AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The Texas Workforce Commission says it will reinstate its work search requirements for those on unemployment benefits, beginning on July 6.
The agency waived the requirement at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw Texas' unemployment rate jump to 12.8 percent and nearly two and a half million Texans filed for unemployment benefits.
"The COVID-19 crisis has been difficult for everyone, creating new challenges for workers, employers and their families," said TWC Executive Director Ed Serna. "Let me be clear: we are not over it. But we’re seeing employment opportunities begin to bounce back in Texas as our economy restarts. There are opportunities out there, and getting Texans back to work and businesses up and running again will create even more."
According to TWC, the work search requirement does not mean workers must take the first job available. It means that they must show an active effort to obtain new employment to continue benefits. As long as they do this, their benefits will continue for up to 39 weeks, in accordance with state law and the federal CARES Act.
For furloughed workers, if a definite return to work date has been set within 12 weeks of the initial layoff, they are exempt from work search requirements. For those with a definite return to work date beyond the 12 week mark, TWC can issue a waiver at their discretion.