TWC Reinstates Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Search Requirement
Texas Workforce Commission • October 13, 2020
AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today that as the Texas economy continues to open, TWC will reinstate work search requirements, which has been suspended since March, but will resume on November 1, 2020. Work search is a federal requirement to receive unemployment benefits. Individuals will continue to receive benefits but must show an active effort to obtain new employment.
All individuals receiving unemployment benefits will need to complete a designated number of work searches, beginning on the date listed on their work search notification document. The work search notification document can be found in their correspondence inbox at ui.texasworkforce.org
or U.S. Postal Mailbox. For example, individuals with an initial or additional claim the week of November 1st – work search activities would be effective the week beginning November 8th. For individuals with existing claims requesting payment the week of November 1st, work search activities would be effective the week beginning November 15. TWC encourages all claimants to refer to their work search notification document.
“The COVID-19 crisis has been difficult for everyone, creating new challenges for workers, employers, and their families,” said TWC Executive Director Ed Serna. “Let me be clear, we are not over it, but we’re seeing employment opportunities begin to bounce back in Texas as our economy restarts. There are opportunities out there, and getting Texans back to work and businesses up and running again will create even more.”
There are approximately over 695,000 jobs available in Texas on WorkInTexas.com, the state’s online jobs portal, in addition to jobs available elsewhere.
Unemployment insurance benefits are not intended as a replacement for a job, but a temporary benefit to help workers resume employment. The work search requirement does not mean workers must take the first job available. It means that they must show an active effort to obtain new employment to continue benefits. As long as they do this, their benefits will continue for as long as they are eligible.
Furloughed workers with a definite return to work date 12 weeks of the layoff are exempt from work search requirements. Return to work dates beyond 12 weeks can result in the waiver of work search at the discretion of TWC. While self-employed individuals who intend to reopen their business do not need to complete work search activities. They do need to take steps to reopen their business. Self-employed individuals who do not intend to reopen their business will need to complete work search activities.
TWC has determined that acceptable work search activities include, but are not limited to:
- Registering on WorkInTexas.com. For help with the registration process, go to WorkInTexas.com, scroll down to the “News and Announcements” section, and select “Registration Resources and Website Usage Tips.” For support, contact your local Workforce Solutions Office
- Searching for jobs on WorkInTexas.com and using the Virtual Recruiter tool to receive alerts about new jobs that match your skills.
- Obtaining and following up on job contacts from WorkInTexas.com or Workforce Solutions office staff.
- Registering at a public workforce office in the state you live in if you do not live or work in Texas.
- Registering for work with a private employment agency, placement service of a school/college/university, or registering with other electronic job-matching systems (does not replace WorkInTexas.com registration).
- Making in-person visits, completing a job application, or interviewing with employers who may reasonably be expected to have openings for suitable work. The job application can be submitted in person, online, by fax, or in any other manner directed by the employer and appropriate for the type of work being sought.
- Mailing a job application and/or a résumé as instructed by a public job notice.
- Creating a reemployment plan.
- Creating or uploading a résumé to online job boards.
- Participating in work-related networking events such as job clubs or job fairs, or employment-related workshops that offer instruction in improving the job seeker’s skills for obtaining employment.
- Taking advantage of reemployment services and resources available at your nearest Workforce Solutions office virtually. For more details, contact your local Workforce Solutions office. Reemployment resources include:
- Obtaining and using labor market information.
- Participating in reemployment services designed for job seekers.
- Participating in skills assessments for occupational matching.
- Participating in instructional workshops, such as résumé preparation and enhancement, job-search techniques, and interviewing skills.
- A Metrix course that is completed with a passing score can be one of your work search activities.
- Participating in targeted training opportunities designed to improve skills.
What resources are available to help individuals search for work?
TWC has over 180 workforce solutions offices around the state ready to assist claimants with everything from resume writing to job searching. TWC has partnered with Metrix Learning to offer over 5,000 online courses free to all Texans. These courses count as work search activities. Individuals wishing to sign up can do so through their WorkinTexas.com
account. Additionally, Job seekers are encouraged to visit WorkInTexas.com, the state’s job portal, for access to hundreds of thousands of public and private sector jobs, as well as links to education and training opportunities, resume assistance, and other resources.
How do claimants submit proof of work search to TWC?
Claimants do not need to regularly submit proof of work search. During their payment requests, they will be asked to certify that they completed work search requirements for the request period. TWC may occasionally ask claimants for a record of their activity. Claimants must keep a detailed log of their activity recording the date and details of the work search. TWC can request this activity log anytime during their benefit year.
Do Self-Employed individuals need to complete work search activity?
Self-employed PUA claimants are required to undertake work activities to resume their business and must certify this when requesting payment for unemployment benefits bi-weekly. If the business will not reopen, Self-employed PUA claimants are required to perform work search activities, meet the minimum number of weekly work search activities, and apply for jobs suitable to their skills and talents. They also have a resume waiting for their completion in WorkInTexas.com, the opportunity to apply for work through WorkInTexas.com, and have the same resources available to them as other job seekers through Workforce Solutions offices.
Do Furloughed workers need to complete work search activity?
Claimants who believe they are in temporary layoff status should contact their employer regarding their return to work date. If they do not receive a definite return to work date, they should plan to search for full-time work and adhere to work search requirements when reinstated. Claimants directed to return to work by their employer must do so immediately.
Texas added 19,700 nonfarm jobs in December to reach a total of 14,341,000 positions. Over the year, the state added 132,500 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.9 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by half a percentage point. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,964,000 after adding 25,000 people over the month. This marks a new record-high level for the series. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 236,300 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.3 percent. “Texas added more than 19,000 jobs in December, with growth spread across a majority of major industries,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “We are focused on ensuring Texas remains a national leader in economic opportunity through innovative, forward-looking initiatives like Skills for Small Business, the Texas Internship Network, and Texas Industry-Recognized Apprenticeships.” The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in December after adding 9,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 3,700 jobs over the month while Professional and Business Services added 3,000. In addition, Private Education and Health Services posted an annual growth rate of 2.3 percent in December, which was the highest of any major industry. “Tens of thousands of people joined the Texas labor force last month,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “To connect all segments of our growing labor force with employment opportunities, TWC offers a wide array of resources such as job fairs, labor market information, and vocational rehabilitation services to link Texans with meaningful careers.” The Amarillo metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.8 percent in December. It was followed by the Midland and San Angelo MSAs, which both registered at 2.9 percent. “Every bit of great news and well-deserved accolades the Texas economy receives inspires our efforts,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC will continue to help build a robust, well-trained workforce and a bigger, better, stronger economy for a more prosperous future for Texans.” 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 .
When Latavia Harris unexpectedly lost her job, she found herself facing a moment of uncertainty. The disruption was more than financial—her plans for the future were suddenly placed on pause. Yet even in that difficult moment, Latavia chose resilience. She made the same decision thousands of East Texans make each year when navigating job loss: she applied for unemployment. That simple step became the bridge to something much bigger. Through the unemployment process, Latavia was connected to the RESEA (Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment) program at Workforce Solutions East Texas. RESEA provides structured guidance and support to job seekers receiving unemployment, equipping them with the tools to navigate the job search process and overcome barriers that may prevent them from returning to the workforce. In the program, staff helped Latavia refresh her resume, strengthen her interview skills, and explore new career pathways. As she gained encouragement and direction, she began to rebuild her job prospects. That journey led her somewhere she never expected—to a role within the very organization that had helped her rebuild. Today, Latavia serves as a Career Navigator for the WIOA Youth program at Workforce Solutions East Texas, joining the ranks of a team she once turned to for support. In her new role, Latavia feels a special connection with the young adults she serves. Having recently been in a similar position herself, she understands their fears, their doubts, and the courage it takes to begin again. This lived experience fuels her commitment to help them succeed, so they too can experience how Workforce programs can change a person’s future for the better. “All of the programs in Workforce do our community well,” Latavia shares. “It helps us be able to do the work and get back to work.” Latavia speaks openly about the difference her future coworkers made during her time as a participant. Their backing, encouragement, and support played a major role in helping her pursue a new and exciting career path—and find stability after a difficult season. Her transition into the workforce felt different this time, she explains: “One of the things I could tell was different in coming to Workforce from like ten years ago to when I had to come back this summer, was it was very open, very welcoming. You knew that they wanted to help you get back to work.” Being met with genuine care reshaped how she viewed workforce development—and her own goals. “It was like, wow— I want to be part of a team that is happy about what they are here doing, is happy to impact lives,” she reflects. “They wanted to genuinely help me and were happy to help me. So, I was like when I am back to work, this is the type of team I want to work with.” Latavia’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the long-term impact of workforce development. Its value extends far beyond reemployment—it fosters confidence, builds futures, strengthens families, and contributes to the stability of communities across East Texas. What began as a setback became a calling. Latavia now helps others take their next steps forward, carrying with her a lived understanding that the right support at the right time can transform a moment of crisis into a story of resilience, renewal, and purpose.
Texas added 7,300 nonfarm jobs in November to reach a total of 14,321,000 positions. Over the year, the state added 146,300 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.0 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,938,500 after adding 59,500 people since September 2025 and reaching a new record high level for the series. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 206,800 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.2 percent. “As Texas employers add thousands of jobs, TWC programs can help them grow, develop, and retain a skilled workforce,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Initiatives like Skills for Small Business and the Skills Development Fund are training Texans for in-demand jobs that will cement Texas’ reputation as the best state in the nation for doing business.” The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in November after adding 5,700 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 3,900 jobs over the month while Manufacturing added 2,300. In addition, the Construction industry posted an annual growth rate of 2.8 percent in November, which was the highest of any major industry. “Texas' increasing job numbers are encouraging, and it's vital that these are good jobs that provide family-sustaining wages and benefits for Texas workers. We must continue to prioritize investments in skills training and development to ensure that all Texans can access these opportunities and share in the state's prosperity,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “As we celebrate this growth, let's also remain committed to fair labor practices and worker protections to ensure a thriving workforce for years to come.” The Amarillo metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.1 percent in November, followed by the Midland MSA at 3.2 percent. The College Station-Bryan and San Angelo MSAs both registered at 3.3 percent. “Texas’ job growth in November not only highlights the benefits of our diverse and growing economy but also underscores the importance of making sure Texans can thrive in their communities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC and our statewide network of local partners are able to continue strengthening the Texas economy and the foundations of our communities.” 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.
