Neal Caffrey

Calculators

Texas

Texas Unemployment Calculator: WBA, Eligibility & Duration

Texas Unemployment Calculator

Your base period is determined by the date you file your claim

Estimated Weekly Benefit

Weekly Benefit Amount: $0.00
Based on Highest Quarter: $0.00
Eligibility Status: Checking…
This calculator provides an estimate of your potential unemployment benefits. The actual amount you receive will be determined by the Texas Workforce Commission. Current minimum weekly benefit is $73, maximum is $521. You must have earned wages in at least two quarters and meet total earnings requirements. Benefit amounts may change annually.

What is the Texas Unemployment Calculator?

The Texas Unemployment Calculator is an online tool designed to give you a quick estimate of your unemployment compensation based on your recent work history.

By entering your last day of work and your wages earned in the last four quarters, the calculator shows:

  • Base period used (the timeframe of wages TWC reviews)
  • Estimated weekly benefit amount (WBA)
  • Estimated maximum benefit amount (MBA)
  • Estimated duration of payments

This way, you get a snapshot of potential benefits without waiting for your claim to process.

How the Calculator Works

Unemployment benefits in Texas are not random; they follow specific formulas set by law. The calculator uses these same rules to give an estimate. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Base Period
    • Texas looks at your last 12–15 months of work history.
    • Your wages from the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters are counted.
    • If you don’t qualify under the standard base period, the alternate base period may be used.
  2. Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)
    • Calculated from your highest quarter’s wages, divided by 25.
    • The amount is capped between $73 (minimum) and $577 (maximum) per week.
  3. Total Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA)
    • The most you can receive during a benefit year.
    • Limited to 26 weeks of payments or 27% of your total base period wages, whichever is less.
  4. Duration of Benefits
    • Normally up to 26 weeks in Texas.
    • Extended benefits may apply during high unemployment periods.

Why Use the Texas Unemployment Calculator?

Filing for unemployment can feel overwhelming. The calculator simplifies things by giving you answers in seconds.

Plan Ahead – Know roughly how much support you’ll receive.
Budget Smarter – Adjust your expenses around your weekly benefit.
Check Eligibility – Find out if your wages qualify before filing.
Reduce Stress – Avoid surprises when the TWC processes your claim.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Texas Unemployment Calculator

Using the calculator is quick and straightforward:

  1. Enter your last day of work.
    • This determines your base period.
  2. Input your wages for the last four quarters.
    • Example: $8,000, $8,500, $8,200, $8,800.
  3. Click “Calculate Estimate.”
    • Instantly see your estimated weekly benefit, maximum total payout, and benefit duration.
  4. Review the results.
    • If you’re not eligible under the standard base period, the calculator may prompt you for alternate wages.
  5. Reset anytime.
    • You can clear inputs and start fresh with one click.

Important Disclaimer

The Texas Unemployment Calculator is an estimate tool only. Your actual benefits are determined by the Texas Workforce Commission after you file a claim. Factors like severance, holiday pay, or part-time earnings may affect your official benefit amount.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas Unemployment Calculator helps you estimate benefits before filing with TWC.
  • Your weekly benefit will be between $73 and $577, based on your past wages.
  • You can typically collect up to 26 weeks of unemployment.
  • Use the calculator to budget and plan ahead, but always file an official claim to confirm.