TWC Opens Child Care Subsidy Program To Workers Engaged in Job Searches

Texas Workforce Commission • June 16, 2021

Commission Waives Rule Requiring Participants Be Employed;
Temporary Eligibility During Work Search Allowed

The Texas Workforce Commission on Tuesday passed a waiver of a rule to allow unemployed individuals to enroll in the child care subsidy program. Previously, only individuals who were already employed, or participating in education/training, could be enrolled into the child care subsidy program. This change will help accommodate workers who are actively looking for employment, allowing them up to three months to find employment. The program is designed to assist working families, thus it is generally not available to parents who are not employed. However, lack of child care is frequently cited by individuals on unemployment as a major impediment to getting a job.


“TWC is committed to providing comprehensive services to help Texas job seekers connect to rewarding opportunities with Texas employers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “I encourage Texas families to take advantage of the expanded availability of child care, as well as training and upskilling services through TWC, to pursue a career in Texas’ exciting industries.”


The subsidized child care program is funded by a federal grant, which provides the state the flexibility to expand to this population. The commissioners will waive the rules effective July 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.


“Texas Workers have faced many challenges over the last year but getting back on their feet after so long has been particularly difficult,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “This is a step we can take that preserves the focus of the program on working families, but provides help in that crucial job-search period.”


Parents in the program receive a subsidy for child care, with a copay based on actual income. The changes will allow the parents to qualify for child care with the copay waived until a job is found. The copay would then be put in place at the appropriate level after the individual is employed.


“Texas employers are rebounding from the pandemic and have job openings they are anxious to fill,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “For some Texans looking for a job, child care is that last piece of the puzzle that will help them re-enter the workforce and this program is win-win situation for both the employers and employees.”

Veterans and Job Seekers Connect at Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair in Longview

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • November 7, 2025
On Wednesday, November 5, Workforce Solutions East Texas hosted the region’s largest hiring event of the year at the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview, as part of the Texas Workforce Commission’s 14th annual Hiring Red, White & You! statewide initiative. The event honored veterans with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by a job fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. open to the public. About 70 employers participated, offering opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other job seekers. “East Texas is blessed to have so many vets to call our neighbors,” said Doug Shryock, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of Workforce Solutions East Texas. “Knowledge, skills, and abilities—hard-won across the country and around the world—make our communities stronger and more vibrant. Our employers need these valuable resources.” This year’s event was part of a statewide effort to support veterans in their transition to civilian careers. Since its launch in 2012, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected over 153,000 job seekers, including 52,000 veterans, with more than 26,000 employers across Texas. A representative from a participating employer, Stone Bridge Personnel Services, shared, " The Veteran Job Fair in Longview was a huge success! Sooo many people came out that we barely got a break the entire time! The best part was getting to know the personal stories of several decorated veterans and hearing their accomplishments and what they stand for. That's the spice of life right there. And we're about to fill heaps of new positions using all this new talent! Good times ahead." “ It’s important that we continue to serve those who served, and do so with priority, resources, and commitment,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Hiring Red, White & You! events make a difference in the lives of veterans across Texas.” Event Highlights: Total job seekers served:438 Employers represented: 69 Workforce Solutions East Texas and ETCOG thank all participants, employers, and partners who made this event a success. Together, we continue to build a stronger workforce and honor the contributions of our veterans.

Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Job Fair Scheduled for November 5 in Longview

October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center

SNAP Benefits / Government Shutdown FAQ Guide from Texas Health & Human Services

By Texas Health & Human Services • October 24, 2025
SNAP Benefits are not handled by Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. Our staff members cannot assist with your inquiries regarding the Federal Government Shutdown's effect on your benefits. To aid in these concerns, we are sharing information below from Texas Health and Human Services .  2025 Federal Government Shutdown With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits. Check this page for updates . SNAP SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. WIC WIC benefits are not affected currently. TANF TANF benefits are not affected currently. Medicaid Medicaid is not affected currently. CHIP CHIP is not affected currently. Find answers about SNAP and other benefits in the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) .
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