Thread by @TexasTribune

Thread: Some Texans haven’t just had trouble getting through to file for unemployment relief after losing jobs due to the #COVID19 pandemic.

They’ve also had trouble applying to prevent their utilities from being shut off. bit.ly/2KbTCmW

2/ Texas utility regulators have implemented policies to prevent people whose incomes have been slashed from having their utilities cut off during a public health crisis. bit.ly/2KbTCmW

3/ But some Texans are falling through the cracks of a complicated bureaucracy and a patchwork system of utility regulation.

Although some counties have moratoriums on disconnections, customers in most of Texas need to apply for the benefit. bit.ly/2KbTCmW

4/ But some customers who have tried to apply have reported being on hold for hours, having calls disconnected, not getting calls back and having their power cut despite attempts to go through proper channels. bit.ly/2KbTCmW

5/ Carly Eaves and her husband both lost jobs.

She tried to opt in to the Public Utility Commission program for people receiving unemployment aid so a moratorium on utility shutoffs would apply to the household.

But she couldn’t get through. bit.ly/2KbTCmW

6/ The Public Utility Commission’s relief program is available for households receiving specific government benefits, which include unemployment insurance payments. bit.ly/2KbTCmW

7/ But countless Texans are still struggling to get through to file for unemployment benefits as the fallout from the #COVID19 pandemic continues to overwhelm the Texas Workforce Commission’s capacity. bit.ly/2VFuTwp

8/8 People who haven’t been able to file claims can still get in the utility relief program, but they have 30 days to get through to the TWC or they will be unenrolled from PUC's program and will have to apply again. bit.ly/2KbTCmW