Unemployed Texans Granted Additional $25 Per Week in UI Benefits

Feb 24, 2009

Texas Workforce Commission

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today a $25 increase to weekly unemployment benefits for individuals currently receiving payments. The increase was part of the economic stimulus package passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.
 
The legislation provides an increase of $25 per week for eligible Texans receiving unemployment benefits as of February 22, 2009. Claimants will see the additional benefits beginning mid-March. Eligible claimants who are currently receiving benefits will receive the increase retroactive to February 22. The increase is effective for initial claims filed through December 26, 2009.

The federally funded increase applies to all types of unemployment benefits, and employers will not be charged the additional funds. Claimants do not need to call or take any additional action to receive the additional amount; however, they should continue requesting payment as scheduled. TWC administers unemployment benefits to workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and are actively seeking work.

Claimants may receive further information online through texasworkforce.org or by using our e-mail form. A TWC staff member will call you back within 48 hours. They may also contact an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tele-Center listed below.

Austin local:  (512) 340-4300
Dallas local:  (214) 252-1200
El Paso local:  (915) 832-6400
Fort Worth local: (817) 420-1600
Houston local:  (281) 983-1100
McAllen local:   (956) 984-4700
San Antonio local: (210) 258-6600
Others call toll free: (800) 939-6631

Reemployment services are available through Texas Workforce Centers or by accessing http://www.WorkInTexas.com for information.

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the programs it offers in unison with its network of local workforce development boards, call (512) 463-8556 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.