Thread by @ErinForYall

Just got off @TXWorkforce's call for legislators and staff a short while ago. We know folks continue to have issues submitting applications, requesting payments, and getting through to the call centers. TWC is working around the clock to try to resolve these issues. Thread. #hd45

Since the week ending on 03/14, @TXWorkforce has taken over 1.6 million claims for unemployment insurance benefits. That is roughly 2 years of claims packed into the last 34 days alone.

As of this past Monday, 04/20, @TXWorkforce has paid out more than $1 billion in benefits. They've added around 1,000 new hires, transfers of existing staff, and contract workers. Call center hours have been extended to 7am-7pm every day of the week.

3 of the 4 third-party call centers @TXWorkforce is partnering with to handle call volume are now online, with the 4th call center currently undergoing training. It should come online by the end of this week. The total number of call centers has been doubled to 8.

Their virtual chat bot has answered more than half a million questions from Texans seeking answers to their unemployment benefit questions.

.@TXWorkforce is completing the process today of notifying all self-employed individuals/independent contractors/etc. who applied for unemployment and were denied bc they applied before federal assistance became available of the next steps they need to take.

As a reminder, the emergency increase in benefits began last week. Payments of the additional $600/week have already started to go out and will continue through July 25. Individuals do not need to apply separately for the additional $600/week. Those payments are automatic.

Q: If I have both regular employment and a contract job, can I file for unemployment for both?

A: @TXWorkforce must first determine if you are eligible for regular unemployment (per state & federal law.) If not eligible, then you may receive assistance as a contract worker.

Q: If I had multiple jobs, can I file a claim for each job?

A: No, only for one. However, all your lost wages will go into calculating the amount of your benefits. Contract and regular work will be calculated separately, though, because they are separate programs.

Q: What documentation do self-employed/contract workers need to provide to verify their income?

A: 2019 tax returns and all schedules. If your tax returns aren't currently available, you will still get benefits. You'll receive the minimum amount ($207/week + $600/week).

If they submit their return once it's available and it turns out that you should have been receiving more than the minimum amount, your payments will be adjusted and you will receive the back pay for what you should have been receiving.

Q: What if an employer decides to reopen & an employee refuses an offer to return?

A: Individuals receiving unemployment are required to accept work. If you receive an offer & reject it, you will lose those benefits. Employers can report to TWC those employees declining offers.

If offers are rejected because of health concerns, @TXWorkforce will have to examine on a case-by-case basis. Typically these cases are determined based on physician recommendations, i.e., your doctor saying returning to that job/accepting the offer is detrimental to your health.

Q: What if an employer offers an employee their job back but at reduced hours?

A: You can still receive unemployment. If you accept the job and report your earnings, then you dan get partial unemployment.

For folks still struggling to get their application though, @TXWorkforce recommends that you file your claims online first. Over 90% of the claims they're taking are being filed online. Then, if directed to contact the call center or if you encounter any problems, try calling.

Q: Is it state/federal law that independent contractors must first have their claims denied before they can be approved?

A: Yes, because we have to attempt to put them on state benefits first. If they don't qualify and are denied, then they can receive federal assistance.

Now that federal benefits are online, this process happens much more quickly. The claim comes into @TXWorkforce, it is determined they are not eligible for state benefits, and they are immediately moved over to federal benefits.

The base period for claims are the 4 quarters of 2019. State law requires that @TXWorkforce skip the most immediate quarter, which is the first quarter of 2020. So wage calculations are based on what you earned in 2019. Anything earned this year is not counted.

Jumping back to refusing offers of unemployment - please note that if you refuse offers of employment and continue to receive benefits, you could potentially owe the state money beginning on the date that you could have gone back to work.

Those are the highlights. We'll be sure to share any additional information as we receive it.