SAN ANGELO, TX – In the last 18 days, half a million Texans have filed unemployment claims and in one day alone TWC received a record 1.7 million phone calls, which shatters the previous record of 60,000. This has led to long wait times, overwhelmed call centers, and technical issues with the Unemployment Benefit Services portal.
TWC has recommended that Texans stagger their calls and access the online portal based on the applicant’s area codes. San Angeloans and everyone in the 325 area code are suggested to call the TWC from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Texans can also apply for benefits at the TWC website here: https://www.twc.texas.gov/ or by calling (800) 939-6631 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. or Saturday 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
The recently passed federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will provide much needed relief to unemployed workers and businesses throughout Texas. The CARES Act funds the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which allows states to extend unemployment benefits by an additional 13 weeks with federally funded benefits. This means that jobless benefits that expire at the end of 26 weeks can be extended.
TWC has recently hired more personnel to assist in fielding calls, as well as launching an online virtual assistant on their website to assist in the processing of unemployment claims.
Governor Abbott instructed the TWC to waive the 10-day investigation period for individuals applying for unemployment benefits.
TWC will now backdate unemployment claims to the date that workers were laid off.
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