Return to Work Guidance
Texas Workforce Commission • May 4, 2020
Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Unemployment Claimants Returning To Work
Healthy Unemployment Claimants are Encouraged to Return to Work if Offered
Exceptions include:
• High risk individuals
• Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19
• Individuals living with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• Those quarantined by the recommendation of a health care provider
• Those that cannot find sufficient child care.
Q:
My Employer wants me to return to work but I don’t have child care due to COVID-19, can I continue receiving benefits?
A:
Workers who cannot find sufficient child care, and school-aged children cannot attend school due to COVID-19 closures may continue to receive unemployment benefits.
Q: I am unable to return to work during COVID-19, how do I report my reasoning?
A:
TWC will investigate and handle each on a case-by-case basis. If your employer offers you work, communicate with them as to why you are unable to return. If you are able to come to an agreement on accommodations, you do not need to alert TWC. When you next request payment, indicate that you were offered work and refused. Your employer will report this information to TWC as well. TWC will investigate your case and contact both you and your employer. While the investigation occurs you will continue to receive payments.
Q:
Will someone lose their unemployment if they're offered their job back, but they say no because they're afraid of the COVID-19 situation?
A: We're not going to just cut somebody off because they didn't go back to work. We're going to evaluate each of those situations on a case-by-case basis.
Q:
Someone living with me tested positive for COVID-19 but my employer wants me to return to work. If I do not return, can I continue to receive unemployment benefits?
A:
Yes. Those living in the same household as someone who tested positive for COVID-19 can continue to receive benefits after refusing work.
Q:
My Employer wants me to return to work but im considered high risk. If I don’t go back do I lose my benefits?
A:
Those who are high risk for COVID-19 including people 65 years of age or older, and/or individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or a weakened immune system as described on the DSHS website can continue to receive unemployment benefits upon refusal to return to work.
Source: Texas Workforce Commission
A Sanctuary of Opportunity and Inclusion
When a local employer recently faced a layoff, Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) stepped in to provide immediate assistance through its Rapid Response program — a coordinated effort designed to support both employers and affected employees during times of transition. Upon notification of the layoff, WSET’s Business Services team quickly initiated a Rapid Response orientation. These orientations are designed to inform employees of their rights, available resources, and reemployment options. Staff guide participants through services such as unemployment insurance, job search assistance, training opportunities, and support programs available through Workforce Solutions East Texas and its partners. In collaboration with the employer, WSET also organized a private job fair exclusively for the impacted workers, giving them an opportunity to connect directly with local employers eager to hire skilled talent. The event brought together 13 employers and 48 job seekers, facilitating meaningful conversations and helping workers transition smoothly into new employment opportunities. “Rapid Response is about providing timely, compassionate, and practical support to both employers and employees,” said a representative from Workforce Solutions East Texas. “Our goal is to minimize the stress of job loss and help workers reenter the workforce as quickly as possible.” Rapid Response services are available at no cost to East Texas employers who need assistance communicating with their staff during layoffs or closures. Workforce Solutions East Texas is committed to helping businesses navigate workforce challenges while ensuring their employees have the tools and resources needed to move forward successfully.
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) staff recently attended the Athens Career Exploration event to educate high school seniors about exciting career paths and opportunities within workforce development. The event welcomed students from Athens ISD as well as neighboring districts — Malakoff, Frankston, and La Poynor ISDs — bringing together an estimated 200–250 seniors eager to learn about their future career options. Students began the day by hearing from a panel of employers representing a variety of industries, who shared valuable insights and professional expertise. Following the panel, attendees had the chance to network with more than 25 local employers, engaging in one-on-one conversations about the skills, education, and experiences needed to enter different fields. Representing Workforce Solutions East Texas, staff members shared what a “day in the life” looks like in workforce development — from helping job seekers and employers connect, to supporting training and education programs that strengthen the East Texas economy. Students also learned about education requirements, job duties, and salary ranges within the workforce development industry. Emely Amador, Outreach Specialist with Workforce Solutions East Texas, reflected on the event saying: “We had such a good time at the Athens Career Expo! The students had wonderful questions and had a lot of interest in the opportunities in Henderson County and how Workforce Solutions East Texas fits into it. We hope to continue to outreach the community with more events like this in the future.” Events like this one demonstrate the importance of early career exploration and community partnerships in building a strong local workforce. Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to help students discover their potential and learn how their future careers can contribute to the growth of our region.
