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.
1 Texas total nonfarm employment decreased by 13,700 jobs during August 2015. 2  Between August 2014 and August 2015, Texas total nonfarm employment increased by 217,700 jobs or 2 percent. 3  The Texas unemployment rate was 4.1 percent for August 2015, down from 4.9 percent in August 2014.