People across Texas are struggling to navigate a maze-like system to get unemployment benefits. Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas was opting out of some federal assistance programs, which ended June 26. Here are the answers to the most common questions about getting benefits from the Texas Workforce Commission.
COVID-19 Recession in Texas
The coronavirus pandemic has steered the Texas economy into a recession as the state’s unemployment rate remains high and many businesses struggle to survive. Several sources of government and nonprofit aid have either expired or dried up. Economists say the ongoing public health crisis will slow the recovery for individual Texans, business owners and entire industries. For the latest news on this topic, sign up for our weekly economy newsletter and follow energy and economy reporter Mitchell Ferman on Twitter.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas’ unemployment rate has fallen by nearly half since the record high in April 2020
The coronavirus pandemic swiftly swept Texas into an economic recession, prompting millions to seek unemployment aid and complicating the state budget. Here’s a look at how the recovery is going.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Jobless Texans say Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to end federal unemployment benefits will worsen their already dire situations
Jobless Texans say they’re desperate to return to work, but they haven’t had any luck when applying to multiple jobs every month. For some, one month isn’t enough time to apply for and find a job.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Here are the acronyms and terms you need to know to get unemployment benefits in Texas
The state’s unemployment system is confusing and frustrating. Getting familiar with the Texas Workforce Commission’s jargon may help you access assistance.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Jobless Texans will lose all federal unemployment benefits, including extra weekly $300, after Gov. Greg Abbott opts out of the program
The extra $300 federal benefit will end June 26 for jobless Texans. Abbott also cut off another federal benefit that extended aid to gig workers, self-employed people and others who aren’t traditionally covered by unemployment insurance.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas business leaders say Legislature’s anti-LGBTQ bills could hurt the state’s economy
Texas Competes, which is made up of more than 1,450 Texas employers, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus and industry associations, is advocating the “economic case for equality.”
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate revives push to block cities’ paid sick leave ordinances
Supporters say Senate Bill 14 will make it easier for businesses to operate in multiple cities. Opponents call it an “existential threat to Texas workers.”
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas’ rent relief program has been plagued by problems that slow payments and could prompt evictions
According to a legislative report, of the 176,000 people who have begun applications for rental assistance, just over 1,000 have had their applications approved. And only 250 of payments have been sent.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate approves a $250 billion state budget — but questions remain about how federal aid will be used
The budget does not factor in over $35 billion in federal aid. Senators said they don’t yet know when that money will come in and what strings could be attached.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Experts hopeful about state’s economic recovery, but jobless Texans still face problems filing for benefits
Some businesses are already seeing customers return. But the numbers of people seeking unemployment aid surged in recent weeks to levels not seen since July. Many of them still face problems getting through to the Texas Workforce Commission.