Texas-Unemployment.com 1

The Complete Texas Unemployment Guide 2 Texas-Unemployment.com

Guide Introduction

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) carefully reviews unemployment claims in order to provide federally-funded unemployment insurance payments to out-of-work Texans. In order to meet eligibility guidelines, these claimants must demonstrate certain conditions regarding a qualifying job separation, such as a lay off or reduced hours. The primary goal of the unemployment benefits program is to provide unemployed jobseekers with the resources necessary to find gainful employment, which ultimately helps the workers, families, employers and overall economy of Texas. Texas-Unemployment.com 3 4 Texas-Unemployment.com

The TWC’s unemployment insurance program temporarily provides beneficiaries with a weekly amount of temporary income generally paid through employer tax money. The amount of income provided to unemployment beneficiaries in Texas depends on several factors, including the amount that the beneficiary earned during an established period of employment and the amount a beneficiary earns in a given week while receiving benefits. In order to receive benefits, unemployed potential beneficiaries must meet the TWC’s eligibility requirements pertaining to work history and wages, ability to work and a qualifying involuntary job separation. To continue receiving unemployment benefits, recipients must meet ongoing requirements, such as performing an active and documented search for work. Currently, the unemployment benefits period is limited to 26 weeks of benefits payments, and weekly benefits payments can run between $66.00 and $493.00. To find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits in Texas, you can file a Texas unemployment claim. The TWC will examine and investigate your claim in order to determine your eligibility for unemployment benefits as well as your benefit amount. The following guide provides information to help Texas unemployment claimants and beneficiaries as they navigate the entire unemployment benefits process, from filing an initial claim to appealing a disqualified claim, documenting job-search activities, preventing unemployment fraud, obtaining healthcare and much more. Texas-Unemployment.com 5 Table of Contents 6 Texas-Unemployment.com

Guide Introduction

2

Unemployment Eligibility requirements in Texas

8

How to File an Unemployment Claim in Texas

10

Preparing for the Unemployment Insurance Interview as a Claimant

12

How to Request an Appeal if Disqualified

14

Unemployment Insurance Benefits Extensions in Texas

16

What to Do When You Become Employed Again

17

Calculating How Much You Will Receive In Unemployment

19

Acquiring Healthcare While on Unemployment

20

5 Ways to Update Your Resume or Cover Letter for Success

22 Texas-Unemployment.com 7

Using the Texas Unemployment Office to Jumpstart Your Career Search

24

How to Document Your Job Search Activities

27

Charting Mandatory Weekly Activities on Unemployment

30

Can I Apply for an Unemployment Extension?

33

4 Ways to Make Extra Money While on Unemployment

34

Alternatives to Taking on Credit Card Debt and Depleting your Savings Account while Unemployed

36

Cost-Cutting Measures to Save While on Unemployment

38

Free Food Programs for the Unemployed in Texas

41

How to Report Unemployment Fraud

43

Other Need-Based Government Programs in Texas

45 8 Texas-Unemployment.com

Unemployment Eligibility Requirements in Texas

To be eligible for Texas unemployment benefits, claimants must meet several initial requirements, including an acceptable job separation situation and minimum work history.

In order to continue receiving unemployment benefits, claimants must meet ongoing requirements like conducting work search activities. While the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will ultimately determine the applicant’s eligibility and benefit amount, an applicant can get an idea of his or her eligibility by examining the following qualifying criteria.

Qualifying Job Separation To meet eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits in Texas, petitioners must be involuntarily unemployed or involuntarily working fewer hours. The Texas Workforce Commission provides unemployment benefits for Texans who find themselves in several different job separation situations, including a layoff, reduced hours or firing. In any of these situations, candidates must demonstrate that work was not reduced or terminated due to issues such as poor work performance, personal choice or personal misconduct. For example, if you were fired for breaking the company’s policy, you would not be eligible for unemployment benefits in Texas. Likewise, if you quit your job to take care of your children at home, you would not be eligible for Texas unemployment benefits. Texas-Unemployment.com 9

Past Wages and Base Periods Request benefit payments every two weeks Next, claimants must meet established requirements according to schedule, and answer work, regarding past taxable wages. To determine your eligibility earnings and eligibility questions. and benefit amount, the TWC first determines your “base period,” which refers to the first four of the last five calendar quarters before the effective date of your unemployment Be physically and mentally able to work. claim. Please note that the “effective date” of your initial claim will always be the Sunday during the week in which you apply, while calendar quarters are three month periods that divide the year into four groups: January-March, April- June, July-September, and October-December.

For example, if a claimant applies in February 2017, his or her base period would exclude the current calendar quarter (January-March 2017) and the previous calendar quarter (October-December 2016). The base period would therefore include October-December 2015, January-March 2016, April-June 2016 and July-September 2016.

To meet eligibility requirements for an unemployment claim and benefits, a claimant must have worked in Texas for at least two of your base period calendar quarters. Alternate base periods may be available for claimants who have missed work during a base period due to qualifying health reasons such as disability, illness or pregnancy. In order to determine your eligibility for an alternate base period, you can call a TWC Tele-center at 800-939-6631.

Ongoing Work Search Requirements Potential unemployment beneficiaries must also register for job seeker status no later than three business days after applying for Texas unemployment benefits. Once the claim becomes active, beneficiaries must remain unemployed or employed part-time to continue receiving benefits. Among other requirements, beneficiaries must:

Register for work in Texas; search for, apply for and accept work opportunities; and document all work search activities. 10 Texas-Unemployment.com

How to File an Unemployment Claim in Texas

In order to receive benefits as soon as possible, Texans who have become recently unemployed or have lost work hours can apply for benefits immediately. The effective claim date begins during the week in which applicants submit the application, and the TWC cannot provide benefits for any unemployed time before this claim date. Texas-Unemployment.com 11

Completing an Application Exceptions Unemployment claimants can apply for benefits by calling There are some exceptional cases that might require a TWC Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 or completing an applicants to wait or take other action before applying. If online application through TWC’s Unemployment Benefit you have received notice of termination or reduced hours, Services. Completing the online application will require you must wait until this change goes into effect before the applicant to have some information ready. Required applying. You will be eligible to submit an application after information includes the business name, phone number you complete your last normal working day. If you were and address of the applicant’s last employer; start and end working for a temporary help agency, you must first request dates of the last job; pay rate and hours worked this week a new assignment through the agency by the next business (if applicable); the normal wage rate, and a Social Security day after your assignment ends. You must then wait at Number or Alien Registration Number. Once registered, the least three business days for a response before applying applicant will be prompted to enter Personal Information, for benefits. Similarly, if you were working for a staff leasing Contact Information, Employment information and company (or professional employer organization), you Citizenship Information. After completing the application, must first request a new assignment through the agency the petitioner will receive a confirmation number. Finally, by the next business day; however, you do not have to wait applicants must register as a job seeker no more than three days before filing an unemployment claim. three business days after completing the application.

Checking a Claim Status While waiting, you may receive updates to your claim status by logging back in to Unemployment Benefit Services using the same user name and password. Alternatively, you may call TWC’s automated phone system at 800-558-8321 and choose Option 2.

Processing the Claim Unemployment benefits candidates will receive notice of eligibility for benefits about four weeks after filing an unemployment claim. During this waiting period, the TWC collects information about the claimant’s past wages, job separation and other factors in order to determine eligibility. The TWC will also contact the applicant’s last employer to verify the accuracy of the applicant’s reasons for no longer working there. If the employer provides conflicting or new details about the circumstances of the candidate’s unemployment, the TWC will notify the candidate to provide additional information. Once an applicant becomes eligible, The TWC uses the candidate’s past wages to determine the weekly benefit amount. 12 Texas-Unemployment.com

Preparing for the Unemployment Insurance Interview as a Claimant

After a claimant files an unemployment benefits claim, the Texas Workforce Commission may conduct an unemployment insurance telephone interview with the claimant. Unemployment insurance interviews usually take place when a claims examiner has a question about the claimant’s eligibility. The following article explains each stage of the unemployment insurance interview. Texas-Unemployment.com 13

Schedule the interview If the TWC requires an interview, it will notify the petitioner. The claims examiner and the petitioner can schedule an interview for an appropriate time, and the claims examiner will call the petitioner at this agreed upon time. In order to account for a lengthy interview, the claimant should be free for at least two hours following the interview’s scheduled time.

Prepare for the interview The TWC will send the petitioner a form with a description of the reason for the interview. The petitioner should be ready to discuss this reason. If the claimant has any evidence supporting his or her claim, he or she can send documents by mail or fax to the address listed on the interview scheduling notice. The claimant has the right to request statements from any relevant witnesses as well as any pertinent documents from the employer. The petitioner may hire an attorney or non-attorney representative for representation at the interview. Alternatively, the claimant may represent himself or herself. Claimants should be aware that the former employer may be involved in the interview. If the reason for the interview involves this employer, the TWC will notify the employer and provide him or her with the opportunity to participate in the interview. Potential unemployment beneficiaries should continue to claim weekly benefits, as these “credited” weeks will be paid at a later date if the TWC approves the claim.

Requesting postponement or rescheduling the interview If the claimant is in need of additional time for preparation, he or she can request a postponement. A claimant should notify the TWC as early as possible if he or she must reschedule the appointment.

During the interview At the interview, the claimant and his or her representative may present documentary evidence, question witnesses and state the case in a closing summary.

After the interview The TWC will send written notice explaining the decision. If the TWC does not approve the claimant’s eligibility for benefits, it will send the claimant a document explaining reasons for ineligibility. If the petitioner disagrees with the decision and the TWC’s reasons for ineligibility, he or she may choose to initiate the appeals process. 14 Texas-Unemployment.com

How to Request an Appeal if Disqualified

If the Texas Workforce Commission has disqualified your application for unemployment benefits, and you disagree with this outcome, you can begin the appeal process and have your objection heard by an Appeal Tribunal.

Starting the process To begin, you must provide written notice to the TWC no later than 14 days after the mailing date appearing at the top TWC’s Determination Notice form. The bottom of the form will contain the final deadline for filing an appeal.

You may file your appeal form online, by visiting a Texas Workforce Solutions location, or by sending mail or a fax. To mail or fax your appeal, complete the TWC Unemployment Benefits Fax Appeal Form and mail to:

Appeal Tribunal Texas Workforce Commission 101 E 15th St., Rm. 410 Austin, TX 78778-0001 Fax: 512-475-1135

The TWC will send you an appeal hearing information packet by mail. You may not receive the packet for six to eight weeks after you file the appeal, and the packet will arrive five to ten days before the scheduled date of your hearing. Texas-Unemployment.com 15

The Appeal Hearing Your other option is to appeal to a civil court. If you choose this option, you must appeal no fewer than 15 days and no Your appeal hearing will most likely take place over the longer 28 days after the mailing date of the Commission’s phone. During the hearing, both you and your employer decision. You will find instructions for appealing to a Civil can present evidence, arguments and witnesses to make Court in your commission decision letter. your respective cases. The Appeal Tribunal (a Hearing Officer) will consider the facts presented at the hearing and eventually mail a decision on the case.

The Appeal Commission If you still disagree with the Appeal Tribunal’s decision, the commission will listen to a recording of the hearing and review the initial decision, after which point they may present a new ruling on the case.

If you wish to appeal to the Appeal commission, you may file your appeal form online, by visiting a Texas Workforce Solutions location, or by mail or fax. To mail or fax your appeal, complete the TWC Unemployment Benefits Fax Appeal Form and mail to:

Commission Appeals Texas Workforce Commission 101 E 15th St., Rm. 678 Austin, TX 78778-0001 Fax: 512-475-2044

Final Options If you also disagree with the commission’s ruling, you have two options. You can submit a Motion for Rehearing by the Commission no more than 14 days after the mailing date of the commission’s decision. To be eligible for a Rehearing, you will need to demonstrate significant new information regarding your case. Additionally, you must present (1) your explanation of why the information is relevant and (2) your reasons for not presenting the information at previous hearings. You can request a Motion for Rehearing online or by visiting a Texas Workforce Solutions Office. Your Commission decision letter will contain instructions for mailing and faxing your request. 16 Texas-Unemployment.com

Unemployment Insurance Benefits Extensions in Texas

Currently, unemployed Texans who Benefits extensions in the future meet all eligibility requirements may As of December 28, 2013, extended unemployment receive unemployment benefits for up benefits are no longer available in Texas. Since the to 26 weeks. This benefits time period TWC relies on federal funding for extended benefits, it must wait on Congressional lawmakers to create a new may be shorter if the beneficiary is benefit extension program. Benefit extensions are usually disqualified or uses all of the benefits available when unemployment levels are high in Texas, and before this time period is complete. therefore, they may become available in the future. In order to find out the latest news about benefit extensions or to At the moment, beneficiaries do not have the opportunity see if you qualify for future extensions, you can keep your to apply for or receive extended benefits after the benefit address updated and on-file with the TWC. You can update year is over. your address by calling a representative at the TWC Tele- Center (800-939-6631) or logging in to the online account Emergency Unemployment at Unemployment Benefits Services. Compensation From 2008-2013, the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program enabled the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to extend benefits for longer than the normal time period in certain qualifying cases. This program was enacted primarily as a response to the last recession. In addition to the normal 26 weeks of regular benefits, the EUC allowed the TWC to offer multiple weeks-long benefit extensions, known as tiers, to beneficiaries. The first tier, for example, gave beneficiaries a 14-week benefit extension at the end of the regular 26- week benefit period. Due to required federal spending cuts, the TWC reduced the number of tiers and the payment amounts over the course of the program. Texas-Unemployment.com 17

What to Do When You Become Employed Again

A beneficiary’s eligibility for unemployment benefits or amount of benefits received may change once the beneficiary performs work or becomes employed on a full-time basis. Since the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has work search requirements as a condition for receiving unemployment benefits, it is likely that the beneficiary will find or perform work before his or her benefits expire. Recipients must report any work or earnings to the TWC. 18 Texas-Unemployment.com

Full-time work Once hired for a full-time job, the recipient will lose unemployment eligibility on the job’s start date. This means, however, that the beneficiary may continue to receive benefits for any weeks that pass before the job’s start date. To report full-time employment to the TWC, a recipient can log in to his or her Unemployment Benefit Services account. After logging in, recipients can click “Request Your Waiting Week” from the “Quick Links” menu. After the beneficiary reports new full- time work, the TWC will provide him or her with payment for the previously unpaid first week (the “waiting week”) of the claim.

All other work While beneficiaries who find full-time employment may lose benefits, many beneficiaries who find part-time work may continue to receive benefits. These recipients must meet standard ongoing eligibility requirements such as searching for full-time work.

Texas unemployment insurance beneficiaries must report any work and earnings that have occurred during any week in which the beneficiary is requesting unemployment benefits payment. The TWC defines “work” as any form of compensated labor including, but not limited to, part- time work, paid training, temporary work, contract labor and U.S. military service. The TWC also requires beneficiaries to report paid “Self-Employment” jobs such as yard work, hairstyling and assisting a friend’s business, no matter the number of hours or rate of compensation.

Texas unemployment beneficiaries must report this work sometime during the week in which the work was performed, rather than the week in which they were paid. TWC defines a work week as starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday. Beneficiaries may report work and earnings by requesting a payment and answering “Yes” to the questions about work. When answering yes, the system will prompt the beneficiary to enter information about number of jobs, hours worked and total earnings. If the beneficiary earns 25 percent or less of his or her weekly benefit, the payment will remain the same.

If the amount earned in a week amounts to more than 25 percent of the weekly benefit, the TWC will reduce that week’s payment by the amount that exceeds 25 percent. For instance, an unemployment recipient who usually receives $200 in benefits every week and earns $100 (50% of benefit amount) from work one week will receive $150 in benefits for that week. A recipient will only lose all benefits in a given week if he or she earns 125 percent or more of the weekly benefit amount. Texas-Unemployment.com 19

Calculating How Much You Will Receive In Unemployment

As you may know by now, the amount each calendar quarter. For each calendar quarter, you can of unemployment benefits you will enter your wages as different units; just be sure to select the appropriate unit (Per Hour, Every Two Weeks, Per Year, receive depends on the wages you etc.) in the “Pay Period” drop down box. Once you have earned during your base period. entered your wages and chosen your Pay Period unit, After you file your claim, the Texas click “Estimate” to get an estimated calculation of your Workforce Commission will send you potential Weekly Benefit Amount and Maximum Possible a document informing you of your Benefits. Keep in mind, however, that the Unemployment Benefits Calculator does not determine your eligibility for potential benefits amount. unemployment benefits.

Your weekly benefit amount refers to the unemployment benefits payment you can receive each week in which you are eligible. In order to determine this amount, the Texas Workforce Commission takes the base period quarter in which you earned the most wages and divides this number by 25, rounding to the nearest dollar. Remember that this weekly amount may be reduced if you work during a week in which you request payment. Presently, the minimum weekly benefit amount is $66.00 and the maximum is $493.00.

Unemployment Benefits Estimator The Texas Workforce Commission provides a handy tool that can help you to calculate your unemployment benefits. The Unemployment Benefits Estimator allows you to enter your wages into a box for each relevant calendar quarter. Before using the Unemployment Benefits Estimator, make sure to have your pay stubs and W2 forms ready. These records will help you to figure out how much you made in 20 Texas-Unemployment.com

Acquiring Healthcare While on Unemployment

Many Texans seeking unemployment benefits will also be interested in acquiring a new healthcare plan. Loss of a job or reduced hours often means the loss of an employer healthcare plan, or a change in your financial situation that affects the ability to pay for healthcare. Texas-Unemployment.com 21

COBRA Coverage If you had a group coverage healthcare plan through your job, you can contact the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) by calling 866-444-3272. This organization can assist you with questions about your healthcare plan, pension and other employee benefits you might have had at your most recent job. If you had a group coverage plan through your recently lost job, you may be eligible for continued care under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). This act requires group healthcare plans to provide temporary continued coverage for employees and their eligible family members after termination. However, the coverage will likely cost more, and it will eventually come to an end.

Healthcare.gov If you are simply seeking healthcare for you or your family, you can visit healthcare.gov, fill out a Marketplace application and compare individual coverage plans. You may also call 1-800-318-2596. The open enrollment period runs from November 1 to January 31. However, losing job-based coverage constitutes a “qualifying life event” that allows a Special Enrollment Period outside of the usual enrollment period. In order to qualify for this special enrollment period, you will have to apply through healthcare.gov no more than 60 days after your job-based coverage ended. Your current income level may qualify you for an affordable health insurance plan. Low-income applicants and applicants with disabilities may qualify for free or low-cost healthcare through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Filling out a Marketplace application on healthcare.gov will let you know if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements for these programs, you can enroll in them at any time of the year.As you are filling out your healthcare.gov marketplace application, you will have to enter personal and financial information, including information about income. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, you will need to include the amount in your application. 22 Texas-Unemployment.com

5 Ways to Update Your Resume or Cover Letter for Success

Some unemployed folks – especially those who have been unemployed for several months – may be concerned about employment prospects, as employers sometimes favor hiring those who are currently employed. However, you have no reason to be disheartened: this employment bias is not always the case (especially when it comes to employment gaps lasting under a year), and there are many steps you can take to make your résumé and cover letter stand out for success.

Include recent unpaid or volunteer work at the top of your résumé. While you are receiving unemployment and looking for jobs, try to also look for a volunteer opportunity or two. Volunteer work will allow you to practice skills you already have as you continue to develop new skills. You might consider choosing volunteer work that is related to your job interests and area of expertise. No matter what volunteer work you choose, including this work on your résumé or cover letter and describing what you have achieved through it will make up for any employment gap. Volunteering also increases your network of contacts, which is always helpful when seeking out employment. Texas-Unemployment.com 23

Include any training, education or certification. Many people who receive unemployment benefits decide to take some time for training, certification or education while also looking for work or working part time as required by the Texas Workforce Commission. Remember to include these experiences on your résumé. By the way, training and education does not have to mean formal classroom experience. Learning a software program or studying a foreign language on your own also counts as education or training. Employers may see these experiences as a valuable use of time that also provides you with the skills needed to be a successful job candidate.

Consider an alternative résumé format. Résumés do not have to be organized chronologically. Chronological résumés are ideal for a worker on a continuous career path, but this format does not necessarily work best for every employee (for instance, those who changed careers or left the work force for some time to take care of family). a) A functional résumé focuses on your key skills rather than work experience and history, while a combination résumé allows you to combine the chronological and functional résumé styles in a way that suits your personal work history. Check out some example résumés online and find one that serves to highlight your unique skills and experience.

Make your cover letter positive. Your cover letter captures an employer’s attention. Ideally, your résumé will make an employer want to meet you in person. However, focusing on your unemployment experience can come off as too negative. Instead, you can use the cover letter to discuss your positive attributes as a worker and describe the contributions you can make for your new prospective employer. Focus on your skills, experience and abilities as they pertain to the job.

Keep your résumé accurate. It may be tempting for some to stretch a date here or there to make up for employment gaps, but lying on a résumé can have serious consequences. Instead, following the above guidelines and showing what you actually did accomplish during your unemployed time will help your résumé stand out for success. 24 Texas-Unemployment.com

Using the Texas Unemployment Office to Jumpstart Your Career Search

The Texas Workforce Commission does not just provide unemployment benefits. It also offers a variety of helpful resources to help the unemployed and other jobseekers find work and build a career. Here are just a few ways the Texas Workforce Commission can help you with your current employment needs and provide assistance at other points in your career. Texas-Unemployment.com 25

Find a Texas Workforce Commission Office To find a Texas Workforce Commission-affiliated office near you, visit this page, enter your zip code, select “Job Seeker Services” and click the search button. Next, you will find the contact information for local offices providing job placement and career development services that can help you at all stages of your working life. Examples of the TWC office’s many services include career exploration, resume preparation, interview training and career development.

Visit the Texas Workforce Commission’s Website If you prefer to conduct or begin your job search online, head over to the TWC’s online job seeking site. You can register and create a user profile that will allow you to save jobs, post your resume and more. The website allows Texas job seekers to search for and browse jobs according to criteria such as location and occupation preferences. TWC’s website also provides a wealth of useful Career Tools, such as Support Resources, Job Search Resources and Career Development Resources.

Discover Education and Training Opportunities The TWC can also provide you with educational services and refer you to outside education and training programs that you may need for certain jobs and careers. The Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program helps eligible job-seekers to develop the skills needed to obtain a job, complete a high school degree and pursue postsecondary educational opportunities. Interested job-seekers can find out more about local AEL programs by calling 800-441-7323. Your local TWC office and the TWC website can also provide you with resources and information about colleges and training programs in Texas.

Find Job Help for Veterans Veterans receive prioritized service from the TWC. Both the TWC Offices and TWC website offer special services, features and resources for job-seekers who are also veterans. Veterans can visit the TWC’s Veterans’ Services Program Overview and Just for Veterans pages to find more information. 26 Texas-Unemployment.com

Find Help for Disabled Job-Seekers The TWC offers helpful resources and services for eligible job-seekers with physical or cognitive disabilities. The primary service for these individuals is Vocational Rehabilitation, which is available for both adults and youth. TWC’s vocational rehabilitation service helps people with disabilities at all stages of their careers, from searching and preparing for jobs, all the way to job advancement and career development. The Youth and Students Vocational Rehabilitation can also help prepare people with disabilities for postsecondary training and education. The TWC tailors rehabilitation services to its clients’ specific needs.

Job-seekers with disabilities who are interested in Vocational Rehabilitation can call 800-628- 5115 or email [email protected] to find out if they are eligible. Texas-Unemployment.com 27

How to Document Your Job Search Activities

A very important part of receiving unemployment benefits is maintaining a job search log. After the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) approves your claim, it will let you know how many job search activities you will be required to perform each week. Keeping a job search log provides a record of your activities for the TWC, but it also helps you to stay focused on your job hunt. Here’s a blank sample work search log that you may use to document your search activities: 28 Texas-Unemployment.com Texas-Unemployment.com 29

And here you’ll see an example of a documented work search activity:

Don’t forget, once you’ve been hired, immediately report this information to your local unemployment office. Furthermore, if you are hired for a full-time position, you must make sure that you do not further request unemployment insurance benefits. You may be committing fraud if you wait to report your employment status until you earn your first check from your new job. Check with your local unemployment insurance representative to be sure you’re following proper protocol. 30 Texas-Unemployment.com

Charting Mandatory Weekly Activities on Unemployment

While receiving unemployment benefits, you will often have several weekly mandatory activities to accomplish. The timing of these commitments may change every week or two, so it’s important to create, or at least modify, a schedule every week. Maintaining a weekly chart will ensure that you complete the activities needed to obtain your benefits. First, you can put down any working hours or other unmovable obligations for the upcoming week. Documenting your working hours in your weekly activity chart will also help you when it comes time to report your hours.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9 am - 12 pm Part-time Work at Store

12 pm - 2 pm Part-Time Work at Store

3 pm - 9 pm Part Time Work at Store

Other obligations might include a Special Employment Activity that the Texas Workforce Commission requires you to attend. If your search for full-time work is going well, you may also have a job search activity like an interview scheduled for the week. Texas-Unemployment.com 31

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9 am - 12 pm 9:30 am Part-time Interview Work at Store at Paper Company

11 am - 1 pm 12 pm - 2 pm Activity at Part-Time Job Center Work at Store

3 pm - 9 pm Part Time Work at Store

Based on these strictly scheduled obligations, you can figure out when you will have free time to complete your other requirements for unemployment benefits. First, you will have to remember to claim your weekly benefits. If you would like to call and request your benefits payment, you will have to do so on your scheduled day. If you would rather request your benefits payment online, you can do so at any time during your eligibility week. Whatever your preference, be sure to note a time and date in your chart so that you do not forget. If you are working that week, you will also have to enter your hours and total gross earnings when requesting your benefits payment (remember: the workweek for reporting begins each Sunday and ends every Saturday).

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9 am - 12 pm 9:30 am Part-time Interview Work at Store at Paper Company Office

1 pm Request 11 am - 1 pm 12 pm - 2 pm Benefits Activity at Part-Time Payment and Job Center Work at Store Enter Hours / Earnings

3 pm - 9 pm Part-Time Work at Store 32 Texas-Unemployment.com

Finally, you can add in whatever job search activities you must complete during the week. Remember to also add in a reminder to document these activities in your job search log.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9 am - 12 9 am - 12 pm 9:30 am 9 am - 1 pm pm Search Part-Time Interview Complete two for Jobs on Work at Store at Paper Applications Internet Company Office

1 pm Request 11 am - 1 pm 1 pm Update 12 pm - 2 pm Benefits Activity at Job Search Part-Time Payment and Job Center Log Work at Store Enter hours/ Earnings

2 pm - 5 pm 3 pm - 9 pm 2 pm - 3:30 Complete Part-Time pm Attend Application Work at Store Resume Workshop

5 pm Update Job Search Log

Charting all of your activities will organize you in a way that makes requesting weekly benefits an easier task, and it can give you the sense of accomplishment and momentum-building that will eventually land you the employment and benefits package you have so tirelessly been seeking. Texas-Unemployment.com 33

Can I Apply for an Unemployment Extension?

Unfortunately, unemployment your address. You may also call a TWC tele-center at 800- benefits recipients cannot apply for 939-6631 and change your address with the assistance of a customer service representative. Since there are no unemployment benefits extension unemployment benefits extensions at this time, you can at this time. The Texas Workforce look into other resources offered on TWC’s website or at a Commission (TWC) can generally Texas Workforce Solutions office location. provide unemployment extensions in Texas during times of unusually high unemployment. Since the program is federally funded, the TWC must wait for the U.S. Congress to pass a benefits extension plan.

During the last economic recession, the TWC was able to provide extensions to unemployed Texans through the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program. After several years, however, this program ended in Texas on December 28, 2013, as the economy recovered. The program provided multiple weeks of extended benefits for qualifying recipients facing an expired 26-week benefits period.

In times of unemployment benefits extension, the TWC notifies eligible recipients by mail. If you would like to know about possible future unemployment benefits extensions, you can keep your address updated with the TWC. To change your address, you can log on to Unemployment Benefits Services. Once logged in, you can select “Contact Information” in the “Change My Profile” menu and change 34 Texas-Unemployment.com

4 Ways to Make Extra Money While on Unemployment

Job-searching may take some time, and while it can seem like a full-time job itself, you don’t get paid for it. Additionally, unemployment benefits will not always cover all of your bills. Fortunately, you do not have to rely on your unemployment benefits alone while you’re looking for full-time work. While there are many possible ways to supplement your unemployment benefits with extra money, here are four ideas to get you thinking. Just remember to always report any work and earnings when you request a benefits payment. Texas-Unemployment.com 35

Sell any unneeded personal items. As you are working on your job search, you can spend downtime looking through your stuff and identifying any items you don’t mind selling: clothes, appliances or maybe an old spare bike. You can then sell these items at a garage sale or community rummage sale, or through an online forum like Amazon, eBay or Craigslist. Enlist friends and family if you need help. In addition to making money, you will be downsizing and making room for your new life after finding a job.

Perform “odd jobs.” These kinds of personal gigs include house-sitting, babysitting, petsitting, cleaning houses or performing yard work. You might also put a special skill, trade, talent or knowledge to work by cutting hair, tutoring, designing web sites or performing handiwork. Ask around, look in the classified section of the paper or search around on the internet for opportunities.

Rent out a room. If you have a spare bedroom, basement or nook, you can rent it out to a trusted person. Renting could bring you an additional $200 – 600 every month, depending on the typical room rate in your area. You might even consider sharing household expenses with your new tenant.

Get a part-time, freelance, contractual or temporary job. These kinds of jobs are great ways to make money while developing or sharpening your skillset. Some of these jobs might also turn into fulltime gigs down the road. For instance, a seasonal employee hired during the holiday rush may perform well enough that the employer asks him or her to stay on past January.

Although doing part-time work will probably decrease your benefits, you will actually earn more when you combine your reduced benefits with your part-time income (not to mention you’ll be building your experience and resume). If you have a car, driving for a ride-sharing company is one popular way to make freelance money, and it enables you to work only when you’re available. 36 Texas-Unemployment.com

Alternatives to Taking on Credit Card Debt and Depleting your Savings Account while Unemployed

For unemployed Texans who have managed to accumulate savings, it can be tempting to dip in to a savings or retirement account during the period of unemployment. For others, opening or using a line of credit may seem like the only way to deal with financial obligations during unemployment.

However, unemployed job seekers will be much better off if they can avoid using savings and credit. Before going down those roads, consider the following alternatives to depleting your savings or taking on more credit card debt.

Look into state support resources In addition to unemployment benefits, the Texas Workforce Commission provides helpful materials and services to unemployed job seekers. Check out the TWC’s Employment Support Resources page to find cost-saving resources. Texas-Unemployment.com 37

Create a budget and set your priorities it. Going this route can greatly reduce your monthly cost of living and leave you with savings to put toward other Knowing exactly how much you need each month for obligations. absolute essentials and mandatory bill payments will help you to get an idea of how much room you have to spend. You can find free tools online to assist you with tracking your budget. Keeping track of your monthly payment due dates will prevent any costly, unexpected surprises that may lead you to dip into your savings or resort to using credit.

Treat shopping as business

In the past, you may have visited malls as a form of entertainment. It may be tempting to engage in these activities now, but doing so may lead to unnecessary spending. Only go out to the store with a strict shopping list in hand.

Stop carrying credit cards

Leaving your credit cards out of sight and using cash instead will help you to avoid costly impulse buys while you’re out and about.

If possible, borrow from family or friends While borrowing from those close to you will still technically put you in debt, it will at least allow you to avoid paying interest and remove the risk of damage to your credit score. Just be sure to establish some guidelines, and do not borrow more than you are capable of paying back. Borrowing from family and friends does not have to be a strictly financial affair. Getting those close to you to watch your children as you look for work can save you the cost of paid childcare.

Live with family or friends

If you have the opportunity to stay with a family member or friend during your unemployment period, consider taking 38 Texas-Unemployment.com

Cost-Cutting Measures to Save While on Unemployment

Unemployment benefits are dispersed on a temporary and limited basis. While you’re receiving unemployment, it’s a good idea to reduce your normal budget in any way that you can. Then, you can use your saved money for necessary expenses like transportation costs to job training and interviews. Here are just a few examples of the many ways you can cut costs to save while on unemployment: Texas-Unemployment.com 39

Use coupons and look for sales If you don’t normally use coupons, you might be surprised by how much grocery money they can save you. You can find coupons everywhere: in the circulars sent in the mail that you may normally throw away, in the flyers available when you walk into your favorite store and on the internet (digital coupons). Often, your favorite supermarket or the closest grocery store will accept competitors’ coupons.

Cut unnecessary entertainment expenses like cable Although many people love to watch television, most can survive without it, at least for a little while. Now is the time to cancel your cable plan, along with any costly subscriptions to streaming services; these things add up! Any recurring bill that is not essential to a household’s survival can be cancelled, Netflix included. During this time, you may discover new, inexpensive and perhaps even healthy forms of entertainment, like seeing a free concert or visiting a public park, which can continue to help you save even after you land your new job.

Lower your utility bill In any season, the utility bill can be a huge expense. Some people are used to leaving lights on and running water, air conditioning and heating more than necessary. Now is the time to become aware of just how much everyday decisions contribute to a big utility bill. Don’t let water run, wear sweaters or jackets when possible instead of cranking up the heat and be sure to turn off lights and lower the air conditioning when no one is home.

Cook at home Most restaurants will require a minimum of around $10 per person, and even fast food is expensive, but you can make incredible meals at home for much less. With the help of a cookbook or online recipes, anyone can be a chef. Your unemployment period may be a great time to learn about cooking and try out recipes that you can continue to make for yourself, family and friends.

Negotiate mandatory bills Get on the phone with credit card companies, utility companies and other collectors. If you explain your unusual situation, they may offer an affordable and temporary payment plan to help you through periods of unemployment. 40 Texas-Unemployment.com

Thinking of your own creative ways to cut expenses can provide a fun and interesting personal challenge. Try to get started on these cost-saving measures immediately, as it may take some time to find a job. Even one month of unemployment can take a toll if you have too many unnecessary expenses, especially if you don’t have some savings squirrelled away to fall back on. But if you cut many expenses, your unemployment benefits can go a long way toward helping you find a great new job! Additionally, you’ll gain a lot of new habits and experiences that can help your savings even after you find new employment. Texas-Unemployment.com 41

Free Food Programs for the Unemployed in Texas

If you are receiving unemployment benefits, you may 20 hours per week, participate in a job training program or qualify for one or more Texas-based free food programs. fulfill other specific work requirements in order to receive Below, you’ll find descriptions of free food programs that SNAP benefits for more than three months within a three might be able to help you or members of your household. year period. Additionally, SNAP eligibility guidelines require recipients to comply with certain laws and child support Texas Supplemental Nutrition policies. Assistance Program (SNAP) If you are interested in Texas SNAP benefits, you can find a Texas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP food benefits application here. (SNAP; sometimes referred to as the Texas food stamps program) is the primary needs-based free food program for qualifying Texans. SNAP benefits are distributed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as a monthly payment that is automatically loaded on a recipient’s Lone Star Card. SNAP recipients can use the card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers.

In order to be eligible for SNAP benefits, the applicant must be both a Texas resident and U.S. citizen (or qualified non-citizen) and part of a low income household that falls under the program’s monthly income limit. For example, the SNAP program requires a family of four to have no more than $3,342 in monthly income; the maximum limit changes according to household size. However, there are a few occasional exceptions to this income rule.

Other restrictions and rules may apply to certain SNAP participants. For instance, most able-bodied adult beneficiaries between ages 18 and 50 must work at least 42 Texas-Unemployment.com

Free Food Programs in Texas Schools

Several school-based food programs are available for Texas residents who attend public school (high school or under). These programs include:

Texas National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

Texas School Breakfast Program

Texas Special Milk Program (SMP)

Texas Summer Food Service Program

Like SNAP beneficiaries, school food program recipients must come from a low-income household. Interested parents or guardians who may be eligible can contact their child’s school for a free application. Children from households who receive SNAP benefits are generally eligible for school food programs.

Texas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Texas WIC provides supplemental nutrition packages for nutritionally at-risk, low income pregnant women, new mothers and young children. SNAP beneficiaries automatically meet the income qualifications for WIC. Anyone interested in WIC benefits may call 1(800) 942- 3678 to find information on how to apply. Texas-Unemployment.com 43

How to Report Unemployment Fraud

Unemployment fraud occurs when a claimant or beneficiary consciously and willfully provides incorrect information or withholds accurate information in an attempt to get unemployment benefits.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) places a strong emphasis on identifying and prosecuting cases of unemployment fraud so that there can be plenty of unemployment insurance for those who are legitimately eligible. For this reason and more, unemployment benefits fraud is a serious issue that comes with legal ramifications. While unemployment fraud crimes can be considered misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances, unemployment fraud cases in Texas are often classified as felonies. Beneficiaries must be sure to understand and follow unemployment benefit rules and know how to report unemployment fraud.

Examples and consequences of unemployment fraud One common type of fraud can occur when a beneficiary fails to report or inaccurately reports work or earnings when requesting an unemployment benefits payment. To prevent this crime, beneficiaries must be aware of work reporting rules and fully understand that the TWC defines all cases of paid labor as “work” that must be reported. 44 Texas-Unemployment.com

However, other types of fraud may be less readily apparent. For instance, a beneficiary may not keep his or her Unemployment Benefits Services password completely secure, and someone else may use the password to request payments. In this case, the beneficiary may be committing fraud along with the unauthorized requester, even if he or she is unaware of the fraudulent activity in question. The TWC is authorized to investigate any fraud allegations related to unemployment benefits. In fact, they routinely fact-check beneficiaries’ work reports for instances of fraud. Recipients who commit unemployment fraud must pay back any fraudulently-acquired benefits, along with an additional 15 percent penalty. Beneficiaries who have committed unemployment fraud may face one or more of several additional consequences, including prosecution by the state or a federal agency, fines, jail or prison time and loss of future benefits.

How to Report Unemployment Fraud If you believe you have knowledge of unemployment fraud and wish to keep your personal information secret, you can call the TWC’s anonymous Fraud and Program Abuse Hotline at 800-252-3642. You can call the 24/7 hotline at any time of day, and within 48 hours, you will receive a return call from an investigator. You may report suspected fraud anonymously, but be sure to include as much detailed information as possible when leaving a message and speaking to the investigator.

If you are not concerned about anonymity, you may instead send an email message to [email protected]. Anyone using this mode of contact should be aware that the entire email message (including your server’s unique identifier) will automatically become part of the official record. While the general public may not have access to this email, an individual who has been officially accused for fraud will have access to your email message if it is relevant to the case. Consequently, the may have knowledge of your identity. Therefore, if you would like to keep your identity and message secure, you may instead use the Fraud and Program Abuse Hotline. Texas-Unemployment.com 45

Other Need-Based Government Programs in Texas

Are you curious about other need-based government Temporary Assistance for Needy programs in Texas? If you are looking into Texas Families (TANF) unemployment insurance benefits, you may be interested in, and perhaps eligible for, some of the Texas need-based Texas’ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs described below. program provides temporary cash payments to help Texas families pay for basic needs including food, housing and Making Home Affordable (MHA) utilities. Beneficiaries must be adults caring for children under 18. Like other needs-based programs, TANF requires If you are having trouble making house payments during recipients to demonstrate a monthly income limit and meet your unemployment period, the Making Home Affordable other eligibility requirements. For TANF, these eligibility (MHA) program may be able to help you by providing requirements may include job training or job searching, temporary mortgage payment assistance. For more complying with child support services and ensuring that information about MHA, visit the program’s website at children are vaccinated. To find more information and www.makinghomeaffordable.gov. check your eligibility status, call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905

Medicaid and Children’s Health Comprehensive Energy Assistance Insurance Program (CHIP) Program (CEAP) and Weatherization These two programs provide healthcare benefits to Assistance Program (WAP) low-income individuals and families. Texas Medicaid The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program helps provides medical expense coverage assistance for eligible low-income Texas residents pay their short-term energy individuals with disabilities, adults caring for children and bills while also educating them about energy—and cost- people over 65. The Children’s Health Insurance Program saving measures to reduce utility bills down the road. If you offers free or low-cost health services for children without require temporary assistance with managing your utility health insurance. Texas also has several medical programs costs, you can look here for the nearest CEAP provider. You to assist low-income pregnant women, women with breast can also go to the Help for Texans page and click “Utility and cervical cancer and former foster care children. To get Bill Help,” call (877) 399-8939, visit 211Texas or dial 2-1-1. more information and to see if you qualify, call the Texas Medicaid hotline at 1-800-252-8263. 46 Texas-Unemployment.com

Texas Head Start and Early Head Start

The Texas Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer early childhood education and school preparation. Beneficiaries must be children from birth to five years old who come from families with a household income below the Federal poverty level. To apply for head start, use the Head Start Locator tool or call 1-866-282-7780.

Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 Housing

This program offers rental assistance to low-income persons and families with incomes that do not exceed 50 percent of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s median income guidelines. Visit HUD’s Contact Information page to find out more about Section 8 Housing in your local area. Texas-Unemployment.com 47