TWC: State Unemployment Benefits to Continue But $600 Federal Payment Ends July 25
Texas Workforce Commission • July 13, 2020
Other CARES Act Benefits Continue Through December
The Texas Workforce Commission reminds claimants that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) ends the week of July 25, 2020. FPUC provided an additional $600 per week to claimants who lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Texans will continue to receive state unemployment benefits for the remainder of their claim. For those on regular unemployment that is currently up to a potential 59 weeks and 46 weeks for those on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The length of time benefits are available is subject to an individual’s eligibility as well as state economic indicators.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation was passed as part of the CARES Act. The program provides federal reimbursement to states for an additional $600 per week. A full benefit week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday. The Act states that the program ends July 31, but benefits must be discontinued before the end of the month because by law TWC cannot pay partial week benefits. The last full benefit week for the extra $600 is the week ending July 25th. As a result, only payment requests for weeks ending on or before July 25 can include the additional $600. State unemployment benefits will continue to be paid after this date, they simply will not include the additional $600 anymore.
Other provisions of the federal act do not expire until December 26, 2020. This includes Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides an extra 13 weeks of benefits to persons who exhaust traditional benefits, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides up to 46 weeks of benefits to persons who are self-employed or who would not otherwise qualify for state benefits.
For more information on eligibility requirements, available benefits and questions about the unemployment process, visit TWC’s COVID-19 FAQ page.
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.
Workforce Solutions East Texas is strengthening its role as a workforce development leader in the Palestine area by bringing some of the region’s top employers directly to the community. Through a growing series of hiring events hosted at the Palestine office, local job seekers are gaining direct access to employers, career opportunities, and a dedicated team ready to help them take their next step. The events have already generated strong results. On August 14, Wayne Sanderson Farms brought 51 job seekers to the Palestine office for a hiring event. The response was so strong that the company was able to fill its entire first shift through the event, demonstrating the impact that direct connections between employers and job seekers can have. The momentum continued on September 4, when East Texas Beef Processors welcomed 50 job seekers to its hiring event at the Palestine office. The strong turnout provided the company with an opportunity to connect with local talent while giving residents a chance to learn more about available careers and employment opportunities. These events are doing more than filling positions. They are helping Workforce Solutions East Texas build stronger relationships with employers throughout the region while establishing the Palestine office as a convenient, trusted resource for businesses and job seekers alike. By creating opportunities for employers to recruit locally, Workforce Solutions East Texas is helping strengthen the connection between the region’s workforce and the businesses that drive its economy. Residents looking for their next career opportunity are encouraged to stop by the Palestine Workforce Solutions East Texas office, meet with employers, explore available positions, and connect with the staff who are ready to provide guidance and support throughout their job search. As the Palestine office continues expanding its employer partnerships and hiring event offerings, Workforce Solutions East Texas is demonstrating what workforce development looks like in action: bringing employers and job seekers together, responding to the needs of the local economy, and creating pathways to opportunity right here in the community.
