Texas Triggers Additional Unemployment Benefit Extension Period
Texas Workforce Commission • July 1, 2020
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On June 26, 2020, the Department of Labor notified the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) that the state triggered onto High Unemployment Period (HUP). Beginning July 5, HUP will allow for up to an additional 7 weeks, or 30 percent of the regular maximum balance, immediately following the conclusion of State Extended Benefits (State EB). The first week TWC anticipates individuals transitioning to HUP is the week ending October 3, 2020.
HUP was triggered when the seasonally adjusted total unemployment rates (TUR) exceeded 8 percent and were greater than 110 percent of the corresponding rate in both prior years. In May, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Texas was 13 percent. A detailed breakdown of Texas unemployment information for May can be found at TexasLmi.com.
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation), passed as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), previously extended unemployment benefits for 13 weeks starting March 29, 2020. State EB, triggered on May 31, 2020, provided up to an additional 13 weeks starting July 4. Individuals qualifying for 13 weeks of State EB would transition to HUP the week ending October 3, 2020. While triggered on, HUP increases the maximum potential number of weeks for claimants on regular unemployment to 59 weeks and individuals on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance from 39 weeks to 46 weeks.
State Extended Benefits and High Unemployment Period Benefits are only available while the Texas economy meets qualifications for triggering them on. If Texas triggers off these measures, additional weeks will no longer be available regardless of balance shown on claimants’ accounts.
Since the week ending in March 13, 2020, TWC has taken 3.6 million initial claims and paid out $16.1 billion in unemployment benefits. For more information about unemployment benefits paid or to view an interactive map of claims, visit TWC’s UI by the Numbers page.
To apply for unemployment benefits or to request payment visit ui.texasworkforce.org. All claimants should keep their mailing and email addresses current in the unemployment benefits services system
to prevent delays in communication. No action is required by the customer, if qualified TWC will automatically enroll the customer in HUP. The customer should simply continue filing their payment request timely if they are still unemployed.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) invites employers to apply for the Employer Child Care Solutions (ECCS) initiative. The ECCS initiative offers technical assistance to help businesses meet the child care needs of their employees. “At the Texas Workforce Commission, we are committed to keeping Texans working, and high-quality child care expands opportunities for families in the workforce,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Employer Child Care Solutions initiative encourages employers to pursue technical assistance for innovative child care solutions.” ECCS technical assistance providers will help employers develop child care solutions at or near the workplace. Employers will also gain access to resources and support services such as: Employee Needs Assessments Employer Feasibility and Cost Analysis Studies Options Analysis and Recommendations Reports Site Selection Reports Business Plan Development “The new Employer Child Care Solutions initiative is about bringing folks together to help working families find affordable, quality child care,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “When parents have reliable child care, they can focus on their jobs, provide for their families, and keep our Texas economy strong.” Employers can visit the TWC Employer Child Care Solutions webpage to request guidance from a qualified provider. Services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. “The Employer Child Care Solutions initiative is a valuable resource that can help employers unlock even greater prosperity for our Texas economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “By partnering with businesses, we're empowering working families to thrive, fueling workforce participation, and building a stronger Texas economy for generations to come.” Important Note: Technical assistance through ECCS does not include funding child care financial assistance (subsidies). In addition, the employer will not receive any funding through this initiative.
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.
