Tips and best practices for selecting and uploading acceptable identity documents can be found here. ID.me has partnered with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to help verify your identity for unemployment benefits

Steps to verify your identity with ID.me:

1. You may be prompted to complete this first step in various ways (for example, when you apply for access to certain services or websites, or by clicking the green Verify with ID.me button). You may have the option to Sign In to your existing account, or click to Create an ID.me Account. Follow the prompts to set up your account
2. When prompted, confirm your email address
3. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) strengthens account security by requiring an additional step in the sign-in process. Select one of the options displayed

To verify your identity:

1. Visit the Texas Workforce Commission website and click the green “Verify with ID.me” button.​​
2. You will be directed to the ID.me sign-in page. You can sign in to your existing ID.me account, or create a new one.
3. Confirm your email address.
4. Select a multi-factor authentication option.
5. Verify your identity. Answer questions about your credit history or verify your identity with a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or passport card. You can take a photo with your mobile device or upload from your computer.
6. If you chose to take a photo with your device, follow the onscreen prompts. You’ll be asked to input your phone number. ID.me will send you a text message with a link to your smartphone to take photos of your ID. If you don’t have a smartphone, click here to learn how to verify your identity without a smartphone.
7. Enter all other requested information, including your Social Security number.
8. Review and confirm to make sure all your information is accurate. Then click “Continue” at the bottom of the screen. After ID.me verifies your identity, you will receive a confirmation text message as a way to protect you from fraud.
9. At the end of the process, be sure to click “Allow and continue.” This step shares your identity information with TWS.

Trusted Referee

If you are not able to complete the verification process due to an issue with your documentation, you will be routed to verify your identity over a video call with a Trusted Referee. Wait times may vary. You will need to show your identity documents to a Trusted Referee along with a selfie (a photo of yourself) to complete your verification.

After you’ve completed your verification with a Trusted Referee, follow the steps below to continue with your claim:

What’s Next

Verifying your identity is the first step in a multi-step process. When your identity has been verified, and your information matches TWC’s records, TWC then determines if you are eligible for unemployment benefits. Please be patient. TWC is processing thousands of unemployment claims and will notify you about your eligibility as quickly as possible, usually within 3-5 business days.