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
When Malachi Whedbee joined the Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program, he saw it as an opportunity to gain experience, learn new skills, and contribute to his community. What he didn’t expect was how much of an impact his dedication would make—both on his future and on the people around him. Through SEAL, Malachi began working full-time at the Upshur Rural Library, clocking in at 8:00 a.m. every morning and working until 5:00 p.m. His days were filled with tasks like completing computer library entries, assisting with various projects, and lending a hand wherever needed. But for Malachi, these duties weren’t just boxes to check—they were chances to prove himself. And prove himself he did. Malachi’s exceptional work ethic showed in everything he did. He was always on time, completed assignments with precision, and eagerly stepped up for additional responsibilities. His positive attitude was contagious, creating a welcoming environment for both staff and patrons. Mrs. King, the library’s supervisor, quickly recognized that Malachi was more than just a temporary hire—he was an asset. Describing him as “outgoing, dependable, and hardworking,” she praised his professionalism and the joy he brought to the workplace. By the end of the program, Malachi’s efforts had done more than meet expectations—they had opened a door. Mrs. King was so impressed that she offered him an interview for a permanent position at the library. With the same enthusiasm and determination he brought to every day on the job, Malachi accepted the opportunity. Malachi’s journey through SEAL is more than a personal achievement—it’s a shining example of how young adults with disabilities can break barriers and build meaningful careers when given the chance. His story is a reminder that talent, dedication, and opportunity are the real building blocks of success.
Texas had 14,333,800 total nonfarm jobs after adding 8,700 positions over the month of July. Over the year, the state added 232,500 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.6 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,848,800 after decreasing by 1,400 people over the month of July. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 195,900 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas held steady at 4.0 percent. “Even with a slight dip in the labor force last month, Texas continues to create jobs, a testament to the resilience of our workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC is working hard to ensure all Texans have access to the tools and training they need to seize these new opportunities, build skills, and find meaningful work in thriving communities across our state.” The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry had the largest over-the-month increase in July after adding 5,500 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 3,800 jobs over the month while Construction added 2,800. In addition, the Construction industry grew by 3.2 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by two percentage points. “Texas continues to foster job growth across a wide range of industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “TWC works every day to ensure that the workforce powering our economy is trained, supported, and ready to grow alongside the businesses that call Texas home.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.1 percent in July, followed by the Amarillo and San Angelo MSAs at 3.2 percent. Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for August is scheduled to be released on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
Workforce Solutions East Texas is bringing back its highly anticipated Windows of Opportunity Job Fair on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. This event will take place simultaneously across all five Workforce Solutions East Texas offices, providing job seekers with direct access to hiring agents from a wide range of industries. The job fair serves as a crucial bridge between local talent and top employers, facilitating face-to-face interactions that allow candidates to explore career opportunities, network with industry professionals, and even secure interviews on the spot. Whether you're looking for a new job, considering a career change, or just starting your job search, the event offers a great opportunity to tap into the vibrant job market of East Texas. The Windows of Opportunity Job Fair will feature a diverse range of employers eager to connect with job seekers in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and more. Below is a list of participating employers by location: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Longview Workforce Center 1905 W. Loop 281, Suite 40 , Longview, TX 75604 Allied Universal Security – Security Officers TDCJ – Correction Officers Express Employment of Longview – Assistants, Customer Service Reps, & Bank Tellers ADT – Sales Representatives Christus Health – Patient Access Reps., Patient Care Techs., Patient Transporters Liberty Tax-Smart Tax – Tax Preparers Modine Manufacturing – Production, Engineering Able Staffing – Warehouse, General Labor & Day Laborer Gum Springs Water Supply Corp – Field Technicians Spherion Staffing – Brazers Athens Workforce Center 205 N. Murchison, Suite 101, Athens, TX 75751 VOLT Management – Warehouse – Schneider Electric TDCJ – Correction Officers Tarra Vineyard & Winery – Servers and Housekeeping Malakoff ISD – Bus Drivers Red Dot – Welders and CDL Drivers Diamond H Ready Mix – CDL drivers Tyler Workforce Center 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703 AccentCare – Care Partners Allied Universal Security – Security Officers Austin Bank – Teller, Universal Banker, Teller Operations, Telephone CSR Tyler ISD – Tylerisd.org/careers Advance Rehabilitation Healthcare – CMA ADT – Sales Representatives CCS -Community Resource, Child Care Workers Soules Foods- Various Positions, Production Elwood Staffing-Sales Rep. Mechanics 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Palestine Workforce Center 500 E. Murchison St., Palestine, TX 75801 City of Palestine - Dispatcher, Public Works Director, Building Inspector ADT - Sales Representatives TDCJ - Correctional Officers, Parole Officers, Clerks Marshall Workforce Center 4300 E. End Blvd. S., Marshall, TX 75671 ADT – Sales Representative Christus – Patient Access Representatives, Patient Care Technicians, Patient Transporters Liberty Tax Tax Manager, Tax Preparers City of Marshall – Golf Outside Attendant, Police Officers TDCJ – Correctional Officers Gum Springs Water Supply – Field Technician
