Date: September 24, 2020
Media Contact: James Bernsen
Phone: 512-636-6994
Other extensions, part of CARES Act,
remain in place for up to 52 weeks of benefits
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.
The High Unemployment Period (HUP) is an extension for states with unemployment rates over 8 percent for over three months as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Texas triggered on to HUP benefits in June, but since Texas’ unemployment rate fell below that threshold in August, the state lost eligibility. Traditional benefits as well as extended benefits (EB) will remain in place.
What changes? For people receiving unemployment benefits currently, nothing changes.
Who does this effect? Almost no Texans. Because extended benefits (EB) had not been exhausted, Texans were typically not receiving HUP. In special circumstances, some persons’ extended benefits may have been exhausted early, in which case HUP would apply.
What benefits do Texans have? The following benefits timelines still apply for Texans receiving unemployment insurance benefits:
Traditional recipients (Up to 52 weeks)
- Regular unemployment – Up to 26 weeks
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) – Up to 13 weeks additional
- Extended benefits – Up to 13 weeks additional
Workers not eligible for traditional benefits (self employed, gig workers, etc.)
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – Up to 39 weeks.
For more information on eligibility requirements, available benefits and questions about the unemployment process, visit TWC’s COVID-19 FAQ page.
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The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 512-463-8942 or visit www.texasworkforce.org. To receive notifications about TWC programs and services subscribe to our email updates.
