As of July 23, 2010, the Federal government offers extended unemployment benefits via the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and state Extended Benefits (EB) programs. This means that after the original 26 weeks of Texas unemployment benefits is exhausted, claimants can receive additional benefits.
Eligibility Requirements by Tier
Texas unemployment benefits extension claimants who exhaust regular benefits can receive additional weeks of payment according to the following tiers:
- EUC Tier 1 – Payment of up to 20 additional weeks, provided that regular Texas unemployment benefits are exhausted by November 20, 2010. In addition, the claim must begin on or before November 21, 2010. Payments on the claim can be collected through April 30, 2011.
- EUC Tier 2 – Payment of up to 14 additional weeks, provided that Tier 1 unemployment benefits are exhausted by November 27, 2010. In addition, the claim must begin on or before November 21, 2010. Payments on the claim can be collected through April 30, 2011.
- EUC Tier 3 – Payment of up to 13 additional weeks, provided that Tier 2 unemployment benefits are exhausted by November 27, 2010. In addition, the claim must begin on or before November 21, 2010. Payments on the claim can be collected through April 30, 2011.
- State Extended Benefits - Payment of up to 20 additional weeks, provided that Tier 3 unemployment benefits are exhausted by November 27, 2010. Payments on the claim can be collected through the week of December 4, 2010.
Applying for Texas Unemployment Benefits Extension by Tier
EUC Tier 1 – After regular benefits are exhausted, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will mail an application, which must be completed and returned in order to determine eligibility.
EUC Tier 2 and EUC Tier 3 – The TWC will automatically apply the next tier to the applicants claim when the previous tier is exhausted.
State Extended Benefits – Once EUC Tiers 1, 2, and 3 are exhausted, the TCW will automatically process and add the state Extended Benefits to the claim.
State Benefits Work Search Requirements
Once the claimant enters the State Extended Benefits program, (after Tiers 1, 2 and 3 are exhausted), they must submit a work search log each time they request payment. Failure to comply with work search documentation will result in denial of the claim.
Where to Get Answers on Your Texas Unemployment Benefits Extension
Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation and state Extended Benefits programs are funded by federal legislation. Congress may choose to pass future extension of these programs, so it is best to keep in contact with the Texas Workforce Commission for the most current information.
For questions and concerns about Texas unemployment benefits extension issues, please contact the Texas Workforce Commission visiting their website or by phone at:
- Austin local: (512) 340-4300
- Dallas local: (972) 339-6200
- El Paso local: (915) 832-6400
- Fort Worth local: (817) 420-1600
- Houston local: (281) 983-1100
- McAllen local: (956) 984-4700
- San Antonio local: (210) 258-6600
- Others call toll free: 1-800-939-6631
Read More About Texas Unemployment Compensation
Eligibility for Texas Unemployment Compensation
Apply for Texas Unemployment Compensation
Source:
Texas Workforce Commission: Congress Extends EUC and EB (accessed 8/26/2010)
Texas Workforce Commission: Understanding Extended Unemployment Benefits (accessed 8/26/2010)
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
