Gov Abbott: Certain Texans Can Still Receive Unemployment Benefits

SAN ANGELO, TX – Texas officially enters Phase 1 of the state’s Open Texas plan on Friday, but many Texans are apprehensive of returning to work even with increased health guidelines. On Thursday, Governor Abbott addressed new guidance for the Texas Workforce Commission concerning unemployment claims.

Under this guidance, Texans can continue to receive unemployment benefits throughout the COVID-19 response if they choose not to return to work for certain reasons as specified by TWC.

"As the Lone Star State begins the process of safely and strategically opening the economy, our top priority is protecting the health and safety of all Texans—especially those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19," said Governor Abbott. "This flexibility in the unemployment benefits process will help ensure that Texans with certain health and safety concerns will not be penalized for choosing not to return to work."

Unemployment claims are usually evaluated on an individual basis. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TWC can grant applicants benefits if the individual refused suitable work.

Reason for refusal:

• At High Risk: People 65 years or older are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Household members at high risk: People 65 years or older are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Diagnosed with COVID: The individual has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered.
• A family member with COVID: Anybody in the household has tested positive for COVID-19 by a source authorized by the State of Texas and is not recovered and 14 days have not yet passed.
• Quarantined: individual is currently in 14-day quarantine due to close contact exposure to COVID-19.
• Child care: Child’s school or daycare closed and no alternatives are available.

Any other situation will be subject to a case by case review by TWC based on individual circumstances.