Are you wondering how to file for unemployment during coronavirus? You’re not alone. Only few Americans are unaffected by the economic and human tragedy wrought by the novel coronavirus. As the pandemic rages on, tens of millions have reportedly lost their jobs following the enforcement of a range of public safety measures by the authorities to slow the spread of the virus. Although the economy is gradually reopening, millions of Americans are still without jobs making it difficult for many households to afford payments for services such as healthcare and utility bills.
How bad is Unemployment in Texas?
According to a survey, as many as 1 in 5 American households have at least one person who has either lost their jobs or lost hours since closure of businesses and prohibition of public outings. This included millions of Texans. The Texas Workforce Commission reported sometime in March that its website and call center were overwhelmed by a large number of people who lost their jobs.
If you have lost your job as a result of the ongoing pandemic, one of the options to minimize the financial impact of the job loss is to apply for unemployment benefits. The government makes provision for those who have either lost their jobs or hours on their jobs to file for employment to get them on their feet while every keenly hopes to outlive the steepest national payroll plunge since the Great Depression.
Find An Unemployment Lawyer Near You
Who is Eligible to Claim Unemployment Benefits?
- Checking the website of the Texas Workforce Commission, you will see a list of scenarios related to the coronavirus pandemic for those seeking unemployment benefits. For example, the Commission addresses situations like being under quarantine whether it is ordered by your employer, government or you decided to self-isolate following a suspicion of exposure to an infected person.
You might be eligible to apply for Covid-19 unemployment benefits if you meet the following conditions:
- If you are disengaged from employment because your employer shut down the business (and hasn’t reopened or furloughed staff upon reopening
- If you are infected by the virus or under government or self-imposed quarantine
- If your employer keeps running the business, but you are placed on reduced hours
However, people who receive their full payment or sick leave while they are out of job may not be deemed qualified to apply for unemployment benefits according to the Commission.
How does the Texas Workforce Commission Determine Unemployment Benefits?
- According to the commission, unemployment benefit claims will be determined by the applicant’s past wages, the types of job separation (layoff, being fired but due to misconduct, or a reduction in working hours). You can visit the website of TWC for the ongoing eligibility requirements.
How to File for Unemployment Benefits
There are mainly two ways to file for benefits – online or via telephone.
Online Application
- According to the Commission, you can apply online by visiting its website. To gain insight on how to make a successful application, follow this tutorial. When you’re clear on how to go about it, click on the Unemployment Benefits Services tab. This will take you to a page where you can set up your account and commence your application process.
Once you are completed filing your claim, you are going to receive electronic notification related to your unemployment benefits application.
Telephone Application
This option offers you the ability to apply for unemployment by directly speaking with a Commission’s representative on phone. You will be required to provide the following information:
- Social Security number
- Alien Registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen
- Information about your last employer’s business such as name, address and phone number
- The number of hours you worked, and your pay rate if you worked during the week you are applying
- The dates when you started and ended your employment with your most recent employer.
Conclusion
- As the number of daily cases of coronavirus continue to surge, it is hard to predict when the world will overcome. Unemployment rate may keep rising this pandemic until a truly effective and safe vaccine is discovered. Applying for unemployment could help you meet your financial obligations pending the time you are able to secure a new job with full pay.
It is also important that you exercise patience with TWC while they make necessary arrangements to provide you with all the benefits that they have for you.