Recent Press Releases

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.

December 20, 2019 - Six Historic Months: Texas Maintains Record Low Unemployment Rate of 3.4 Percent in November 2019

The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.4 percent in November 2019. This marks the sixth consecutive month of record low unemployment in the state starting in June 2019. It is the lowest unemployment rate since series tracking began in 1976. Read more in the press release.

December 19, 2019 - Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Partners with Entergy Texas to Support Texas Industry Partnership Initiative

Entergy Texas and Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas have partnered to provide participants with education and training including paid work experience in the energy, petroleum and chemical products industries. Read more about Southeast Texas and Entergy's grant in the press release.

December 16, 2019 - Continued Solutions to Strengthen State’s Skilled Workforce: Workforce Solutions of Central Texas Becomes Officially Registered DOL Apprenticeship Program

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) statewide workforce solutions Boards continue to engage with Texas employers to help them explore apprenticeship-training models and develop apprenticeship-training programs, which assist business owners with opportunities to teach specific skills so that new employees are potentially hired as apprentices. Read more about registered apprenticeships in the press release.

December 12, 2019 - Frank Phillips College Receives $274,761 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Frank Phillips College a $274,761 Jobs and Education for Texans  grant. The grant will help the college purchase and install equipment to provide Borger High School and Frank Phillips college students with training for careers in the petroleum refining and chemical products industry. Read more about Frank Phillips College's JET grant in the press release.

December 6, 2019 - Average Unemployment Insurance Tax Rates Decrease for Texas Employers

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today announced the average unemployment insurance (UI) tax rate for all employers will be 1.14 percent for Calendar Year (CY) 2020, dropping from 1.25 percent in CY 2019 to its lowest point since 2009. Read more about the Tax rates in the press release.

December 5, 2019 - Stanley Black & Decker Honored as Large Employer of the Year at Texas Workforce Conference

Stanley Black & Decker (SB&D) was named Large Employer of the Year at the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) 23rd Annual Texas Workforce Conference held December 4–6 in Dallas. Read more about the Large Employer of the Year in the press release.

December 5, 2019 - Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas Honored as Small Employer of the Year at Texas Workforce Conference

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas (Goodwill) was named Small Employer of the Year at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 23^rd Annual Texas Workforce Conference held December 4–6 in Dallas. Read more about the Small Employer of the Year in the press release.

November 27, 2019 - Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Approaching

The Texas Workforce Commission reminds individuals, whose employment or self-employment was impacted by Tropical Storm Imelda, that the deadline is approaching to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Read more about DUA in the press release.
Lee más sobre Ayuda de desempleo por desastre (DA) como resultado de la tormenta tropical Imelda.

November 18, 2019 - North Central Texas College Partners with American Hat Company for $98,174 Job-Training Grant and Mineral Wells Independent School District Receives $176,837 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant

The Workforce Commission has awarded two individual grants: a $98,174 Skills Development Fund grant and a $176,837 Jobs and Education for Texans grant. These grants will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions of North Texas area and Workforce Solutions North Central Texas area, respectively. Read more about these grants in the press release.

November 15, 2019 - Historic Low Continues in October 2019: Texas Adds Fifth Month of Record Low Unemployment

The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.4 percent in October 2019. This marks the fifth consecutive month of record low unemployment in the state starting in June 2019. It is the lowest unemployment rate since series tracking began in 1976. Read more about the October labor market in the press release.

November 14, 2019 - Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas and Deep East Texas College and Career Alliance Partner for $189,021 Dual Credit, Job-Training Grant and $50,000 High Demand Job Training Grant

Jasper Independent School District will provide customized training to students utilizing equipment funded by the Texas Workforce Commission through a $189,021 Dual Credit grant. Training supported by the grant allows students to earn credits towards occupational licenses or certifications. Read more about these grants in the press release.

November 8, 2019 - TWC Seeks Volunteers for Advisory Committee for Purchasing from People with Disabilities

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

November 8, 2019 - TWC Celebrates Workforce Development Through 2019 Texas Apprenticeship Week and ApprenticeshipTexas Program

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), now in its fifth year, will take place November 11 – 17 and is a nationwide celebration that gives businesses, communities, and educators the opportunity to showcase their apprenticeship programs and apprentices while providing valuable information to career seekers. Read more about Texas Apprenticeship Week 2019 in the press release.

November 7, 2019 - Wortham ISD Receives $137,657 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Wortham ISD a $137,657 Jobs and Education for Texans grant. The grant will help the school purchase and install equipment to provide students with training for careers in the welding and pipefitting professions. Read more about the Wortham ISD grant in the press release.

November 5, 2019 - We Salute You! Texas Workforce Commission Celebrates Texas Veterans for Their Service and Encourages Employers to Hire Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) would like to thank all veterans of all branches for their sacrifice and service, their bravery shown and the example they set to all. To all those who have served and continue to serve, we are grateful for your valor, sacrifice and service to preserve and protect our country’s values. We salute you! Read the complete Veterans Day message in the press release.

October 31, 2019 - Disaster Unemployment Aid Now Available for individuals affected by Tropical Storm Imelda in 1 Additional Texas County: San Jacinto County - Ayuda de Desempleo por Desastre Ahora Disponible para un Condado Adicional de Texas: el Condado de San Jacinto

The Texas Workforce Commission is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance in 1 additional county as a result of Tropical Storm Imelda. Read more about how to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance related to Tropical Storm Imelda.
La Comisión de la Fuerza Laboral de Texas está aceptando solicitudes de Asistencia de Desempleo por Desastre en un condado adicional como resultado de la tormenta tropical Imelda. Lee más sobre Ayuda de desempleo por desastre (DA) como resultado de la tormenta tropical Imelda.

October 28, 2019 - 2019 Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Hiring Fair to Take Place November 7

For the eighth 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. 7. TWC’s eight annual Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fair is a joint initiative supported by the Office of the Governor, the Texas Medical Center (TMC) and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to connect veterans and their spouses in Texas with employers who are seeking the exceptional skills of  veterans and their spouses. Read more about the statewide veterans hiring fair in the press release.

October 24, 2019 - Texas Students Have Many Career Options: TWC Showcases the Importance of Education for Career Development at 10th Annual South by Southwest Education Conference

The Texas Workforce Commission was recently selected to participate in the tenth annual South by Southwest Education Conference taking place in Austin, Texas March 9-12, 2020. Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez will participate in a panel entitled “Workforce Counselors Guiding Pathways for Seniors.” Read more about the panel in the press release.

October 23, 2019 - Corpus Christi Medical Center Partners with Del Mar College for $464,747 Job-Training Grant

​The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Corpus Christi Medical Center partnering with Del Mar College a $464,747 Skills Development Fund grant. The grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend area. Read more about the Skills Development Fund grant in the press release.

October 18, 2019 - North Central Texas College in Partnership with Peterbilt Motor Company, Thirty-One Gifts and Samsung HVAC Awarded Grants Totaling $1,036,776 in Job-Training Grants

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded two individual grants: a $553,405 Skills Development Fund grant to North Central Texas College in partnership with a consortium of Thirty-One Gifts and Samsung HVAC and a $483,371 Skills Development Fund grant to North Central Texas College in collaboration with Peterbilt Motor Company. Read more about North Central Texas College's grants in the press release.

October 18, 2019 - Texas Maintains Record Low Unemployment Rate of 3.4 Percent for Fourth Consecutive Month

 In September, the Texas economy added 7,600 seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm positions. The unemployment rate held steady for the fourth month in a row at 3.4 percent matching the all-time record low first set in June. This record is currently the lowest the unemployment rate has been since series tracking began in 1976. Read more about the September labor market in the press release.

October 17, 2019 - Healthcare Management Systems, Inc. Partners with Richland College for $541,112 Job-Training Grant

Healthcare Management Systems, Inc. has partnered with Richland College to provide job training using a $541,112 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about Richland College's Skills Development Fund grant in the press release.

October 16, 2019 - Finalists for 2019 Texas Workforce Solutions Large and Small Employers of the Year Announced by TWC - Adaptive Construction Solutions, Inc. Wins Veteran Friendly Employer of the Year Award

​The Texas Workforce Commission announced today that McLane Southwest, Stanley Black & Decker and Texas Mutual Insurance Company are the finalists for the 2019 Texas Workforce Solutions Large Employer of the Year Award. BWJ Metalworks LLC, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas and Hobbs Bonded Fibers are the finalists for the 2019 Texas Workforce Solutions Small Employer of the Year Award. TWC also named Adaptive Construction Solutions, Inc. as this year’s Veteran Friendly Employer of the Year winner. Read more about the finalists and the winner in the press release.

October 14, 2019 - Cargill & Eagle Systems Partner with Texas State Technical College for $115,132 Job-Training Grant

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Cargill & Eagle Systems in partnership with Texas State Technical College  a $115,132 Skills Development Fund grant. Read more about TSTC Waco's Skills Development Fund grant in the press release.

October 9, 2019 - Mueller Co., LLC Partners with Texas State Technical College for $107,705 Job-Training Grant

Mueller Co., LLC has partnered with Texas State Technical College to provide job training using a $107,705 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about Texas State Technical College's Skills Development Fund grant in the press release.

October 9, 2019 - Texarkana College Awarded Nearly $1,000,000 in Grants

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded two grants: a $781,361 Skills Development Fund grant to Texarkana College in partnership with Graphics Packaging International, LLC and a $196,534 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant to Texarkana College. These grants will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas area. Read more about the grants in the press release.

October 8, 2019 - Disaster Aid Available in Chambers, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Montgomery, and Orange Counties

The Texas Workforce Commission  is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance as a result of Tropical Storm Imelda.
Read more about how to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance related to Tropical Storm Imelda.
Lee más sobre Ayuda de desempleo por desastre (DA) como resultado de la tormenta tropical Imelda.

October 8, 2019 - 2019 Statewide Texas HireAbility Events Connect Employers and Job Seekers with Disabilities

The Texas Workforce Commission  is partnering with the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and Texas Workforce Solutions for the Texas HireAbility campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Read more about 2019 HireAbility events in the press release.

October 2, 2019 - Texas HireAbility Employer Forum to Focus on Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining Individuals with Disabilities

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in partnership with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Workforce Solutions Borderplex and Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) hosted area employers, human resource professionals and employment stakeholders at the Texas HireAbility Employer Forum at the El Paso Zoo on Wednesday, October 2. Read more about the forum in the press release.

October 1, 2019 - TWC Awards FIRST in Texas a $1,000,000 Competitive Robotics Grant

Texas Workforce Commission has awarded FIRST in Texas a $1,000,000 Texas High School Competitive Robotics Education Team Development and Support Program grant. The purpose of the program is to expand statewide participation in robotics programs for high school students. Read more about the Robotics Program in the press release.