TWC TO END EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SEPTEMBER 11
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will soon stop paying Extended Benefits, following a drop in the state’s unemployment rate.
The TWC says extended assistance will continue through the week ending September 11th, after the U.S. Department of Labor notified the commission that the state’s unemployment rate fell below the 6.5 percent threshold required for the benefits.
According to the TWC, Extended Benefits by law are only available during periods of high state or national unemployment. Texas triggered on to Extended Benefits in May 2020, but the state’s unemployment rate fell to 6.2 percent in July 2021.
Claimants currently receiving Extended Benefits may continue to receive them until the benefit week ending September 11th, as long as they remain eligible. The TWC says they should continue to file payment requests and complete all Extended Benefits work search requirements to receive benefits through the end date.
The commission says it cannot pay Extended Benefits for benefit weeks after September 11th, even for claimants who have a balance on their claim. Claimants receiving unemployment will not receive any additional unemployment benefits if they exhaust their regular benefits on or after September 11th.