Eligible Texans Can Still Receive Unemployment If They Choose Not to Work

Some Texans are not ready to return to work in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but can they still receive unemployment after May?

According to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor, the Texas Workforce Commission has recently clarified who is eligible to continue receiving unemployment benefits.

"As the Lone Star State begins the process of safely and strategically opening the economy, our top priority is protecting the health and safety of all Texans—especially those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19," said Governor Abbott.

Unemployment benefits are reviewed case by case, but if the following list applies to your situation than you may be able to submit a refusal claim to the TWC.

• Contracted COVID-19: You have verifiable state documents stating that you or a member of your household has contracted the virus and has yet to recover.
• High Risk: You are considered at high risk for contracting COVID-19, or a member of your household is high risk. IE: Seniors over the age of 65
• Self-Isolation: You have come in recent contact with a individual who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 and you are eliminating exposing others.
• Children: You have no one to care for your child while you are working due to school or daycare closure.

"This flexibility in the unemployment benefit process will help ensure that Texans with certain health and safety concerns will not be penalized for choosing not to return to work."

Will you return to work in May? Do you think Texas is ready to re-open?