Texas Workforce Commission Waives Filing Date Deadline

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Workforce Commission announced it will be waving the typical deadlines to file unemployment claim applications.

According to KXAN, the TWC will allow applicants to backdate claims to the date they were laid off or the date an employees’ hours were reduced.

Under normal circumstances, those who file a claim would be allowed to collect funds from the date the TWC determined the applicant was “qualified” to receive benefits.

The sudden influx of furloughed or displaced workers has overwhelmed the system.

In response to the increase in numbers, the TWC added more space on the web portal for applications and has approximately 1,000 workers answering calls in all four call centers across the state. Two new centers were opened this week to accommodate the thousands of daily callers.

During the last few weeks, many workers have expressed concern by the April 7, 2020 filing deadline the agency had previously stated. The message advised applicants to call as soon as possible and that “if you do not call, TWC will not pay you benefits.”

The agency explained the messages were part of the automated system and that the deadlines were “target date” for applicants. Those who miss the deadline will not be penalized.

“If they’re being asked to call, we need them to call to verify — or to update something,” Gamez said, “They’re going to receive the same amount of benefits, but it may take a little bit longer to get it through.”

Even with the new measures the system continues to be overwhelmed and benefits may be delayed for may applicants.