Texas Reinstates Work-Search Requirement to Receive Unemployment Benefits

AUSTIN, TX – Texan residents currently receiving unemployment benefits will once again have to prove they have either searched for jobs or have tried to reopen their businesses if they want to continue receiving monetary aid starting next month.

The Texas Workforce Commission decided on Tuesday to reinstate its "work-search" requirement  starting July 6.

This change means when an individual requests unemployment benefit payments, they must prove they have engaged in at least three work-search activities. Self-employed workers will have prove they took at least three steps in an attempt to reopen their businesses.

This change comes as Gov. Greg Abbott continues to reopen businesses in Texas as a surge in coronavirus cases rises, which has led to a record number of hospitalizations over the past few days.

Cisco Gamez, a TWC spokesman, defended the timing of the reinstatement of the work-search requirement, stating that the searches can be "performed virtually in order to avoid possible exposures to the coronavirus".

“Work search activities can be completed at home without potential exposure to COVID-19,” he wrote in an emailed statement. “Work search activities could be as simple as searching for work online on WorkinTexas.com or attending a virtual job fair from a local Texas Workforce Solutions Office."

The TWC also added that searching for work is a federal requirement for individuals who receive unemployment benefits and that these benefits are intended to provide temporary relief to individuals, rather than permanent solutions for unemployed individuals.

in a press release Tuesday the TWC wrote,  “The work search requirement does not mean workers must take the first job available.., It means that they must show an active effort to obtain new employment to continue benefits. As long as they do this, their benefits will continue for up to 39 weeks, in accordance with state law and the federal CARES Act.”

Furloughed employees who have been given set return dates are exempt from the current work-search requirements.

However, more than 2.3 million Texans have filed for unemployment since mid-March, which amounts to four typical years’ worth of unemployment claims as statewide commerce suffers. The oil and gas industry which largely supports the state’s economy has also been crippled by a major reduction in need for production, putting thousands of Texans out of work.

Meanwhile statewide unemployment rates hit an all-time record high of 12.8% back in April.

However, despite the commission’s addition of four call centers, 15 computer servers and the addition of new staff members to operations,  agency phone lines have remained overwhelmed for weeks, which has left an unknown number of unemployed Texans often waiting for weeks in order to get in contact with TWC representatives.

Additionally, the commission encourages Texans to maintain records of their job search efforts in case such documentation is requested when filing for financial aid.