How did the March 2021 coronavirus relief package affect my benefits?
A $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package signed into law March 11 extended two pandemic unemployment programs authorized by the CARES Act into the first week of September. Lawmakers also extended a federal benefit that added an extra $300 a week to all unemployment claims. But jobless Texans only had access to these benefits through June 26, after Gov. Greg Abbott said in mid-May that Texas would opt out of the federal assistance.
The legislative package also included a tax break for anybody who received $10,000 in unemployment benefits during the pandemic.
You can no longer claim pandemic unemployment benefits
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AUSTIN (Texas Tribune) If you’re confused about how the Texas Workforce Commission is handling your unemployment claim, you aren’t alone.
More than 3.8 million Texans have applied for unemployment benefits since March, and we’ve heard from thousands who have struggled with their unemployment claims ever since. They have endured months of problems getting in touch with the TWC, been kicked off of additional weekly benefits and tried to maneuver through a confusing appeals process.
Meanwhile, two main programs authorized by the federal CARES Act that significantly expand assistance are set to expire at the end of December. If Congress doesn’t act soon, many Texans will lose at least some of their benefits.