The following information provided by Texas Association of Business (TAB)

Latest Recommendations from the Texas Workforce Commission

Texas Association of Business participated on a call with the Texas Workforce Commission and the actions they're taking and recommending for Texas employers and employees.

TWC has suspended the week waiting period before applying for benefits.

TWC has suspended the work search requirement.

Any overpayment collections in the unemployment benefits system are suspended until the crisis has passed.

Four call centers are fully staff and TWC has transferred 200 staff to the call center to take calls in addition to other divisions and has hired 100 temps

TWC is working with AT&T to increase the capacity of switches and calls that can come into the center

Employers should report tips as wages and count them under unemployment insurance benefits

There is enough funding to support Unemployment Benefits and TWC will seek federal funds if necessary. The funds are there and as funds are depleted TWC will seek support from other sources

Self-employed – do not apply for unemployment insurance, but Congress is working on legislation now to address assistance for independent contractors and those who are self-employed

For the latest on TWC information visit their website at https://twc.texas.gov/