Social Security numbers of all the employees who will be laid off.

You can either upload a .csv (Comma Separated Values) file with all the employee data or enter the data manually. Once loaded, you can edit your list or add and delete affected employees as needed.

If you encounter any problems and are unable to submit your request using your EBS portal, please email us at: ui.massclaims@twc.texas.gov with a description of your problem. Our mass claims department will contact you to determine what action is needed.

For more information on how TWC is supporting employers during the COVID-19 pandemic, see: COVID-19 Resources Employers.

Need Help?

• See a Mass Claims user guide
• See an EBS Administrator Duties user guide

Activating the Unemployment Benefits 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 through the mass claim.

Information TWC Provides About Unemployment Benefits

TWC provides information about the unemployment benefits process to employers and employees in several ways, including:

• Unemployment Benefits Basics for Employers. The page provides you with an introduction to the unemployment benefits program.
• Our Unemployment Benefits page for Job Seekers & Employees. That web page provides you and your employees with detailed information on the unemployment benefits program from the claimant perspective and work search requirements.
• Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook. After we process the mass claim information you submit, your employees activate their claim by submitting a payment request. TWC mails them an Unemployment Benefits Handbook. Encourage your employees to read the entire booklet so they will be aware of their rights and responsibilities when requesting unemployment benefits.
• Statement of Wages and Potential Benefit Amounts. After your employees activate their claim, TWC mails them a notice that lists the potential weekly and maximum benefit amount the employee may receive.
• Work Search Log. If your employees are required to look for work, TWC also mails them a work search log. Your employees should use the log to record weekly work search activities. TWC may exempt your employees from looking for work if they are on a temporary layoff.