Note: As of July 11, 2017, fee waivers for the 2017-2018 application cycle are no longer available and applications are no longer being accepted. You can apply for a fee waiver for the 2018-2019 application cycle when it opens in April 2018.
May 2, 2011. 1  Several factors determine how long you can draw unemployment insurance benefits in Texas. 2  State unemployment benefits in Texas and elsewhere usually are payable for up to 26 weeks, or six months. 3  Federal funding is available in Texas and all other states only through the end of 2011 unless the government chooses to extend it.
The length of the benefit period is usually 52 weeks from the start of the claim. How many weeks of regular EI benefits you receive during the benefit period can range from 14 to 45 weeks and depends on the number of hours you worked during the qualifying period and the regional unemployment rate for your area.pplication Deadlines. You must apply for regular EI benefits within 4 weeks after you stop working; if you delay applying for benefits beyond the four weeks, you risk losing benefits you are entitled to. If you have not been paid wages or had any earnings for a period of 7 consecutive days, you may also apply.