Frequently asked questions about unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). This is also known as the "federal stimulus bill."

This law means that many workers who lost their jobs or income because of COVID-19 will qualify for unemployment benefits. This includes many types of workers who do not usually qualify for unemployment benefits under Texas law. In addition, the Texas Workforce Commission has extended the number of weeks of benefits that some workers can receive.

The Texas Workforce Commission wants anyone who lost work because of COVID-19 to apply. If you are not sure if you qualify, it is better to apply and find out. But be sure to be honest and accurate in the information you provide.

I WAS SELF-EMPLOYED BUT CAN’T WORK ANYMORE BECAUSE OF COVID-19. DO I QUALIFY?
Yes, the new federal stimulus bill includes self-employed workers. This includes small business owners, independent contractors, and gig-economy workers (such as ride-share drivers).

DO I QUALIFY IF I WASN’T FIRED, BUT MY HOURS WERE REDUCED?
Yes, you likely qualify for partial unemployment. This means that you will need to submit your wages to the TWC when you request payment. The amount of wages you received will determine if you are eligible for unemployment benefits. You can use the Unemployment Benefits Estimator on the TWC website to estimate your possible payment.

DO I QUALIFY IF I ONLY WORKED PART-TIME BEFORE COVID-19 AND LOST MY JOB?
Yes. Part-time workers can also get unemployment if they lost their job because of COVID-19.

I WAS PAID IN CASH. DO I QUALIFY?
Yes. If you were paid in cash, you may still be eligible for the program. However, it might be difficult to prove that you were previously employed and how much money you earned. Be prepared to provide tax documents and any other documents showing your earnings.

Normally, your employer has to report your wages to the Texas Workforce Commission so you can get unemployment benefits. But because of the federal stimulus bill, you may be able to get benefits even if you cannot prove how much money you made. The TWC will give you a minimum benefit amount if you cannot prove your wages.

I’M A TIPPED WORKER. DO I STILL QUALIFY?
Yes. Tipped workers have always been qualified for benefits and should continue to be eligible for Texas benefits or federal stimulus bill benefits. Your employer is supposed to report all of your income, including tips.
Even if your employer didn't report any of your income, you might still qualify for benefits under the federal stimulus bill. You will need to provide documentation that you worked, but you don't need to have any earnings history.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF WORK HISTORY OR PAST EARNINGS TO QUALIFY?
Normally, you would have to have worked for a certain amount of time to get benefits if you can't work because of COVID-19. However, the new stimulus package allows workers who don't have enough work history to get benefits.

If you don't have enough work history to qualify for unemployment benefits through traditional insurance, you will need to provide verification of your earnings so the TWC can determine if you are eligible for unemployment. You will need to certify that you are partially or fully unemployed, or unable to work due to COVID-19.

Find more information here: Texas workforce commission