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The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused unprecedented changes to the lives of individuals all across Texas and across the globe. As such, we are replacing our normal ICYMI monthly email with a summary of TWC updates on our efforts to help Texans and resources available to help those in need during this outbreak.
First and foremost, to those who have been laid off, are unsure about your employment situation or are worried for your business: we see you, we hear you and we are working around the clock to provide the resources and help that you need.
The Texas Workforce Commission is working closely with all state agencies to monitor and adapt to the needs of Texans—and upgrade our systems to handle the ever increasing pace of calls and online claims.
As you may know, due to the sheer volume of calls to our unemployment benefit tele centers and users accessing our online portal (last Thursday, March 26th, 2020 TWC received 1.7 million calls). In a two week period since COVID-19 claims began, we have taken over 600 thousand claims. We are on pace to cover a year’s worth of claims from 2019 in a 5 week period.The amount of calls per day is now closer to 120,000, on average.
Please be patient with us. As TWC Executive Director Ed Serna said during his Facebook Live town hall this past week, "On a normal day, we will take 13,000 calls in one of our four tele centers. On March 22, 2020 we took 100,000 calls with the same number of staff."
We are expanding both our technological and staff capabilities to meet our current needs. We have extended our hours of operation and are open Saturdays. We are hiring new staff. We are committed to helping every single Texan in need.
This situation is tough but so is Texas.
We are in this with you.
Please let us know how we can help.
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This week, TWC Executive Director Ed Serna spoke with Spectrum News about the rise in unemployment claims due to COVID-19.
Mr. Serna addresses the volume of calls TWC tele centers have received and the changes the agency is making to keep up with demand. Watch the full interview.
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On March 27, 2020 President Trump signed a stimulus package aimed at alleviating the economic strain of COVID-19.
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On March 22, 2020, Executive Director Ed Serna answered Texan's questions on the rising number of unemployment claims, call center volume and the changes the agency is making to ensure adapt to the unprecedented number of unemployment claims. His message was clear, everyone who needs help will receive help. Watch the full Town Hall here.
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According to the Department of Labor, 155,657 Texans filed initial unemployment claims for the week ending March 21, 2020. TWC unemployment call centers received 100,000 calls a day. To help those filing for unemployment TWC has made the following changes:
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When you call a TWC Tele Center, a Texan is on the other side of the phone working hard to ensure you have the resources you need.
With more and more Texans reaching out for help, we wanted to spotlight the heroes working around the clock for you. Take a look inside our TWC Tele Centers.
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Many families and child care programs that participate in the Texas Workforce Commission’s subsidized child care program have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- TWC has allocated $40,000,000 for child care subsides and child care for essential workers.
- TWC has waived requirements including attendance and work requirements for child care subsidies.
More information can be found on the COVID-19 Child Care Resource Page.
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With uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the Texas Workforce Commission continues to offer Texas employers our full support.
Find more resources on the TWC COVID-19 Employer Resource Page.
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As we work together with our Texas Workforce Solutions partners to address the serious health and safety implications caused by the spread of COVID-19, we want you to know that the Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is committed to continuing to serve our customers.
For more on VR resources during COVID-19 visit our VR resource page.
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TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel, Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez and Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson address the COVID-19 outbreak with a resounding message: TWC is open and here to help all Texans. Listen to the Commissioners address challenges facing Texas and the resources available to all. Watch the Commissioner's message here.
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FOLLOW TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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