AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Workforce Commission has applied for additional unemployment benefit funding made available through President Trump's Lost Wage Assistance Executive Order.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement Friday saying the federal government approved nearly $1.4 billion in initial funds made available through President Donald Trump’s Lost Wage Assistance Executive Order.
"I thank the Trump administration for swiftly granting these funds to help Texans who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Abbott said. "These funds will help Texans in need support their families as we work to revitalize the economy and get Texans back to work."
This funding will provide an additional $300 per week in benefits for qualifying Texans receiving unemployment benefits. That would be in addition to an extra $100 in state unemployment benefits.
"The Lost Wage Assistance program will provide crucial financial support to Texans who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Governor Greg Abbott said. "Texas is grateful to President Trump for making these funds available to individuals and asks that our federal partners quickly grant this request so that TWC can swiftly administer this funding to Texans."
Texans currently receiving unemployment through TWC should continue to request payments as normal.
Eligible claimants should expect to receive the additional benefits on their first payment request on or after August 23, 2020. These funds will be backdated to the benefit week ending August 1, 2020.
To apply for unemployment benefits or to request payment visit ui.texasworkforce.org.
All claimants should keep their mailing and email addresses current in the unemployment benefits services system to prevent delays.