Archived Press Releases for 2020

December 31, 2020 - Emergency Coronavirus Relief to Further Extend Unemployment Assistance to Texans

AUSTIN – The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued guidelines to assist the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in the implementation of the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act of 2020 (CAA). Payments under this legislation are authorized for the payment week ending January 2, 2021. The act will provide up to 11 additional benefit weeks to Texans on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). Read more about the extended benefits in the press release. 

December 22, 2020 - TWC Approves Restaurant Recovery Initiative to Help Businesses Adapt to Pandemic

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) this week approved an initiative to help restaurants in the Lone Star State respond to the pandemic through new strategies to open and operate safely in an era of social distancing. Read about the restaurant recovery initiative in the press release.

December 18, 2020 - Unemployment Rate, 8.1 Percent in November

AUSTIN – Texas’ private sector added 65,800 jobs over the month, and the Texas unemployment rate for November was 8.1 percent, up from 6.9 percent in October 2020. Read about the November unemployment rate in the press release.

December 16, 2020 - Texas Workforce Commission Approves One-Time Innovative Grant Programs Using Funding from IKEA

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) this week approved a series of innovative one-time and pilot programs funded through a generous donation of $4.9 million from IKEA. The programs will equip and enable individuals with information and tools to advance in their career though educational resources and programs including apprenticeship, online learning platforms, grants and real-time labor market and job information. Texas businesses will also be supported through industry data analytics, online training videos, and tools to help adapt jobs to remote and contactless operations. Read about the grant programs in the press release.

December 14, 2020 - Reimbursing Employers Payment Deadlines for 2020 Extended to March 1, 2021

AUSTIN –The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today extended payment deadlines for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2020, to March 1, 2021, to match the 4th quarter 2020 bills for designated reimbursing employers that are required to pay a share of unemployment benefits. Read more about the payment deadline extension in the press release.

December 10, 2020 - Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health System Honored as Large Employer of the Year by Texas Workforce Commission

Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Health System was named Large Employer of the Year at the Texas Workforce Commission's 24rd Annual Texas Workforce Conference held virtually on December 9th. Read more about the 2020 Large Employer of the Year Award in the press release.

December 10, 2020 - Research Advanced Methods Incorporated Honored as Small Employer of the Year 

Research Advanced Methods Incorporated (RAM Inc.) was named Small Employer of the Year at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 24th Annual Texas Workforce Employer Awards held virtually this year on December 9th. Read more about the 2020 Small Employer of the Year Award in the press release. 

December 3, 2020 - TWC Continues to Provide Employment Services to Texans

The Texas Workforce Commission  encourages unemployment claimants to utilize employment resources such as the Skills Enhancement Initiative and Workforce Solutions Centers. These employment services as well as state unemployment insurance and State Extended Benefits will continue after CARES Act funding expires on December 26, 2020. Read more about available services in the press release.

December 2, 2020 - TWC Pursuing All Strategies To Limit COVID’s Impact On 2021 Taxes, Keep Employer Tax Rates As Low As Possible

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) continues to explore options to keep the 2021 tax rates as low as possible for Texas employers as Texas and the entire nation continue to deal with the economic disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about 2021 tax rates in the press release.

December 1, 2020 - Texas Workforce Commission Accepts $4.9 million Donation from IKEA

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) accepted a donation from the IKEA US Community Foundation in the amount of $4.9 million to directly support Texans affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be used to help fund education, business, and apprenticeship initiatives. Read more about the donation in the press release.

November 20, 2020 - Texas Unemployment Rate is 6.9 Percent in October

Nov. 20, 2020, Austin, TX – Texas’ private sector added 136,300 jobs over the month, and the Texas unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent in October from 8.3 percent in September. The Texas unemployment rate for October 2020 is in line with the National unemployment rate of 6.9 percent. Read more about the October labor market in the press release. 

November 18, 2020 - Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative submits report to Governor Abbott

Nov. 18, 2020, Austin, TX – The Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, a joint endeavor among the Commissioners of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), today released its latest report to Gov. Greg Abbott. Read more about the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, in the press release.

November 16, 2020 - Finalists for 2020 Texas Workforce Solutions Large and Small Employers of the Year Announced by TWC

The Texas Workforce Commission announced today that S&B Engineers and Constructors, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance and Amazon are the finalists for the 2020 Texas Workforce Solutions Large Employer of the Year Award. Computer Crusher Recycling Company, Hobbs Bonded Fibers and Research & Advanced Methods Industries are the finalists for the 2020 Texas Workforce Solutions Small Employer of the Year Award. Read more about the finalists in the press release. 

November 13, 2020 - Texas Workforce Commission Approves IT Apprenticeship Program

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) approved a new Information Technology (IT) Registered Apprenticeship program. The decision, taken during National Apprenticeship Week, will expand opportunities for employers to develop registered apprenticeship programs that help employees learn crucial career skills on the job. Read more about the IT apprenticeship program in the press release. Read more about the IT apprenticeship program in the press release.

November 10, 2020 - Texas Workforce Commission Celebrates Texas Veterans for Their Service

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) would like to thank all veterans for their sacrifice and service this Veterans Day. There are currently 1.7 million veterans in Texas, and an estimated 967,000 of these veterans are eligible for work. TWC encourages Texas employers to take advantage of the unique talents, skills and discipline that Veterans bring to Texas’ workforce in a wide variety of industries and occupations of the skills.Read more about service TWC provides to veterans in the press release.

November 6, 2020 – TWC Celebrates Texas Apprenticeship Week and National Apprenticeship Week

AUSTIN – During National Apprenticeship Week and Texas Apprenticeship Week, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) encourages employers to discover how Registered Apprenticeship can support businesses, education partners, labor organizations, workforce partners and industry associations to meet the ongoing need for building a skilled workforce. Read more about National Apprenticeship Week in this press release.

November 4, 2020 - Hiring Red, White & You! Veterans Hiring Fair to Take Place November 5

AUSTIN – For the ninth year, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards and the Texas Veterans Commission, will host veterans hiring fairs in 31 cities throughout Texas on Thursday, Nov. 5. This year, for the first time, all events will be held virtually.  Read more about the veterans hiring fair in this release.

October 19, 2020 - Texas HireAbility Events Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Connect Career Seekers with Disabilities and Employers

The Texas Workforce Commission is partnering with the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Texas Workforce Solutions for the 2020 Texas HireAbility campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and of creating inclusive workplaces. Read more about the campaign in the press release.

October 16, 2020 - Unemployment Rate is 8.3 Percent in September

The Texas unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent in September, after dipping from the high of 13.5 percent in April 2020 when the peak of COVID-19 impacts occurred. The increase was due to the civilian labor force shrinking as the number of individuals actively looking for work contracted, while the unemployed rose. Read more about the September labor market in the press release.

October 15, 2020 - TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel Announced as the 2020 Appointed Official of the Year

The Texas Association for the Education of Young Children has recognized Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel as the recipient of their Appointed Official of the Year award for 2020. The award is given annually to the elected or appointed official who has best championed, advocated, or advanced the interests of the early childhood education community in Texas. Read more about the recognition in the press release.

October 14, 2020 – TWC Reinstates Work Requirements for Child Care

AUSTIN –The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) approved changes to its subsidized child care program to reinstate work requirements for parents receiving benefits. The change, following the state’s continued re-openings of businesses, brings TWC’s subsidized care program in line with its mission: to provide improved access to quality child care to enable families to return to work. Read more about work requirements for child care in the press release.

October 13, 2020 As Texas Economy Continues to Re-Open, TWC Reinstates Unemployment Insurance (UI) Work Search

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today that as the Texas economy continues to open TWC will reinstate state work search requirements, which had been suspended since March, but will resume on November 1, 2020. Work search is a federal requirement to receive unemployment benefits. Individuals will continue to receive benefits but must show an active effort to obtain new employment. Read more about work search requirements in the press release.

October 7, 2020 TWC Receives Additional $28 million for dislocated workers

AUSTIN –The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has received  an additional $28 million to add to the $12 million already received from the Department of Labor’s Disaster National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) program to provide temporary jobs related to COVID-19 recovery. The funds are being used assist local health departments with jobs related to virus response, food banks, and other humanitarian work. Read more about the Dislocated Worker Grant in the press release.

October 6, 2020 TWC Incentivizes Higher Quality for Child Care

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) approved proposed changes to the Texas Rising Star quality rating improvement system for child care providers. Texas Rising Star is a voluntary quality rating system for providers serving subsidized children, recognizing those providers who meet higher standards, going beyond minimum licensing requirements. Read more about the changes to health care standards in the press release.

October 6, 2020 - Payment Deadlines Extended for 3rd Quarter 2020

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today extended payment deadlines for the 3rd quarter 2020 for designated reimbursing employers that are required to pay a share of unemployment benefits. Designated reimbursing employers include non-profits, local governments, school districts and other qualifying employers who reimburse TWC for the full amount of unemployment benefits to be paid to eligible former employees. Read more about the benefit extension in the press release. 

September 25, 2020 - U.S. Department of Labor Includes TWC Among First Group to Oversee Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs

The Texas Workforce Commission has been included in the initial list of 18 organizations recognized by the U.S Department of Labor as Standards Recognition Entities to oversee the development of high-quality Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs. TWC is the only state-run workforce agency to be included on this list. Read more about Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs in the press release.

September 24, 2020 – With Unemployment Rate Dropping Texas will not receive HUP extension

AUSTIN – With Texas’ unemployment rate falling to 6.8 percent, Texas will no longer have access to additional unemployment insurance benefits that would have kicked in after traditional benefits and extended benefits (EB) under the CARES Act are exhausted. Provisions under that act will continue to remain in place until Dec. 26, 2020. Read more about HUP ending in the press release.

September 18, 2020 - Texas Unemployment Rate Falls to 6.8 Percent in August

In August, Texas saw a decrease in the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to 6.8 percent. This is the fourth consecutive monthly decrease and the lowest rate since March 2020 when the Texas economy was initially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas is below the national seasonally adjusted rate of 8.4 percent. Read more about the August labor market in the press release.

September 17, 2020 - TWC Enhances Homepage

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has unveiled a redesign of the agency’s website homepage. The changes were designed to provide users with easy-to-find, one-click access to essential online portals. Read more about the website updates in the press release.

September 9, 2020 - FEMA Ends Lost Wages Assistance Program, State Unemployment Benefits to Continue

On September 9, 2020 the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) informed the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), that the Lost Wages Assistance program (LWA), which provided an additional $300 a week to qualified unemployment claimants ends with the benefit week ending September 5, 2020. Read more about the end of the LWA program in the press release.

August 24, 2020 - TWC Offers Employers Guidance on Protecting Their Businesses

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) asks for employers to help to prevent unemployment benefit overpayments by reporting employees receiving wages through Paycheck Protection Program loans or who refused acceptable work to TWC. Read more about TWC employer guidance in the press release.

August 21, 2020 - Texas Unemployment Rate Falls to 8.0 Percent in July

In July, Texas saw a decrease in the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate to 8.0 percent. This is the third consecutive monthly decrease and the lowest rate since March 2020 when the Texas economy was initially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas is below the national seasonally adjusted rate of 10.2 percent. Read more about the July labor market in the press release.

August 20, 2020 - TWC Allocated $106.4 Million for Child Care Programs

The Texas Workforce Commission approved $106.4 million to assist TWC’s 28 Local Workforce Boards (Boards) and child care providers to address higher child care costs resulting from COVID-19. Read more about this Child Care Funding in the press release.

August 18, 2020 - TWC Approves an Additional $5 million for use in Skills Development Funds

The Texas Workforce Commission has approved an additional $5 million from the Skills Development Fund to be used to support training in high demand occupations with priority given to training in the healthcare, manufacturing, and IT sectors in direct response to needs identified by COVID-19. Read more about the Skills Development Fund in the press release. 

August 14, 2020 - TWC Investigating Potential Fraud Cases

The Texas Workforce Commission is working to address a potential fraud situation after the agency’s investigators confirmed changes to claimants accounts indicating suspicious activity. There has been no evidence of a breach in any TWC system. Read more about the potential fraud cases in the press release. 

July 30, 2020 - TWC Awards $8.2 Million from the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program to 41 Colleges and ISDs to Support Career Training

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded 41 grants totaling $8,261,090 to multiple public community colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges and independent school districts for programs that focus on supporting high-demand occupations through the Jobs and Education for Texans  grant program. Read more about the JET grants in the press release.

July 24, 2020 - TWC: State Unemployment Benefits to Continue But $600 Federal Payment Ends July 25

 The Texas Workforce Commission reminds claimants that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) ends the week of July 25, 2020. FPUC provided an additional $600 per week to claimants who lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the Federal Payment ending in the Press Release.

July 23, 2020 - TWC to Extend Payment Deadlines For Employers to Reimburse State for Unemployment Costs

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today extended payment deadlines for designated reimbursing employers that are required to pay a share of unemployment benefits. Designated reimbursing employers include non-profits, local governments, school districts and other qualifying employers who reimburse TWC for the full amount of unemployment benefits to be paid to eligible former employees. Read more about the Act and upcoming virtual workshops in the press release.

July 17, 2020 - TWC Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Texas Workforce Commission celebrates the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities, prohibiting discrimination in employment, public accommodations, transportation, telecommunications, among others. Read more about the Act and upcoming virtual workshops in the press release.

July 17, 2020 - June Texas Unemployment Rate Falls to 8.6 Percent

The Texas economy added 243,900 private sector positions over the past month. In June, Texas saw a decrease in the state unemployment rate to 8.6 percent. This is the second consecutive monthly decrease and the lowest rate since March 2020 when the Texas economy was initially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas is below the national rate of 11.1 percent. Read more about the June labor market in the press release.

July 14, 2020 - Texas Workforce Commission Releases Child Care Data

The Texas Workforce Commission has released Child Care by the Numbers, an overview of subsidized child care data since October 2014. Child Care by the Numbers will not only provide annual data, it will also include quarterly updates for the most recent year and will provide information both at the state level and for each of the 28 Local Workforce Development Boards. Read more about Child Care by the Numbers in the press release.

July 13, 2020 - TWC: State Unemployment Benefits to Continue But $600 Federal Payment Ends July 25

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission reminds claimants that the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) ends the week of July 25, 2020. FPUC provided an additional $600 per week to claimants who lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the Federal Payment ending in the Press Release.

July 6, 2020 -  TWC Expands Registered Apprenticeship Program

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has been awarded $9.4 million by the Department of Labor to support the expansion of registered apprenticeship in Texas to help build viable career paths for youths and adults seeking to develop a viable career around training for skilled professions.
Read more about the expansion in the press release.

July 3, 2020 - TWC Building Trades Training Grant to Focus on Young Workers

Program to use new Evidence Framework for program models with a demonstrated record of effectiveness leading to better outcomes for young workers.
Read more about the training grant in the press release.

July 1, 2020 - Texas Triggers Additional Unemployment Benefit Extension Period

On June 26, 2020, the Department of Labor notified the Texas Workforce Commission  that the state triggered onto High Unemployment Period. Beginning July 5, HUP will allow for up to an additional 7 weeks, or 30 percent of the regular maximum balance, immediately following the conclusion of State Extended Benefits. The first week TWC anticipates individuals transitioning to HUP is the week ending October 3, 2020. Read more about additional benefits in the press release.

June 30, 2020 - TWC Pauses Work Search Reinstatement

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today (Tuesday, June 30th) that it will delay the reinstatement of the work search requirement for unemployment benefits in Texas. Read more about the requirements in the press release.

June 23, 2020 - Texas Workforce Commission Expands Training Grants and Child Care Funding

Today, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) took additional action to promote economic recovery and support the health of all Texans. These actions include expanding the eligibility for Skills Development Funds training grants and a federal waiver request to increase pre-kindergarten match allowance for child care centers. Read more about the grant funding expansion in the press release.

June 22, 2020 - TWC Provides Acceptable Reasons for Work Refusal

On June 16, 2020, the Commission took action to provide guidance to unemployment claimants concerning their continued eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits (UI) should they refuse rehire. Read more about acceptable reasons for work refusal in the press release. 

June 19, 2020 - TWC Funds to Provide Statewide Skills Enhancement for Unemployment Benefit Recipients

The Texas Workforce Commission has allocated funds to offer rapid skills enhancement opportunities to eligible workers in Texas. This new program includes all individuals receiving UI benefits during COVID-19 and will provide access to virtual skills enhancement opportunities. Read more about the Skills Enhancement funding in the press release. 

June 19, 2020 - Texas Adds 237,800 Non-Farm Positions Over the Month

The Texas economy added 291,000 private sector positions over the past month. In May, Texas saw a decrease in the state unemployment rate to 13.0 percent. This is the first decrease in the state unemployment rate since March 2020 when the Texas economy was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Texas is below the national rate of 13.3 percent.  Read more about the May labor market in the press release.

June 16, 2020 - TWC Reinstates Attendance Requirements for Subsidized Child Care

AUSTIN –The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today the reinstatement of subsidized child care attendance requirements. Read more about the attendance requirements in the press release.

June 16, 2020- Work Search Requirement to be Reinstated for Unemployment Insurance on July 6
The Texas Workforce Commission announced today that the work search requirements for Unemployment Insurance  in Texas, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 crisis, will be reinstated for all Texans receiving unemployment insurance benefits on July 6. Read more about reinstated work search requirements in the press release.

June 2, 2020 - Celebrating 100 Years of Vocational Rehabilitation

The Texas Workforce Commission celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The Vocational Rehabilitation Program helps people with disabilities prepare for, find or retain employment and helps youth and students prepare for post-secondary education and competitive integrated employment opportunities. Read more about Vocational Rehabilitation in the press release. 

June 2, 2020 - Texas Triggers Additional 13-Week Benefit Extension

Monday, June 1, the Department of Labor notified the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) that the state triggered State Extended Benefits (EB). This program provides federal reimbursement to the state for up to an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits. Read more about the extended benefits in the press release.

May 29, 2020 - $5,000,000 in Registered Apprenticeship Funds Proposed for Fiscal Year 2021

The Texas Workforce Commission has proposed $5,000,000 to Registered Apprenticeship Funds for FY 2021. The Registered Apprenticeship Training Program helps prepare and train individuals for highly skilled jobs and life-long careers in over 1,300 possible trade or craft occupations with competitive wage opportunities. Read more about the Registered Apprenticeship Training Program in the press release.

May 22, 2020 - Texas Unemployment Rate 12.8 Percent

Texas saw an increase in the state unemployment rate in April 2020, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past month, the Texas economy lost 1,298,900 nonfarm positions. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 12.8 percent, below the national average of 14.7 percent. Read more about the April labor market in the press release.

May 19, 2020 - TWC Continues Support for Child Care During COVID-19

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has begun phasing out the emergency program to subsidize childcare for Texas’ essential workers. This move comes the day after Gov. Greg Abbott announced that child care providers across the state could re-open. Read more about the changes to child care funding in the press release.

May 5, 2020 - TWC Cautions Jobseekers Regarding Scams

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) advises jobseekers that individuals misrepresenting businesses may attempt to secure sensitive, personal information through deceit. Read more about the guidelines in the press release.

April 23, 2020 - Direction for Texans in Need of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Extensions

The Texas Workforce Commission advises that no action is needed by those claimants who  may have recently exhausted, or will soon exhaust, their Unemployment Insurance. TWC will determine if you qualify for additional benefits under any of the pandemic unemployment programs and notify you by mail or electronic correspondence. Read more about benefits extensions in the press release.

April 22, 2020 - Unemployment Guidance for Self-Employed, Contract and Gig Workers

The Texas Workforce Commission advises self-employed, contract and gig workers who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance using Unemployment Benefits Services. Read more about unemployment guidance for self-employed, contract and gig workers in the press release.

April 16, 2020 - TWC, HHSC Collaborate to Launch COVID-19 Child Care Resources Website for Essential Workers

Last week, the state’s Frontline Child Care Task Force  launched FrontlineChildCare.Texas.Gov. The Texas Workforce Commission, in partnership with the Office of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Education Agency, launched this new website to help essential workers in Texas locate child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the Frontline Child Care portal in the press release.

April 13, 2020 - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and $600 in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Available for Eligible Workers

The Texas Workforce Commission encourages those who have not yet applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance as a result of COVID-19 to apply now. Individuals affected by COVID-19 can apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or by calling a TWC Tele-Center any day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 800-939-6631. Read more about Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and the $600 in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation in the press release.

April 8, 2020 - TWC Cautions Claimants Regarding Fraudulent Calls

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) advises those applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits that individuals misrepresenting TWC may capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and attempt to secure sensitive, personal information through deceit. Read more about what you can do to protect yourself in the press release.

April 6, 2020 - TWC, HHSC Collaborate to Launch COVID-19 Child Care Resources Website for Essential Workers

AUSTIN - At midnight on Friday, the state’s Frontline Child Care Task Force launched FrontlineChildCare.Texas.Gov. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), launched this new website to help essential workers in Texas locate child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the Frontline Child Care portal in the press release.

April 4, 2020 - Previously Ineligible for UI Benefits? TWC Encourages Monetarily Ineligible for UI Benefits to Reapply on April 5, New Quarter

The Texas Workforce Commission, encourages individuals previously deemed monetarily ineligible for unemployment benefits to reapply online starting Sunday, April 5, 2020. This date marks the beginning of a new quarter and as such the base period for unemployment benefits and those previously ineligible may now qualify. Read more about the base period shift in the press release. 

April 3, 2020 - TWC to Implement Staggered Access to Unemployment Benefit Services Portal to Ensure More Texans Can File UI Claims

Over half a million Texans have filed unemployment claims in the last 18-days as a result of COVID-19. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will soon outpace the total number of claims received in all of 2019. This unprecedented increase has led to long wait times, overwhelmed call centers and technical issues with the Unemployment Benefit Services portal. TWC staff is working around the clock to expand the capacity to take claims but needs your support. TWC recommends that Texans stagger their calls and access to the online portal based on applicant’s area codes. Read more about staggered access in the press release.

April 1, 2020 - $2 Trillion Federal Stimulus Package To Fund Array of Benefits for Texas Workers, Employers

The $2 trillion federal stimulus package will provide quick relief to unemployed workers and struggling Texas businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Disaster relief funds, increased unemployment compensation and extended duration are part of the federal package to help unemployed workers and businesses affected by COVID-19. Read more about the stimulus package in the press release.

April 1, 2020- TWC Launches New Chat Bot for Unemployment Insurance Claims 

The Texas Workforce Commission has launched a new automated virtual assistant to help answer Texans' questions about the unemployment insurance process. The artificial intelligence-enabled chatbot can instantly answer many of the most common questions about the UI process.Read more about the chatbot in the press release.

March 27, 2020- TWC Expands Child Care Access for Essential Workers in Texas, Effective Immediately

In an effort to support our Texas communities and families, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approved the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) request to temporarily suspended compliance with several state laws that impair the ability to maintain child care services, especially child care services for essential frontline workers in relation to efforts to cope with the declared disaster. Read more about expanded child care access in the press release. 

March 25, 2020 – TWC Approves $40,000,000 in Supplemental Child Care Distribution in Texas to Support Communities and Families During COVID-19

​The Texas Workforce Commission will distribute $40,000,000 of supplemental child care. These funds will allow local Workforce Development Boards to provide child care to the new COVID-19 Essential Workers, and, pending approval of a federal waiver from the Office of Child Care, make supplemental payments to child care programs to cover lost Parent Share of Cost payments. Read more about the supplemental funds in the press release.

March 23, 2020 - TWC Extends Call Center Hours

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is expanding hours of operation for its unemployment benefit services tele-center. In a response to an unprecedented call volume as a result of COVID-19, TWC tele-center hours will now be Monday through Friday 8:00a.m. to 6p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. Read more about the extended hours in the press release.

March 19, 2020 - TWC Encourages Employers to Enroll in Shared Work Program

The Texas Workforce Commission encourages employers to enroll in Shared Work program as an alternative to layoffs. The voluntary Shared Work program was developed to help Texas employers and employees withstand a slowdown in business such as the impact of COVID-19. Read more about the Shared Work program in the press release. 

March 17, 2020 - TWC Waives Certain Requirements for Unemployment Benefits Services

Today, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott instructed the Texas Workforce Commission to waive the waiting week, for Unemployment Benefits. In addition to waiving the waiting week, the Texas Workforce Commission is exercising its authority under the Governor’s declaration of a Statewide Disaster to waive Unemployment Insurance work search requirements effective immediately. Read more in the press release.

March 13, 2020 - Texas Adds 279,900 Jobs Over the Year

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.5 percent in January. The Texas economy added 279,900 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs over the year, including 19,500 jobs added over the month for January. Annual employment growth for Texas was 2.2 percent in January, marking 117 consecutive months of annual growth. Read more about the January labor market in the press release.

March 3, 2020 - Road to Employment: Texas First Lady and Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Employers Collaborate to Help Transitioning Foster Youth

Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott met with employers, community advocates and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) at a foster youth transition center in Austin, Texas today to bring awareness for the needs and support of foster youth. Every person counts, especially kids in foster care, which is why the TWC provides funding and support services to 18 Foster Youth Transition centers across the state of Texas. Read more about the foster youth event in the press release.

February 26, 2020 - Beeville ISD and Sinton ISD Awarded Nearly $500,000 in Grants

​The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded two Jobs and Education for Texans grants to Beeville Independent School District and Sinton Independent School District. These grants will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend Area. Read more about the Beeville and Sinton ISD grants in the press release.

February 24, 2020 - Mountain View College in Partnership with Owens Corning-Irving Roofing and Asphalt LLC and Goodwill Industries Ft. Worth Awarded Grants Totaling $362,382

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Owens Corning-Irving Roofing and Asphalt LLC in partnership with Mountain View College a $247,223 Skills Development Fund grant to provide job training. TWC has also awarded Goodwill Industries Ft. Worth a $115,159 Self Sufficiency Fund training grant to help 55 individuals transition into the workforce. Read more about Mountain View College and Goodwill Fort Worth's grants in the press release.

February 20, 2020 - BASF Corp. Partners with Brazosport College for $373,979 Job-Training Grant 

BASF Corp. and Brazosport College have partnered to provide job training using a $373,979 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about Brazosport College's press release.

February 20, 2020 - Texas Science and Engineering Fair Seeking Judges for 2020 Competition

The Texas Workforce Commission continues its commitment to science, technology, engineering and math education and the success of tomorrow’s workforce by co-sponsoring the Texas Science and Engineering Fair for the 19th consecutive year with ExxonMobil. The fair is currently seeking over 450 judges for Saturday, March 28, 2020 from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Read more about volunteering to be a judge in the press release.

February 19, 2020 - TWC Commissioner Aaron Demerson Presents $606,113 in Grant Funding to the North Central Texas-Area

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded two Skills Development Fund grants: a $289,982 grant to Collin College and a manufacturing consortium of Tower Extrusions and Quest Medical and a $316,131 grant to Collin College in partnership with a business consortium of Platform Manufacturing Group, Forte Payment Systems and Natural Polymer International Corporation. Read more about the Collin College grant in the press release.

February 13, 2020 - Take Charge of Business at the Texas Conference for Employers  in El Paso

The Texas Workforce Commission invites El Paso–area employers, human resource professionals, business owners and managers to attend the Texas Conference for Employers on March 6 at the Marriott El Paso. Read more about the El Paso Texas Conference for Employers in the press release.

February 11, 2020 - TWC Seeks Volunteers for Advisory Committee for Purchasing from People with Disabilities

The Texas Workforce Commission is currently accepting applications to serve on the Advisory Committee for Purchasing from People with Disabilities. Read more about the Advisory Committee in the press release. 

February 7, 2020 - Community Council of South Central Texas Inc. Receives $315,000 Self Sufficiency Fund Grant

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Community Council of South Central Texas Inc. along with Alamo Colleges and Workforce Solutions Alamo a $315,000 Self Sufficiency Fund training grant to help 150 individuals transition into the workforce. Read more about Community Council of South Central Texas Inc.'s grant in the press release.

January 31, 2020 - Hendrick Health System Partners with Texas State Technical College for $198,022 Job-Training Grant

Hendrick Health System has partnered with Texas State Technical College West Texas (TSTC) to provide job training using a $198,022 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas area. Read more about these grants in the press release.

January 31, 2020 - TWC Commissioner Alvarez Presents Nearly $900,000 in Grant Funding to Rio Grande Valley-Area

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded five individual grants: two Skills Development Fund grants of $133,903 to Texas State Technical College Harlingen in partnership with Fisher and Company Inc., and $143,332 to Texas State Technical College in partnership with SpawGlass Contractors Inc.; one $300,000 Jobs and Education for Texans  grant to Brownsville ISD; one $191,868 Dual Credit, Job-Training Grant to Brownsville ISD; and one $125,850 Self Sufficiency Fund job-training grant to Cameron County Education Initiative Inc. Read more about these grants in the press release.

January 30, 2020 - Manufacturing Consortium Partners with Richland College for $434,328 Job-Training Grant

A manufacturing consortium of Ecolab Inc., Interceramic Inc., Kirchhoff Automotive, Mapei Corporation, II-IV Marlow Industries Inc., RHE Hatco Inc., and Sanden Vendo America Inc. has partnered with Richland College to provide job training using a $434,328 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about Richland College's grant in the press release.

January 28, 2020 - College of the Mainland Receives $188,713 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded the College of the Mainland a $188,713 Jobs and Education for Texans grant. The grant will help the school purchase and install equipment to provide students with training in the occupation of chemical plant and systems operator. Read more about College of the Mainland's grant in the press release.

January 27, 2020 - Wharton County Junior College Receives $279,300 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Wharton County Junior College a $279,300 Jobs and Education for Texans grant. The grant will help the school purchase and install equipment to provide students with training in the oil and gas profession. Read more about Wharton County Junior College's grant in the press release.

January 24, 2020 - Texas Unemployment Rate at 3.5 Percent

In December the seasonally adjusted Texas unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, up a tenth of a percentage point from 3.4 percent in November 2019. Texas added 29,800 jobs over the month. In 2019, Texas set a record for the lowest unemployment rate since series tracking began in 1976. Read more about the December labor market in the press release.

January 23, 2020 - Lamar State College-Orange in partnership with Arlanxeo USA LLC and Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Awarded Grants Totaling $652,724

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded two individual grants: a $467,816 Skills Development Fund grant and a $184,908 Jobs and Education for Texans grant. The grants will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas area. Read more about Lamar State College-Orange's grants in the press release.

January 17, 2020 - Manufacturing Consortium Partners with South Plains College for $506,719 Job-Training Grant

A manufacturing consortium of Azteca Milling L.P., CSJB Holdings Inc., Red River Commodities Inc., Simflo LLC, Workforce Solutions South Plains, TMAC West Texas and the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance has partnered with South Plains College to provide job training using a $506,719 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about this Skills Development Fund grant to South Plains College in the press release.