TWC Offers Employers Guidance on Protecting Their Business
Texas Workforce Commission • August 24, 2020
TWC educates business owners on employment fraud
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) asks for employers to help to prevent unemployment benefit overpayments by reporting employees receiving wages through Paycheck Protection Program loans or who refused acceptable work to TWC.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to date, Americans have lost approximately $77 million in fraud to date, related to COVID-19, including federal aid programs and unemployment benefits.
To protect Program Integrity, TWC is asking employers to assist in preventing unemployment fraud by reporting employees who are currently, (or have in the past), received wages through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and are also receiving (or have received in the past) unemployment benefits during the same period. Employers can email the information to TWC at PPPreporting.BPC@twc.state.tx.us, and are asked to provide the employee’s name and last four digits of their Social Security number if available.
Receiving payments through PPP loans may disqualify claimants from receiving unemployment benefits under the regular program or the CARES Act UI Programs. There are multiple ways the receipt of these funds could impact UI eligibility, including whether the individual remains unemployed, or partially unemployed, or whether the individual has reportable income.
Promptly reporting suspected fraud to TWC can not only help protect Texas businesses, but also employees who need benefits. Failure to report information to TWC may negatively impact charges to an employer’s account on future unemployment claims.
In addition, employers are also asked to report employees who refused work. These instances can be reported through a
dedicated Employee Work Refusal Portal. Refusal to work may impact eligibility for benefits, though there are exceptions and TWC previously issued guidance to unemployment claimants on acceptable reasons to refuse suitable work. Each case is reviewed individually by TWC to determine benefit eligibility.
TWC would also like to remind employers to carefully review any Notices of Application for Unemployment Benefits or Notice of Maximum Potential Chargeback they receive for accuracy.
If a business receives a Notice of Application for Unemployment Benefits or Notice of Maximum Potential Chargeback from TWC (both pictured below) for an employee who has not separated from employment, or if the notice has incorrect separation information, employers should respond to the notice as soon as possible through the UI Submission Upload- Employers only portal, Employer Benefits Services System, the TWC fraud hotline at 800-252-3642 or TWC.fraud@twc.state.tx.us.
TWC-led Statewide Initiative Connects Veterans and Employers
Texas recorded a total of 14,461,300 nonfarm jobs after shedding 11,100 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 154,300 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent, outpacing the national rate by 0.8 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,948,400 after adding 15,800 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 3,600 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “The addition of more than 154,000 jobs over the year reflects balanced growth across Texas industries,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Texas continues to outpace the nation because of innovative programs like Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, which are equipping students with skills that help businesses compete today and plan for tomorrow.” The Manufacturing industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,700 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 1,600 jobs over the month while Information added 1,400. “The 15.9 million Texans in our labor force drive our economy, and TWC is dedicated to fueling their success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through statewide initiatives like our annual Hiring Red, White & You! career fairs and the Texas HireAbility campaign, we are actively connecting Texans of all abilities with the critical training and resources they need to build prosperous, lifelong careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2 percent in September. It was followed by the Abilene, Amarillo, College Station-Bryan, and San Angelo MSAs, which registered at 3.5 percent. “TWC is focused on ensuring that every Texan can find a rewarding career that allows them to contribute their unique skills and experiences to our economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Initiatives like this month’s Texas HireAbility campaign help strengthen our communities and allow Texas businesses to tap into a dedicated and driven talent pool.” 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 September is scheduled to be released on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
This November, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is hosting the 15th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! event series. The series includes nearly 30 hiring events across the state from Nov. 2-20 to connect veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to Texas employers. The local event in Tyler will take place on Nov. 10th at 1421 S. Beckham, Tyler, TX 75701, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. "Texas is the best place for veterans and military families,” said Governor Greg Abbott. "More than 1.4 million veterans call our great state home. Their skills and leadership make our economy stronger. These hiring events put their talents to work." "Texas is proud to be home to more than 1.4 million veterans, whose unmatched leadership, dedication, and technical skills make them invaluable assets to our state's economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Hiring Red, White & You! initiative is our way of thanking these brave men and women by directly connecting them with world-class career opportunities in Texas.” TWC partners on the events with Texas Workforce Solutions, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), and the Texas Medical Center. “As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand the value veterans bring to the workplace,” said Texas Veterans Commission Chairwoman Laura Koerner. “Hiring Red, White & You! creates important opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses across Texas. We’re grateful to the Governor, our friends at TWC, employers and all of our partners who work alongside us to serve those who served.” Since 2012, these free hiring events have connected more than 28,000 employers with 167,000 job seekers, including 56,157 active-duty military, transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses. Hiring Red, White & You! events have also resulted in more than 4,100 same-day hires. “Texas veterans and military spouses possess a world-class work ethic and diverse talents that are ready to be put to work today,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through the Hiring Red, White & You! event series, we are making sure our military community has the direct connections they need to find rewarding, high-demand careers that honor their service.” Employers can participate in Hiring Red, White & You! at no cost and are encouraged to visit TWC’s Hiring Red, White & You page for more information. Through the WeHireVets initiative, TWC also recognizes businesses in which veterans make up at least 10% of the workforce. “Hiring a veteran is more than a way to honor their service—it's also a smart business decision that brings valuable skills and experience to the workplace,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Through programs like Hiring Red, White & You! and WeHireVets recognition, we are encouraging employers to tap into this highly skilled talent pool.” For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit twc.texas.gov/veterans .
