TWC Provides Acceptable Reasons for Work Refusal
Texas Workforce Commission • June 22, 2020
The Commission took action to provide guidance to unemployment claimants concerning their continued eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits (UI) should they refuse rehire.
Each UI benefits case is currently evaluated on an individual basis. However, because of the COVID-19 emergency, the following are reasons benefits would be granted if the individual refused suitable work.
Reason for refusal:
- People 65 years or older, and/or people with medical issues, like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or a weakened immune system, or are at a higher risk for getting very sick from COVID‑19. (Source: DSHS website)
- Household member at high risk – People 65 years or older or are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 (source DSHS website).
- Diagnosed with COVID - the individual has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered.
- Family member with COVID - anybody in the household has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered and 14 days have not yet passed.
- Quarantined – individual is currently in 14-day quarantine due to close contact exposure to COVID-19.
- Child care – Child’s school or daycare closed and no reasonable alternatives are available.
Any other situation will be subject to a case by case review by the Texas Workforce Commission based on individual circumstances.
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. "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 .
Workforce Solutions East Texas is seeking employer partners for Hiring Red, White & You!, the local celebration of Texas’ statewide veterans hiring event. Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Tyler Workforce Center, 1421 S. Beckham Ave., Tyler. The opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the hiring event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hiring Red, White & You! connects employers with veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other qualified East Texas job seekers. It is an opportunity to meet candidates whose military experience often reflects leadership, adaptability, communication skills, and a strong commitment to service. This event is open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity to promote current openings and build your organization’s talent pipeline. Employer participation is available at no cost. Across Texas, Hiring Red, White & You! events have connected more than 26,000 employers with 153,000 job seekers, including more than 52,000 veterans. Employers who hire qualifying veterans may also be eligible for federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit benefits of up to $9,600 per eligible hire. Reserve your employer space today by registering at www.EastTexasWorkforce.org/hrwy .
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is currently accepting applications for the Upskill Texas grant program. This technical training initiative provides crucial funding for Texas businesses looking to enhance their workforce's skills and remain competitive in today's rapidly evolving economy. Upskill Texas offers financial support to employers that are: Expanding their operations Retooling their processes Introducing new services or product lines Experiencing organizational structure changes that could avert layoffs Through Upskill Texas, employers may be reimbursed up to $3,000 per trainee for 100% technical training. The majority of the trainees must have been employed by the business for at least six months. To be eligible, businesses must have 100 or more employees located in Texas and provide a 50% employer match, which can include trainee wages and benefits. Private employers may appoint a designee for the grant, including community or technical colleges, third-party trainers, or workforce development boards. Projects can range from $150,000 to $500,000. Follow the link below to learn more.
