Published: November 09, 2009 08:40 am      

Unemployment benefits extended

AUSTIN — The Texas Workforce Commission is notifying approximately 45,000 Texas unemployment claimants that they may be eligible for an additional seven-week extension of state Extended Benefits.

TWC is mailing letters to claimants who have exhausted their benefits instructing them how to apply for the additional extension. The letters direct claimants who have already exhausted their benefits and have not found work to call a special number provided on the letter to apply for the new extension.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor informed TWC that Texas workers will be eligible for additional benefits because the state’s unemployment rate averaged at least 8 percent for three consecutive months. The state’s unemployment rate first hit 8 percent in August, rose to 8.2 percent in September, and has remained above 8 percent. Texas is able to pay state extended benefits through the end of the year.

Claimants who are currently receiving state Extended Benefits will automatically have the additional weeks added to their claim and will receive a letter showing the additional amount of benefits they potentially could receive. Claimants who currently receive unemployment benefits should continue to request payment as scheduled. Claimants may update their address information online through http://ui.texasworkforce.org or by contacting a UI Tele-Center toll-free at (800) 939-6631. Re-employment services are available through workforce centers statewide or by accessing www.WorkInTexas.com for information.

On Thursday, Congress passed legislation which would further extend federally funded unemployment compensation benefits. The bill awaits the President’s signature.