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.
Deadline for applications - September 26, 2025
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and Texas Workforce Solutions -Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) invite you to a celebration event on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 9:30 am to noon at the Longview Workforce Solutions Center located at 1905 W. Loop 281, Longview, TX 75604. At WSET, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment that welcomes all abilities in the workforce. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a powerful reminder of the immense talent and untapped potential that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces. Whether you are an employer seeking to hire individuals with disabilities, an organization championing disability rights, or someone seeking to learn more TWS-VRS we invite you to attend our upcoming event. Our event promises insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, stories from participants who are successfully navigating their journey after receiving services through TWS-VRS along with those business partners who have hired them. There will also be resources aimed at helping businesses take significant steps toward creating a workplace that includes all abilities on their team. Let's come together to celebrate our 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). We celebrate the value and talent that all Americans - including people with disabilities – bring to our businesses, organizations, and communities. Join us in the momentous occasion as we celebrate this milestone in our nation’s history.
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.
