Work Search Requirement to be Reinstated for Unemployment Insurance on July 6
Texas Workforce Commission • June 16, 2020
Benefits will continue, but recipients must search for new jobs
Texas businesses are hiring right now. There are over 530,000 jobs available in Texas on WorkInTexas.com, the state’s online jobs portal, in addition to jobs available elsewhere. As more and more businesses come back online, those numbers should increase.
“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.”
Unemployment insurance benefits are not intended as a replacement for a job, but a temporary benefit to help workers until they can 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 up to 39 weeks, in accordance with state law and the federal CARES Act.
Furloughed workers with a definite return to work date that is within 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 do not need to register on WorkinTexas.com
nor complete work search requirements, they do however need to continue taking steps to reopen their business. If they do not plan to reopen their business, they must complete a work registration and seek work.
Job seekers are encourage 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. Guidelines for the work search process can be found here.
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) and Texas Workforce Solutions–Vocational Rehabilitation Services invite you to join us in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The event will be held at the Workforce Solutions East Texas Center in Tyler, located at 1421 S. Beckham Avenue, Tyler, TX. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the contributions, skills, and perspectives that people with disabilities bring to East Texas workplaces and communities. At Workforce Solutions East Texas, we are committed to helping create workplaces where people of all abilities can succeed. NDEAM is an opportunity for employers, community partners, job seekers, and advocates to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the value of an inclusive workforce. Attendees can expect meaningful conversations, networking opportunities, participant success stories, and resources for employers interested in building teams that include and support people of all abilities. Whether you are an employer seeking talented candidates, a community organization supporting individuals with disabilities, or someone interested in learning more about available services through Texas Workforce Solutions–Vocational Rehabilitation Services, we invite you to attend. Join us as we celebrate the value and talent that people with disabilities bring to businesses, organizations, and communities across East Texas.
At just 24 years old, Ashlee Stevenson already knows the meaning of perseverance. As a mother of three young children, Ashlee’s greatest motivation has always been creating a better future for her family. While balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, she began searching for a path that would allow her to build a meaningful career in healthcare and provide greater opportunities for her children. Ashlee’s journey began when she discovered the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program through an online search. She was looking for more than just assistance with school; she needed support that would help remove the barriers standing between her and her goals. Through WIOA, she found the encouragement, resources, and guidance she needed to take the next step toward her dream of working in the healthcare field. “I wanted to go back to school to get a certification or degree in healthcare to get my foot in the door,” Ashlee shared. “I eventually would like to get into nursing school, but having a CMA or something to help me start is my goal. I wanted to make a future for my babies.” Soon after enrolling in the program, Ashlee accepted a Work Experience placement as an HR Administrative Assistant. Through the Work Experience (WEX) program, Ashlee gained valuable hands-on experience in an administrative role within a healthcare setting. Her responsibilities included scanning and uploading documents, organizing records, printing materials, and assisting with employee onboarding. The experience helped her develop skills that directly connect to her future career goals. “Healthcare does a lot of the same type of administrative duties,” Ashlee explained. “The interaction with employees also helped me practice for future clients.” Although Ashlee was determined to succeed, the journey was not without challenges. Balancing work, school goals, and her children's needs required dedication and resilience. There were times when unexpected situations, such as her children becoming ill, made her worry about whether she could continue. However, with the support of her placement site and Workforce Solutions East Texas, Ashlee found the encouragement she needed to keep moving forward. “They were really patient with me,” she said. “My Career Navigator, Antavia, was really sweet. She would come up to the job and talk to me and give me advice.” One of Ashlee’s proudest accomplishments was completing her WEX hours despite the obstacles she faced. Rather than allowing challenges to become setbacks, she chose to stay committed to her goals. “I’m proud of completing my hours and not quitting and letting myself give up because of the obstacles,” Ashlee shared. A key part of Ashlee’s success was the support she received from her Career Navigator. From helping her prepare for interviews to providing encouragement during difficult moments, Antavia became a source of motivation and stability throughout Ashlee’s journey. When Ashlee needed professional attire for an interview, Antavia and her co-workers at Workforce Solutions East Texas found options for her professional journey, as well as a few for her personal use. “I didn’t have the proper clothes for the interview, and they found some office clothes to give me,” Ashlee said. “I’m really thankful for that because I had pregnancies back-to-back and didn’t really have much, so that was great.” Beyond practical assistance, Ashlee valued the personal encouragement and compassion she received. During challenging times, Antavia reminded her of her purpose and encouraged her to continue pursuing her goals. “She would have conversations with me and remind me of my why for being in the program,” Ashlee shared. “I don’t really have the support system that I need, and she was there to uplift me during difficult times.” Ashlee also expressed that one of the most meaningful moments of her experience was when Antavia prayed with her, offering encouragement that she will carry with her beyond the program. Today, Ashlee has successfully completed her Work Experience placement and is continuing to move forward toward her healthcare career goals. She plans to pursue her Medical Assistant certification as the next step toward eventually entering nursing school and creating the future she envisions for her children. Through her experience, Ashlee gained more than workplace skills...she gained confidence, resilience, and the belief that she can overcome challenges. “My biggest lesson was to not give up and to have patience,” Ashlee said. “The WIOA program taught me a lot.” For others considering participating in the Work Experience program, Ashlee offers this encouragement: “Why not try? It’s worth the chance. The only thing holding you back is you hesitating.” Ashlee’s story is a reminder that with determination, support, and the courage to take the first step, barriers can become stepping stones toward a brighter future. Throughout it all, Ashlee has remained grateful for having a team dedicated to her success. Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to have supported Ashlee on her journey and celebrates her commitment, perseverance, and continued pursuit of success.
Life has a way of changing course when we least expect it. For Shyanne Foil, a career built in the loan and real estate industry came to an abrupt halt when the housing market crashed. Determined to keep moving forward, she transitioned into a position at Sanderson Farms, only to face another life-changing obstacle when major surgery left her unable to continue in such a physically demanding role. To overcome financial hardship from the loss of her job, Shyanne turned to Health and Human Services for assistance and qualified for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Through TANF, she was introduced to the CHOICES Program at Workforce Solutions East Texas—a decision that would ultimately change the direction of her life. "When I enrolled, my advisor Jessica was so amazing," Shyanne recalled. "She asked about my life outside of work and took the time to understand my health concerns and my responsibilities caring for my son, who also has medical needs. Other employers found reasons to dismiss my application because of those challenges. Jessica reminded me that I could still do other things and worked hard to support me every step of the way." Committed to creating a brighter future, Shyanne embraced every opportunity the program offered. She completed a Microsoft Excel class, participated in the Job Connection workshop, and remained engaged throughout the process. One of the most impactful moments came during a resume review with the Job Connection team. "I had a lot of certifications but was still struggling to find work," she said. "After they reviewed my resume, I realized I had support. Their encouragement lifted me up. There are jobs made for me to do." During that process, Workforce staff members Gabby and Korey encouraged Shyanne to apply for an opening at Workforce Solutions East Texas. Believing in the skills she had developed over her career, she took the leap. On July 6, 2026, Shyanne began her new role as a WIOA Career Navigator. "It was very validating to receive the job offer," she shared. "After so much rejection, it meant everything to finally have someone believe in me. It felt so validating to finally be seen and valued." Today, Shyanne has come full circle. The same organization that helped her rebuild her confidence is now the place where she helps others find hope and opportunity in their own employment journeys. Reflecting on her experience, she offers encouragement to anyone considering the CHOICES Program: "It can feel like an inconvenience in the beginning to qualify, but you have no idea what will come out in the end. Just keep showing up consistently, and the people at Workforce will show up for you." Shyanne now encourages others with the personal mantra that carried her through her journey: "I am doing enough, but I am worth more effort." She hopes her story inspires others facing similar challenges to recognize their value, believe in their potential, and never settle for less than they deserve. With perseverance and the right support, opportunities can become life-changing realities. Shyanne is more than a Workforce Solutions East Texas employee...she is living proof of the life-changing impact of perseverance, opportunity, and support. Having once walked through the doors seeking a new beginning, she now welcomes others with the same encouragement that helped transform her own future. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, the right resources, and people who believe in your potential, today's challenges can become tomorrow's greatest success story.
