The State of Texas’ participation in federal pandemic unemployment benefit programs is ending. As a result, the final benefit week that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will pay federal pandemic unemployment benefits under the American Rescue Plan is the benefit week ending June 26, 2021.
This includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for those who traditionally do not qualify for regular state benefits, like self-employed and independent contractors, or exhausted all other benefits; Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program (PEUC) that extends regular state benefits; and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC), which provides an additional $300 weekly benefit payment.
If you are currently receiving PUA, PEUC, and FPUC federal benefits, you may continue to request payment for all weeks for which you are eligible through the week ending June 26, 2021.
Please note if you are on regular unemployment, although the additional $300 a week benefit will end June 26, 2021, TWC will continue to pay you regular benefits after that date as long as you remain eligible, and you have not exhausted your state benefits.
The Texas Workforce Commission will be providing additional information to claimants as they transition away from federal pandemic-related benefit programs.
If you are returning to work, you may visit www.TexasWorkforce.org for more information on employment services.
Lone Star Legal Aid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy on behalf of low-income and underserved populations. Lone Star Legal Aid serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines that reside in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties of southwest Arkansas. Lone Star Legal Aid focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety and stability, health and well‐being; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those who have disabilities, or who are elderly, homeless, or have limited English language skills. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at http://www.lonestarlegal.org.
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