Thread by @ErinForYall

Just finished with @TXWorkforce's call for legislators and staff in which they provided updates on the process for applying for unemployment benefits in Texas. Thread. #hd45

Since the week ending on 03/14, @TXWorkforce has taken over 2.2 million claims & paid just over $3.7 B in unemployment insurance benefits. $2.1 B of that was paid in the extra $600/week payments, & $134.5 M was paid in pandemic UI benefits for those not traditionally eligible.

Just this past Monday, @TXWorkforce had 116,000 unique callers place roughly 1 million call attempts into the call centers. All 8 call centers are up and running and staffed by ~1,200 people. Call centers are open every day from 7 AM - 7 PM.

They've upgraded the chatbot so it can receive requests to have someone contact you by email or phone. You can ask the bot to have someone reach out for any of the following issues: forgot user ID, email, or password; account is already connected with SSN; & updating application.

.@TXWorkforce has also deployed a virtual lobby for their online unemployment benefits system. The lobby will activate when traffic gets heavy to ensure the system doesn't slow down. The user will see a countdown timer showing how long it will be until they'll be granted access.

I asked about what folks with underlying health conditions need to do to demonstrate their at-risk health status to @TXWorkforce so they don't have to go back to work if it isn't safe. TWC is looking for some kind of documentation from a doctor demonstrating the diagnosis.

Determinations are made on a case-by-case basis and it depends on the nature of the illness. If you refuse to return to work, your employer may let TWC know immediately. When you submit your payment requests, one of the questions asked is if you've received/refused any offers.

Answer honestly. Saying that you have refused an offer of employment will trigger the process for TWC to get in touch with you to discuss your specific situation and reasons for not wanting to return at this point in time. Then you can present evidence of your health condition.

I also asked about how the work search requirement works for self-employed individuals/independent contractors. To receive benefits, *everyone* must demonstrate that they're actively searching for suitable work, whether that is expanding gig/contract work or looking for a W2 job.

TWC is still working around the clock to get in touch with folks who are needing assistance. If any #HD45 constituents need help with the unemployment process, please don't hesitate to reach out. [e-mail].