Emergency Coronavirus Relief to Further Extend Unemployment Assistance to Texans
Texas Workforce Commission • December 31, 2020
With DOL Guidelines in Place, Texas Workforce Commission To Begin Paying New Benefits
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued guidelines to assist the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in the implementation of the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020 (CAA). Payments under this legislation are authorized for the payment week ending January 2, 2021. The act will provide up to 11 additional benefit weeks to Texans on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).
CAA extends the unemployment benefits claim programs created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Key provisions of the act include:
- The Dec 26, 2020 deadline for expiration of CARES Act benefits has been extended to March 13, 2021.
- The legislation includes an extra $300 per week for eligible claimants who are unemployed and receiving benefits during the covered weeks.
TWC will automatically enroll all Texans who are eligible for benefits under the act. There is no need for people to call or reapply. For individuals unable to request payment due to having exhausted their claims in advance of the previous December 26 deadline, TWC will send them updated information.
A summary of programs under the act:
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): Now available through March 13, 2021, or for up to 50 total weeks of eligibility, whichever comes first. Additional documentation of eligibility may be required beginning in January. As we receive DOL guidance, we will provide additional information.
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): Now available through March 13, 2021, or for up to 24 total weeks of eligibility, whichever comes first. Claimants currently receiving benefits through the Extended Benefits program must finish all 13 weeks of EB before receiving additional weeks of PEUC.
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC): These were the original federal supplemental payments under the CARES Act. They will resume with $300 weekly payments for up to an additional 11 weeks. To receive FPUC benefits, you must be receiving UI, PEUC, EB, Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA), Disaster Unemployment (DUA), or PUA. FPUC benefits will not be paid from July 27 to December 26, 2020, per federal guidelines. FPUC eligibility will begin on December 27, 2020 with the first payments set for the week ending January 2.
The legislation does not impact work search requirements. Most Texans will still be required to conduct work searches. The list of searches by county can be found here: https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/required-number-work-search-activities-county.
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center
SNAP Benefits are not handled by Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. Our staff members cannot assist with your inquiries regarding the Federal Government Shutdown's effect on your benefits. To aid in these concerns, we are sharing information below from Texas Health and Human Services . 2025 Federal Government Shutdown With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits. Check this page for updates . SNAP SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. WIC WIC benefits are not affected currently. TANF TANF benefits are not affected currently. Medicaid Medicaid is not affected currently. CHIP CHIP is not affected currently. Find answers about SNAP and other benefits in the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) .
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
