Texans receiving less than $100 in weekly unemployment benefits do not qualify for the extra $300 weekly payments the Trump administration is distributing to Texas and other states.
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.
Jobless Texans still don’t know if they will receive extra unemployment benefits
Confusion over unemployment relief in Texas has persisted since President Donald Trump took executive action in early August announcing an extra $400 weekly payment — but only if states administer the funds and chip in a quarter of the cost.
Texas will apply for federal program to get extra $300 per week for unemployed Texans
At least 10 other states have already applied and been approved for the additional unemployment benefits.
$400 in extra unemployment benefits remain uncertain in Texas after Trump’s executive order
The order could face legal challenges, and Texas might have to chip in a quarter of the cost. State leaders have not said how they’ll respond.
Out-of-work Texans could start seeing extra $300 in unemployment payments next week
On Friday, federal officials gave Texas the green light to provide the additional payments. States can contribute another $100, but Texas does not plan to do so.
Texas’ July unemployment rate drops slightly to 8%
With more than 10,000 Texans dead from COVID-19, economists have warned that until the state gets a handle on the pandemic, the economic recession will not improve.
With no end to the shutdown in sight, Texas bar owners and employees are on the brink of losing everything
Some bar owners are planning to reopen in defiance of the moratorium, a desperate attempt to generate income — and draw Gov. Greg Abbott’s attention.
As the Texas restaurant industry struggles, so do farmers, truckers and others in the food supply chain
Economic experts say a slow recovery in the industry means problems will persist for the restaurant sector — and businesses in the supply chain on which it relies.
Trump called the USMCA the best trade deal ever. Analysts say it’s not likely to help Texas during the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has clobbered the Texas economy and trade with Mexico, clouding the trade deal’s potential impacts, experts say.
White House acknowledges new unemployment assistance less than what President Trump originally touted
Under President Donald Trump’s directive, the federal government may only have enough money to pay the enhanced $300 weekly benefits for about five weeks. The extra federal benefit was previously $600 a week.

