How to file for benefits if unemployed
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Special to The News-Courier
WICHITA FALLS—The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) receives less than 20,000 calls on an average day. Last week, the state agency responsible for handling unemployment benefits received 1,700,000 calls during one day.
Rep. James Frank shares the following in case you or someone you know needs unemployment benefits:
1. You may apply for benefits either at the TWC website (twc.texas.gov) or by calling 800-939-6631. 2. If you are applying for benefits online or checking the status of a claim, you are more likely to have success if you log-in during off-peak hours to encounter less online traffic (8p.m.-5 a.m.). 3. Gov. Greg Abbott has temporarily removed the mandatory one-week waiting period and work searches to ensure Texans receive their benefits as quick as possible. 4. The CARES Act provides Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to expand access to unemployment benefits for individuals who may not have qualified before. For example: Texans who are self-employed, independent contractors, or individuals with limited work history because of COVID-19.
“If you have questions about the process or need help navigating it, I have specifically tasked Greg Cline, my Legislative Director, to work on this,” said Frank. “Please reach out to him in my Capitol office at 512-463-0534 or through email at [email protected]