Watch: Texas Workforce Commission answer your unemployment questions on Facebook

Unemployment claims have soared amid COVID-19 pandemic

SAN ANTONIO – As unemployment claims soar throughout Texas amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Texas Workforce Commission will held a Facebook livestream to answer frequently asked questions.

Officials discussed how to sign up for unemployment benefits and other frequently asked questions.

TWC COVID 19

Many people across the Lone Star State have questions about how unemployment insurance works, how it is paid, how to sign up for benefits, and how to use the resources of TWC to find new employment. Get your answers, now. #COVID19 #StayHomeTexas #unemployment

Posted by Texas Workforce Commission on Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Since COVID-19 began spreading throughout communities in Texas, city and county emergency declarations and stay-at-home orders have shut down several businesses.

In a recent interview, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said that the unemployment rate in Texas is around 9%.

Texas unemployment rate headed toward double digits, comptroller warns

More than 16,000 claims have already been filed with the commission between March 8 through March 14.

In an effort to respond to the demand, the commission set up a tele-center, which runs from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-5p.m. on Saturday.

With millions out of work, furloughed Texas workers struggle to file for unemployment

People who live in the San Antonio area should call Workforce Solutions Alamo at 210-224-HELP. The organization provides services for employees and employers, helping connect them with each other.

COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The disease first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, but spread around the world in early 2020, causing the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in March.

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