Unemployed Texans not yet required to search for work to keep benefits
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After saying it would revisit the work search requirement in late July, the Texas Workforce Commission has told ABC13 there is no timetable for when it'll be restarted.
Normally, Texans on unemployment are required to look for work. In the Houston area, people are supposed to complete at least three work search activities in order to keep unemployment every week.
RELATED: Officials say unemployed Texans will have to start looking for jobs
The requirement was put on pause during the pandemic. It was set to resume in June, but Texas Workforce Commission delayed the requirement.
RELATED: Texas Workforce Commission delays work search requirement for unemployed Texans
TWC said it would revisit the work search requirement by the end of July. During its final board meeting of the month, the topic was not discussed.
However, ABC13 has learned from a TWC spokesperson the requirement will be delayed for the foreseeable future. When the requirement is returned, a spokesperson said people will receive advanced notice.
We're told the agency is working on a strategic plan that'll coincide with the governor's reopening plan, and could be unveiled next month.
RELATED: Extended unemployment benefits could happen for Texans
Right now, unemployed Texans only have to request a payment every two weeks in order to collect money. There will be a change though.
The federal $600 weekly benefit ended in Texas last week. This means Texans won't see the extra money when requesting payment after July 25.
However, federal leaders are debating enhanced unemployment benefits. TWC said it's working with federal leaders, and will make changes if necessary.
In a statement sent to ABC13 on Tuesday, Sen. John Cornyn said, "I support extending unemployment assistance for Texans impacted by the pandemic as part of the next relief bill."
He said he also supports healthcare workers battling the virus on the front lines and backs adding $25 billion for healthcare provider relief fund.
The majority of that money will be for testing, contact tracing, and surveillance.
Cornyn's statement offered examples of his legislative support for those out of work, including backing the extension of federal jobless benefits, which is in debate in Congress this week as part of the GOP's second stimulus proposal.
The video above is from a previous story.
