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    Return to Work Guidance

    Texas Workforce Commission • May 04, 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. 

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