Texas (TWC) State Unemployment Benefits With the End of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Programs

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) manages the states’ unemployment compensation program. This includes payments under many of the federally funded enhanced benefit programs which have been extended several times after enactment last year.

See more on the relevant extensions/ unemployment stimulus programs, including an early end to these programs, in the relevant sections below. Please refer to the TWC website for the latest program details.

How Much Unemployment Can I Get Paid In Texas?

With the expiry of the pandemic unemployment programs only traditional state unemployment benefits will be available in 2022 and 2023, up to a maximum of 26 weeks, with a weekly benefit payment ranging from $72 to $563 depending on your earned income over the prior base period – which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the effective date of your initial claim.

The TWC calculates your actual weekly benefit amount (WBA) by dividing your base period quarter with the highest wages by 25 and round to the nearest dollar, up to the maximum WBA ($563).

In total, for a given benefit year you can receive 26 times your weekly benefit amount or 27% of all your wages in the base period, whichever amount is less.

You will need to submit a claim or certify your application via your state’s unemployment department to get your actual weekly benefit amount.

Note that to qualify for unemployment, your job or hours worked loss will generally need to be involuntary. I.e. through no fault of your own or via directly quitting. Your job and wages must also have been paid by an employer or source that deducted unemployment insurance taxes per state law.

Further if you are being paid severance via a layoff or able to use sick leave or paid vacation, you cannot claim unemployment.

You will also need to certify for benefits at regular intervals (weekly or bi-weekly), demonstrate ongoing work availability and evidence of job search requirements to keep getting weekly unemployment benefits.

Weekly Unemployment Available
(Min – Max)
$72 – $563
(no extra dependent payments)
Max number of Weeks covered in Benefit Year26
Part-Time Income or Workers – UI benefits impactYou may earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount (WBA) before your benefits are reduced

Why is my weekly benefit payment lower than the maximum amount?

Your actual weekly benefit amount (WBA) is the amount of money your state agency has determined you and your dependents may receive for regular unemployment insurance after filing a claim. This can change weekly based on your certification or claim for benefits.

The higher your wage base period earnings, the higher your approved WBA will be, up to the maximum amount allowed in the state.

Any part time or temporary earnings from employment or other activities during eligible weeks you are claiming and certifying for benefits, will potentially reduce the amount of benefits you may get.

Also note that that your state UI agency may deduct court-ordered child support from your weekly payment (by up to 50 percent) to pay your child support. This will reduce your WBA.

What if I worked or lived in another state?

If you worked or lived in another state during the base year, you should file your unemployment benefits claim in the state you worked in. Not where you reside at the time of claim.

Your claim will be paid and governed by laws of that state in which you applied for. You will need to report this on your state and federal income taxes per form 1099-G issued by the state’s UI agency.

Claimants will also need to apply or reapply for UI benefits when they reach the end of their benefit year, which begins on the Sunday of the week in which you applied for benefits and remains in effect for 52 weeks.

Claiming Retroactive Back Payments

Retroactive benefits for covered weeks during when the pandemic unemployment programs (PUA, PEUC) can be claimed via the TWC through their online portal (if option is available to you) or via calling a customer service agent at their Tele-Center at 800-939-6631.

Most backdated claims will have to be manually processed and require evidence to support the claim.

For most PUA/DUA claims, the TWC has stated that you must submit proof of employment using their UI Submission Portal or via mail that shows evidence of employment or self-employment and planned commencement dates. You must provide the proof within 21 days of the date you filed your claim.

Extended State Benefits in Texas

TWC is not paying out State Extended Benefits (EB) since the required unemployment thresholds are no longer being met.

According to the TWC page the EB program extends regular unemployment benefits during high periods of unemployment. TWC can pay EB in periods of full federal funding when the total unemployment rate (TUR) is at least 6.5% and in periods of less than full federal funding when the insured unemployment rate (IUR) is 5% or more.

TWC will notify claimants and auto-enroll them to receive benefits if they are eligible. But note that the maximum number of weeks you can receive under the EB program is 13 weeks or up to 50% of the total amount of benefits you had on your most recent regular unemployment claim.

Payments will be made retroactively for the weeks you become eligible for the state EB program and will be noted in the correspondence from the TWC (check your UI portal as well).

You will also need to continue certifying regularly and meet TWC work search requirements to get the EB payment as you would with regular unemployment insurance claims.

Benefit Year End Reviews

All unemployment claims are required to be reviewed after one year per law. Claimants approaching the end of their benefit year should take no additional action. If your UI claim has been open more than one year then you need to be aware of the following actions:

  • DO NOT attempt to open a new claim.
  • DO continue to certify for weekly benefits according to the schedule.

The review of your claim will occur automatically; the TWC will contact you only if more information is needed. If you recently reached the end of your benefit year, a review of your claim has been completed or is underway.

When the review is complete, you will receive confirmation your weekly certification for benefits was successful.

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Texas Ended ALL Pandemic Unemployment Programs Early

The TWC has stopped paying enhanced unemployment benefits, including the $300 supplementary payment, following Governor Greg Abbott’s directive ending Texas’ participation in these programs. These extra benefits ended as of the week ending June 26, 2021. This is approximately 10 weeks earlier than the planned end date of Sep 4th, 2021.

Texas joins several other states in ending payment of the supplementary $300 weekly benefit for unemployed workers with active claims and processing of new claims under the PUA and PEUC programs. The argument for ending enhanced benefits early was that the payments discouraged unemployed workers from returning to work due to the normal wage differential.

What if I have a balance remaining after week ending June 26th?

Many claimant’s TWC portal is still showing “Temporary Unemployment Benefits” with a certain balance remaining. Unfortunately from June 27th, 2021 this won’t mean anything as the balances would only be valid if the programs were active.

The TWC has to keep providing claim balances due to several lawsuits trying to reinstate benefits and reverse Gov. Abbot’s termination directive. However this does not mean that future pandemic claims will be paid by the TWC.

Traditional state unemployment benefits and retroactive benefit payments however will continue to be processed and paid for eligible claimants.

Return to Work Bonus For Texan Workers

In addition to ending pandemic unemployment benefits, the Texas Congress has proposed a back-to-work bonus. This includes a one-time payment of either $1,200 (full-time) or $600 (part-time) to unemployed workers that get a job and with verifiable earnings by July 1, 2021. [This bonus is no longer available]

Unemployment Program Extensions Under Biden ARP Stimulus Package

Under President Biden’s $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan (ARP), enhanced unemployment benefits will be extended until September 6th (or week ending September 4th in Texas). This includes the following extensions:

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – The PUA program, designed for freelancers, gig workers and independent contractors or those that generally don’t qualify for regular state unemployment, has been extended by another until September 6th, 2021 (week ending Sep 4th in Texas). This brings the total number of weeks in the program to 79. The minimum PUA payment is still 50% of a states average weekly benefit amount and limited to the state’s maximum weekly benefit amount (WBA).

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) – The new stimulus bill funds another 25 weeks of weekly supplementary/extra unemployment at the current $300 level. Payments for the $300 weekly payment will continue until early September for a total of 25 weeks and eligible claimants – those getting at least $1 from state and federal unemployment programs – can get a maximum of $7,500 if they qualify for all weeks covered in this new extension. The other $100 supplementary payment for Mixed Earners (MEUC) was also extended by 25 weeks.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) – The PEUC program, which extends coverage for those who have exhausted regular and extended state unemployment, has also been extended until September 4th, bringing the total amount of PEUC coverage to 53 weeks.

There also provisions in the Biden Stimulus package for Unemployment tax breaks on the first $10,200 of benefits.

Texas TWC Payment Status of September Extensions – Latest News and Status on PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC

The Texas TWC has provided the following graphic showing all the programs now available and they have implemented the program changes required to apply the 25 week extension to all eligible claimants.

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Texas TWC Unemployment Extensions To September 2021
Texas TWC Unemployment Extensions To September 2021

2021 Unemployment Program Extensions Under COVID Relief Bill

The $900 billion COVID-19 relief package was passed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, which among several other pandemic relief measures extends and provides additional federal funding for enhanced unemployment benefits. This includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and a reinstatement, but halving of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Program which provides a $300 supplemental weekly unemployment payment.

These programs have been funded and extended for 11 weeks (on top of any state funded extensions), covering the weeks of December 26th, 2020 to March 14th, 2021. To receive FPUC benefits, you must be receiving regular UI, PEUC, EB, or PUA.

TWC Unemployment Extension Payment Update and Status

TWC will automatically enroll all Texans who are eligible for the UI benefits extension. They have advised that there is no need for people to call or reapply. For individuals unable to request payment due to having exhausted their claims in advance of the previous December 26 deadline, TWC will send them updated information once system updates have been made.

“No one should have to re-apply for benefits. If you are currently receiving benefits, continue to request payments. If your benefits have been exhausted, we will automatically re-enroll you,” said Cisco Gamez, media and public relations specialist, Texas Workforce Commission.

At this stage whose with regular UI benefits are getting paid the extra $300 FPUC. Those with an active PUA an PEUC claim as of December 27th, will also get paid for weeks they can certify. Those who had exhausted their benefits as of December 27th will have to wait until TWC systems are updated with new legislation requirements to get paid the extended benefits and extra $300 weekly payment.

UI claimants with existing or expired claim balances should be aware of the following general guidelines:

  • PUA and PEUC, FPUC will be automatically added to the claimants’ benefits if they are eligible for the weeks outlined in the new legislation. TWC confirmed that there is no need for people to call or reapply. For individuals unable to request payment due to having exhausted their claims in advance of the previous December 26 deadline, TWC will send them updated information.
  • Claimants with weeks remaining in UI should continue to file weekly claims
  • Claimants who will have additional weeks in UI and PUA or PEUC due to state provisions (where applicable) should watch their state agency UI portal or website for updates that will allow additional weeks to be filed.
  • Claimants will be retroactively caught up on payments for all weeks they are eligible.
  • Claimants currently receiving benefits through the Extended Benefits program must finish all weeks of EB before receiving additional weeks of PEUC.

I will post additional details as they are released in coming days. So stay tuned for updates.

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Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program

TWC has completed paying the $300 under the LWA program, which provides supplemental payments to eligible unemployment benefits claimants who have been unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.  Eligible Texas claimants receive a $300 LWA payment at the same time as their unemployment benefits payment.  All 6 weeks (or $1800) have been paid and only retroactive payments are being processed.

LWA benefits were funded and paid retroactively for the benefit week ending (BWE) August 1, 2020, through September 5th 2020.

Eligibility

To be eligible for LWA benefits:

  1. Your weekly benefit amount must be $100 from existing UI programs.
  2. You must certify that you are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.

How long does it take to receive benefits?

On average, it takes about 21 days for a person to receive benefits from the time they apply and qualify. Some people receive benefits sooner and for some it might take a little more time (retroactive payments are in place)

How do I get paid?           

You should request payment on the date provided when you established your claim. You will request payment every two weeks after that. You can:

  • Log on to Unemployment Benefits Services and select “Request a Payment”, OR
  • Call Tele-Serv, our automated system, at 800-558-8321 from 7am to 6pm daily and select Option 1.

CARES Act Unemployment Compensation Expansion for COVID-19 Relief

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused unprecedented changes to the lives of individuals all across Texas and across the globe. Since March 14, the Texas Workforce commission helped over 1 million Texans file unemployment claims which is equivalent to around 75 weeks of claims in a month’s time.



The Governor declared the COVID-19 Pandemic a disaster March 13, 2020; therefore, the TWC can backdate a claim to the prior Sunday which is March 8, 2020 if an individual was unemployed and has been trying to file but has not yet been successful. If the individual became unemployed subsequent to March 13, 2020 and has been attempting file but not yet successful then their claim will be effective the Sunday prior to the date they were separated from work.

TWC

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is working with federal, state and local government officials and agencies to help manage the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Under the CARES act, there are three types of federal unemployment assistance now available:

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): expands eligibility for individuals who are typically ineligible for regular state unemployment benefits, for example independent contractors, and self-employed and “gig” workers.
• Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC): provides an additional $600 per week, on top of regular benefits, to all recipients of Unemployment Insurance; retroactive to the week ending April 4, 2020. This program expired at the end of July 2020 (under review by Congress for an extension).
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): provides an additional 13 weeks of Unemployment benefits to all recipients.

Additionally, TWC has begun rolling out the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), adding an additional $600 per week for claimants. Individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) or federal extended benefits qualify for the additional $600. [From April 13, 2020]

If you have already applied for traditional UI benefits, you do not need to take any further action to quality for PUA. Do not apply for benefits again. TWC will review eligibility for PUA for all existing applicants automatically and notify claimants by mail or electronic correspondence of their eligibility.

Independent contractor, self-employed or 1099 workers have until December 26, 2020 to provide their 2019 Internal Revenue Service Form 1040 and Schedule C, F, or SE.

Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dated March 27, 2020, individuals who are self-employed, seeking part-time employment, or who otherwise would not qualify for regular Unemployment Compensation (UC) or Extended Benefits (EB) under state or federal law or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) under section 2107 may be eligible for assistance under PUA. Coverage may also include individuals who have exhausted their benefits under regular UC or EB claims under state or federal law, or PEUC.


Filing a Claim and FAQs

Individuals affected by COVID-19 can apply for PUA benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or by calling a TWC Tele-Center any day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at 800-939-6631.When applying, individuals affected by the pandemic should indicate that as the reason they lost their job.

What do I do if I was previously denied benefits due to my base period?

You may reapply. Unemployment benefit eligibility is based on past wages, job separation and ongoing eligibility requirements. Prior to April 5, past wages are calculated on a base period of October 2018-September 2019. However, starting on April 5, 2020, the base period changes to January 2019-December 2019. If you were previously denied unemployment benefits due to monetary ineligibility and worked during the January 2019-December 2019 base period, TWC encourages you to visit the unemployment benefit services portal on April 5 to reapply online.

Are UI benefits taxable?

Unemployment benefits are taxable. Individuals can sign up for withholding and the Texas Workforce Commission will deduct 10% for income tax withholding.

Requesting Payment and Certifying for Benefits

You must request payment to receive benefits. Request benefit payment as instructed, approximately one to two weeks after you apply for benefits, and every two weeks after that. You can find the date you are scheduled to request payment online using TWC’s Unemployment Benefits Services.

If you do not request payment within the calendar week your request is due, your payment may be delayed or denied.

Don’t wait for TWC to notify you of your eligibility. Make sure to request payment on the date listed in the instructions sent to you by the TWC. If you cannot complete your payment request because of high call or user volume, you will need to call in and speak to a representative.

If you delay requesting payment or cannot get through to TWC to complete your request, it will not affect your eligibility for benefits. However, it may delay when you receive your payment.

When requesting payment, you will answer several questions regarding your work and earnings and whether you met eligibility requirements during the claim period. You must then certify that your responses are true and complete. If you work during a benefit payment period, report your gross earnings as part of your payment request.

You can request benefit payments online or by phone:

  • Online: 24 hours a day using Unemployment Benefits Services at ui.texasworkforce.org. Select Request a Payment. You will need a User ID and password. 
  • Phone: Tele-Serv, the TWC automated telephone system, at 800-558-8321. Select Option 1. You will need your Social Security number and the four-digit PIN you created when you first applied for benefits.

How to Request Backdated Weeks and Retroactive Payments

If you are given the opportunity to request benefit payments for backdated weeks on either Tele-Serv or Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS), you must request them at that time. If you do not, the system will not allow you to try later and you will have to call the Tele-Center.

If you have any questions or problems with any backdated payment requests, call the TWC Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 to speak with a customer service representative.

How can I talk to a live agent?

To speak with a customer service representative, call an unemployment benefits Tele-Center @ 800-939-6631. See more contact information here.

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77 thoughts on “Texas (TWC) State Unemployment Benefits With the End of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Programs”

  1. I was let go from my job in May 2020. Struggled to apply online and offer the phone that lasted until September 2020. I was denied. Why? TWC claimed I was “ineligible” for UI & PUA bc on their end it showed I was still employed full time. Why? Bc my former boss never filed my termination paperwork. So I appealed and a few months or more later I was denied AGAIN bc of the same issue with my former job oh but more for answering ONE question incorrectly (I said NO instead of YES by mistake…I would have been approved). I appealed AGAIN and FINALLY got a hearing well over a YEAR later (Feb. 2022) but the hearing officer decided to reschedule the hearing for the following month…for what? Idk. I ended up missing the rescheduled hearing (March 2022) bc the day of the hearing I was unlawfully evicted from my home of 20+ years. I appealed and missed that hearing (June 2022) bc my mom passed away from COVID. Appealed AGAIN but this time I didn’t miss the hearing (Nov. 2022) Fyi my former employer still hasn’t filed my termination paperwork after asking for over two years. Needless to say I was extremely nervous (I’m always a nervous wreck terrible at job interviews). Anyway the hearing officer was like a cold robot and treated me like I was being interrogated for a crime I didn’t commit but wanted a confession anyway. She kept asking very rudely why? why? why? about my reasons why I missed the previous hearings as if she doesn’t make mistakes (and expects everyone else to be the same as her) and/or never had someone in her life die on her. She asked me why I didn’t use a pay phone to call TWC…a PAY PHONE! I haven’t seen a pay phone ANYWHERE (in 5 different states and multiple cities) for a good decade or more. She then proceeded to ask me “What?” “Why?” on a VERY PERSONAL matter. I felt so violated. I of course stumbled on all of my words and I’m sure yet again for one Q/A I got a date totally wrong by mistake bc I was confused. Now I’m waiting to see if I won or lost my case for back pay of every single payment since May 2020. I will appeal AGAIN AGAIN & AGAIN if need be and force my old boss to file that paperwork for the next (hopefully not) potential yet unwanted appeal hearing. IS THERE ANYWAY I CAN GET AROUND ALL THIS??? WHO CAN CALL? HOW DO I GET AHOLD OF MY STATE REPRESENTATIVE? WHAT EXACTLY CAN HE/SHE/THEY DO TO HELP? I live in Houston, TX.

    Reply
  2. Yes, They Are still Paying Out Back Pay
    I Lost My Job Back In March 2020
    I Applied In Mid August 2020, I Started Reviving Payments Right Away, They
    Sent Me The Forms For Back Pay,
    I Filled Them Out Sent Them Back In Got Denied, I REPEATEDLY Appealed & Still Denied
    Finally In Mid May 2021 I Got Through With TWC On The Phone, They Finally Corrected
    The Issue, 4 Days Later I Got Payed, The Sad Part Is They Only Paid Me For Every Other Week Of Payments From March 2020 – August 2020, So They Still Owe Me For All Weeks In Between, Because You Get Paid Every 2 Weeks and My Back Pay Was Only For Every Other Week, So Now I’m Trying To Get The Rest Of What They Owe Me And We Are Now In Mid July, This Is Straight Ridiculous, However I Would Suggest Calling Between 2pm & 5pm Wed. – Fri. Is More Easier To Get Through On Their (800)939-6631 Number JUST KEEP CALLING BACK TO BACK IF THE ONE REP DONT PUT YOU THROUGH KEEP CALLING TILL ONE DOES SOME IF THESE REPS ARE LAZY & JUST THERE FOR THE PAYCHECK & SOME ACTUALLY DO HAVE COMPASSION TO ACTUALLY PUT YOU THROUGH HOWEVER WHILE YOUR DOING THIS IF THEY DO PUT YOU THROUGH & YOUR ON HOLD LET PEOPLE & FAMILY KNOW YOUR ABOUT TO CALL TWC BECAUSE IF YOU GET THROUGH TO THEM &
    A CALL COMES IN WHILE YOUR ON THE PHONE WITH A TWC CASEWORKER, YOUR CALL GETS DROPPED & THEY WILL NOT CALL YOU BACK, THEN YOUR SCREWED & BACK AT SQUARE ONE !!! GOD BLESS & DO NOT LET THEM TELL YOU THEY ARE NOT. PAYING BACK PAY IT’S A JOKE, ASK FOR ANOTHER REPRESENTATIVE TO HELP YOU, THAT WORKER JUST DON’T WANNA DO
    THEIR JOB !!!

    Reply
    • Call your state representative and tell them what happened!
      Several people have done this when they can’t get through, can’t get answers, etc.

      Reply
    • My claim was investigated after I was approved for it in August of 2020. After a full year of paying nothing at all they finally realized 3000 …. However there are still 26 unpaid requests that occured during the pandemic enhancement program as the state was participating in it at the time . Will I get my back pay for all that money ? They drug their feet on the investigation… Why should I miss out on that money I was entitled to just like everyone else?

      Reply
  3. Twc Account got locked up benefits stop “fraud alert” I was then requested to complete ID.ME which I have done.
    3 weeks later still locked up my account leave a message with a voice mail never get a call back.
    So I havent been able to request my payments ?

    Any help would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • Mine did the same then when my last request trips balance to 0.00 it took 2 days to reset its happened 2 times to me . it cause the next payment to be one day late. But it came through

      Reply
    • Submit documents threw Twc documents portal, or the fraud division and they have I’d- me information there or at least you’re able to submit documents as well as inform them of the problems you’re having with I’d- me portal

      Reply
  4. I have received regular unemployment and then 13 weeks of PEUC, it is now showing that i have $0 remaining. Does anyone know if I will receive EB?

    Reply
    • EB program has ended in texas. The Extended Benefits Program (EB) is only available during periods of high state or national unemployment. TWC can only pay claimants EB when the 12-week Insured Unemployment Rate (IUR) is 5 percent or more.

      Reply
  5. Why is it that only states with Republican Governors are following this action? Obviously, Republicans are bitter of losing control in the White House so they decided to play their “Childish” political game – “Now we have power again”. Why do politicians endeavor to deceive the general public with economic metrics like “New Unemployment Claims”? This is not an accurate predication on economic recovery since the majority of the Workforce is already unemployed. That’s analogous to saying: a container does have a hoe after all of the water has leaked out. A more precise major would be how many of the unemployed from the previous month actually became employed. But these government official must really think we are stupid!

    Take it for what it’s worths, just a taught.

    Jonn De La Rosa

    Reply
  6. My claim week started jan.24th of this year I’m just now fixing to start receiving payments. Will TWC back pay the extra 300 weekly payments

    Reply
  7. Hello Andy,

    Today is April 24′ 2021. Please look into Texas still not updating their IT systems to facilitate ARP benefits. I’m showing a balance of zero in my ARP (until Sept 4th) claim and was not able to refile for the last 2 weeks of claims due to “expired end of benefit year”. Please, please bring attention to this!!!

    Reply
  8. Wow you guys here’s a doosy, i live in georgia, a few days ago my unemployment account had posted that my account was locked and to fix this I could reset my pin, and to do that you have 3 security questions on file with them that you should know the answers and then boom pin reset , yea but my questions had nothing to do with me what the hell do i do ?

    Reply
  9. It is absolutely ridiculous that a year later, the wait to speak to an actual TWC employee is still between 2 and 3 hours. I have spent more than 24 hours in total on hold waiting to reach someone that can help me. It is the most frustrating thing I have ever experienced. I am missing weeks that I should have been paid for while my claim was being reviewed which took more than 90 days, and I have been trying since January with no luck. The person that I last spoke to, which is only a temporary person answering the phone, told me the best way to get a call back was to request a call back on the chat robot on the TWC website. She said to be patient but that I should for sure get a response. I have made that request twice now. The first time I requested a call back, I decided after waiting six weeks to make another request. Its now been six weeks since my second request and still nothing. TWC either needs to offer more options like being able to email someone when you have a problem or just anything that doesn’t require people to have to spend countless hours waiting on hold.

    Reply
    • Hi, have you received any benefits at all for the ARP (Sept 4th claim)? I too have put in countless contact requests – I’ve even filed an appeal.I’ve written the Department of Labor, I’ve reached out to the Ombudsman and Clay Cole, with no responses. Every time I actually do get someone on the phone they’re a contractor who cannot help me at all, reading off the same tired script that leads to nowhere. I’ve actually had three of them hang up on me and never call me back. This is incredible!

      Reply
  10. Hey I applied for UI back in May of 2020 and was denied and never ever realized I was potentially approved for Disaster UI until last week because I was finally able to log in to my online account after speaking with a SNAP benefit worker who stated I was receiving UI and I was not. After checking into it , it appears they may have approved PUI benefits. How can I contact or who do I contact ? Will I be able to receive anything ? I’m so confused and now after being displaced , staying in an hotel , I could use any benefits I can especially if owed to me , please help share any info if possible. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  11. Okay I have been receiving an appointment up until December 26th but now after I try to do a payment request it tells me I am on I am not eligible to receive my payment name and it says zero what can I do and really need help

    Reply
  12. My HUP stopped October 09, 2020 because Texas fell below the threshold, I haven’t received anything since October 09,2020.. I had exhausted all my benefits. Will I be able to get the new extended benefits?

    Reply
  13. If my benefits were stopped because the unemployment rate dipped below 8% will they start up now that unemployment is above 8% now? I still had funds from my EB claim remaining. They stopped in October. I was not able to file a claim because of the unemployment rate and I still can’t. My industry (food & beverage) was destroyed and my place didn’t reopen.

    Reply
  14. I filed, unemployment, in feb and still have yet to receive regular unemployment much less covid disaster relief unemployment I was just qualified and I had until March 29th to put in my appeal which I tried to fax up to the very last day and I could not get through to anyone so when I finally was able to reach someone when they fix the online correspondence and website in May they denied me my appeal because I had filed in late. I’ve since put many other appeals in yet I didn’t get a reply until October sing I still have to work 6 weeks at 30 hours a week or make three times as much as my benefit payment it is now November 17th and I still have not received the payment I’ve been living off food stamps and now I don’t have transportation because I did not have the money to upkeep my car. Am I missing something? what should I do?

    Reply
  15. If you were previously receiving unemployment of any kind but have a zero balance, go to your online log in. On the left side of links, click on “Claims & Payment Status”, on that page – right above above “Claim Information” click on “Select another Claim”. This is where I found my Extended benefits claim I didn’t know I’d receive, (as I got no letter in my “correspondence” tab). It states I “have not requested payment for this new claim, BUT also says I “can’t request payment until Sept 20th”. I will say I’m very Blessed, so far I have received my payments semi regularly, albeit scattered & then caught up in a lump sum.

    I qualified originally for regular/traditional Unemployment, but only received 11 weeks of it, (not 26), then transferred into the 13 week Extended Benefits (which ran out this last check I receive this week). I don’t know if I’ll qualify for additional 7 weeks I’ve read about, or what will happen ?!? I’m just confused about original 11 weeks (vs 26). ***But grateful***.

    I truly hope this may be helpful, as someone, (hopefully many), will have another approved “Claim”, they will only find by going through all screens/steps above & finding “Select Another Claim”. I hope I explained it in a way that makes sense. All of my prayers are w/my fellow Texans & the Nation. I pray the government quits pulling each other’s hair like preschool babies & helps us.

    I was a nurse. (You’d think I’d be in high demand). I’m a single mom who’s 7th grade & 11th grade children just went back to “on site” school. I’ve received 5 automated calls of confirmed Covid, but today I received a call from a real person!… that my son has been “exposed/in close proximity to someone testing positive on Sept 2nd”. Their instructions/advice – check his temp every am & pm, look for fever, soreness, loss of smell & taste, diarrhea & headaches. (I suddenly have all of those just thinking about it). We’re in a very small rural town & I’m considering pulling them out for online. Online learning is hard when our older kids have all but passed us up, technology wise. **So sorry for this last rant** Just scared, frustrated & free falling.

    Reply
  16. I been trying to back date my claim for almost 3 months and can’t get anyone at TWC..I was laid off due to covid and applied and was booted off couldn’t log in..applied again in June got approved ,was asked if I wanted to back date ..of course..missed the call and have yet to speak to a live person..I think it’s only fair that is who are having trouble backdating .recieved the pay like the people who recieved the call from TWC asking a few questions and next day they had lump sums..is there anyone else we can call to help us ?

    Reply
    • I too had a 5 week time of it trying to log in & apply. I found getting online in the middle of the night was my best bet for being able to complete my application. Best of luck, I hope you’ve had success.

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    • So I have been on furlough since March stopped getting paid in August no explanation finally someone called me from TWC and said I needed to open a new claim I was told I would be back dated by the TWC agent who refiled now I just got a letter from TWC stating my benefits are being held? And I talked to an agent who said I will receive a payment on October 22 but no back pay.How is it my fault that I can’t get through. And when I did the crappy unknowledgeable contracted employee couldn’t help me.

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    • Dial their number when they first start at 7: am … I did this 3 times and got through. I had the number dialedd and watched the second hand count down and with 15 seconds till I dialed.

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      • You can also press 9 during that hold time at any time n e during that annoying wait on hold and it takes ur # and you don’t lose ur place in line. It works that’s the only wsy I got thru. They don’t let you know this pretty handy trick til ur about an hour in to waiting on hold if not longer.. I learned the hard way.. I refused to hang up the phone and would put it on speaker and go about my daily routine. Of course not accepting any incoming calls bc I was afraid to switch calls. But finally the automated recording suggests this option… it works. I got called back within 30 minutes. After trying for weeks to speak with someone about the message they put on ur claim that you need to contact TWC, but ya can’t bc no one does so u go crazy in the process. I hope that info helps. I’m not sure if it’s for a specific# & reason ur calling tWC but usually if ur on hold there’s someone there. If it doesn’t give you an option other than try again later and there hours of operation you’ll never have that opportunity.

        I think it’s sad. I’m disappointed in Govenor Abbott. Not all Texans receiving federal pandemic assistance and UI benefits are “lazy” and push people into jobs like herding cattle. And he acts 300.00 really goes far. I’d like to see him try and take care of his family on that, then someone tell him, he doesn’t need it anymore. He’s about numbers and he proved it. Yes I believe we will all get back to work when the timing is right for our different situations. There are so many that will be affected by this ,even tho we knew it was coming eventually BUT not in June… I pray for my fellow texans. I’m pretty conservative In my political views.. but this whole pandemic with covid 19 has humbled me and made me see things at a different perspective. God speed yall.. Governor enjoy ur good comfortable life while people who voted for you struggle, and made this state so GREAT making ur numbers,, they get to worry about what they’re gonna do to take care of their families.. even forced into a minimum wage job they are over qualified for.. 10 weeks may not seem like much to you. But to some it changes SO much.

        Reply
  17. Anyone know what is up with the HUP benefits that TX was informed of by the DOL? This was supposed to extend those who had exhausted the 26 weeks on your state benefits, and the 13 weeks under the PEUC for an additional 7 weeks. It utter BS that so many people can’t get through to the Tele-Serve, and still haven’t received squat. It does not surprise me, as Texas never was the bastion of freedom and intelligence.
    My state and PEUC just expired and the idiots at TWC show they paid me $821.00, ($521 + 300 for the LWA, yet my payment for the last two weeks is $1721.00.??? They supposedly upgraded their antiquated computer systems, but from what I am reading on here, it seems not. I am sorry my fellow Americans that your country has failed you, yet again. America, putting a band-aid on everything for well over a hundred years. Pretty harsh words there by that one fellow. Don’t judge a person, unless you have walked a mile in their shoes. Hell, if things don’t change and quick, we might all be out there on those mean streets.

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  18. Same to exact story. It’s seems like they will not pay back pay. Even though the governor stated back pay will be paid. Did you appeal. Please someone let us know I’d they were successful and how they achieved success.

    Reply
    • HI, I was able to receive my backpay by doing the following. I waited one morning watching the clock and when it said 6:59:30 I dialed the number saving the very last one for exactly 5 sec. before 7 ( my phone dials a sec after you input ) anyways…..I was placed on hold for about 30 minutes and someone answered. I explained my situation to her and needing the backpay. She very simply told me to look into my correspondence box and she would be sending me the forms that i needed to feel out and return to them. I went in my box maybe a day or two later and they were there. All they are literally is just pre dated unemployment request forms for the weeks I was wanted (and qualified) to request payment. I filled each one out and mailed it in to the address on the papers and then in pretty much exactly 4 weeks, I received all of the backpay that i was eligible to receive which dated back to the very first week they issues the $600. I told a friend how to do this and she did and it was like clock work exact same thing for her and she receivd hers as well.

      Reply
  19. In regards to Retroactive payments:

    I was also unemployed since the middle of March when it was ordered that businesses shut down due to the covid19 pandemic. I finally get through in late June and applied and was hoping to get my payments backdated. I called constantly and never got anyone to pick up. I Requested call back in the chat box on the site and even waited 2 weeks later; no one called. Read some reddit threads and finally found a few emails. Didn’t get any reply at first, but I kept emailing. Finally, they replied and told me to go back on the twc site. That was when I emailed them back about how it’s been a mos and I’ve tried all that Etc. I finally get a call a few days later. They asked me some questions. I Verified my identity. Two days later (today) I get a notice in my correspondence inbox that they will not backdate my payments. They said it is because I have not “shown a good cause.” Omgsh are you kidding me?? I’m so confused because I have read many times on the site itself, that via covid19, They’d back date those claims since the system was being overwhelmed.
    I do remember that during the call they asked me why did I apply in June instead of right away and I had told them that my reasoning was because of the not being able to get through to them via calling and using Larry the chat box. Also miscommunication between my work and I. They had sent out instructions on how to apply and what to specifically put down for the employer address etc.. which they mistyped my email, therefore I was not aware of the information I needed to use to apply. It wasn’t until my manager texted me about the rehire process which she sent in the email. That was when we both realized that they had my email wrong. I’ve returned to work and I don’t want to have to go through that ordeal again of calling and waiting and trying to get someone to reply to my emails etc. I have the option to appeal but I just cannot continue to rely on that money. I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to backdate payments. Rightfully in regards to the pandemic, it should’ve been automatic.

    Reply
    • Same thing with me.They say they are retro pay and would not be penalized for not being able to get through to them.And having no other way to do so.Some of my ex coworkers got there retro pay and they were laid off the same day I was and were unable to get through. I was laid off March 19 and did not start receiving benefits till May 3rd.And my coworkers got the 600 back pay. I started requesting my retro pay on May 3rd asking to speak to someone through Larry on the chat box.I got my 1st call back in July and the lady what wanted and I said retro pay she said I can not help me and hung up on me.So I ask Larry for call back again.4 more times more and they took my info and said they would have to verify my claim and I would be calling me back on the matter.How many times did I get that call.Zero none.So I call the ombudsmen and told them the problems I was having and they put me in touch with one of there experts and they gave me the same excuse they give you WTF!!!! I am now working with an employment attorneys to try and get this resolved and off they are successful they get half. After all countless hours of calling and having to carry my phone like it was attached to my hip.How can they discriminate us like that. I will let you know what happens.

      Reply
  20. RE: Retroactive unemployment and/or back pay. I just spoke with a TWC representative about back pay PUA, since I applied in July but am self-employed and have not had significant/steady income since March. She said that they stopped offering this a month ago. This is really unfortunate because I didn’t apply earlier hoping that work would pick up, i.e. pandemic go bye bye, but that is not the case. I hope at least the US Govt extends the $600.

    Reply
  21. How to get retroactive unemployment. I’ve been unemployed since March 15, but because I couldn’t get through to file a claim until recently. They set my start week June 1st. But it should of started April 1st

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    • I just got off the phone with TWC and was told that they are no longer giving retroactive PUA and/or back pay. She said that they stopped about a month ago. Not the news I was hoping for.

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      • That is not true. I called 18778923024 and this line brings you strait to a t w c agent. Not one contracted. The lady I spoke to put in my request for retro payments today. She said to keep an i on my correspondence box for my forms.

        Reply
  22. I started receiving my unemployment and PUA but didn’t get any back pay. Is Texas still giving back pay? I was out of work since March 17th but couldn’t get through to apply until May. Do I even qualify for back pay?

    Reply
      • I want to see the answer to this question too. I only recently, in July, was able to get through with my application. It still says TWC is reviewing my app. I put that I’ve been out of work since March so will I get back pay from March or July when I got through?

        Reply
        • Same here. I was finally able to file on July 23. Now I am being told that since I didn’t apply in March when I self-quarantined I cannot get retroactive payments. I’m curious if anyone at the TWC has attempted to use their website or call their phone line. Calling the site and phone lines trash is an understatment. I was finally able to enter the website by chance – my sister just happened to find my TWC password written down on a piece of paper in one of her desk drawers…

          It seems like TWC will do anything not to pay benefits. It’s ridiculous.

        • You will get it if you request it after your approved. You should get it from the day you said you were last employed.

    • Did anyone ever get answer about backpay? I too was unable to get thru and finally got claim done on june 7 but unemplyed since march 8- i only recvd from june 7. Anybody know what i can do? The 800# is impossible and payment request wont let me go back to march. Thanks for any help!

      Reply
        • Hi,
          Yes, I was unable to get through TWC. I’ve tried to do paper payment request. There is a form send out when first applied. It’s your info on there with 14 questions (Yes/No) . It has a fax number at the bottom right corner 512 936 3250. Print the form, change out the date request, sign, date & fax. Also include a letter stating that you’ve tried to request the claim to be backdate but the phone line is extremely hard to get through. Good luck-

        • I had to keep calling to speak with an actual TWC employee . The first person you get is a twc contract worker who cannot do anything with your pandemic assistance or your backpay . You have to have the twc contract employees forward you to an actual TWC STAFF who can access your more sensitive information. I finally got through to them on a Sunday morning at 7 am on the dot! I asked her to please ask me the questions for my back pay all the way back to March 22 I think. And she asked me the questions on the phone for all the weeks and my answers were the same for all weeks. She then said she would be mailing me the forms to fill out and sign and fax back, because the online payment request is not able to request back pay, thats only for current payments. So, I was actually watching the mailbox for the paperwork, after 2 weeks I was just looking around on the TWC website on my account I was logged in to and in the correspondence inbox there they were in the correspondence so when she said they were mailing them to me she meant mailing them to my correspondence inbox on the TWC website so that was real confusing cuz I had been watching the actual mailbox in the front yard for 2 weeks anyway so I had to find somewhere to go print these out I finally got all that paperwork printed out filled it all out found a place that I could fax it from it cost me I don’t know five bucks to send all the paperwork faxed it all back to him was so glad that I finally got that done and then I was looking at the paperwork one night and I realized at the top it said regular unemployment benefits and I thought to myself oh my God I don’t get regular unemployment benefits I’m I’m self-employed I receive pandemic and employment benefits so I had to call them and that’s when I was finally able to get through to somebody on a Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. on the dot I explained that she had sent me the wrong paperwork that I needed it for Dua or pua it’s the same thing okay not for regular unemployment cuz I’m self-employed okay so he straightened it out on the phone just so happens a guy that I work with was in the room with me when I got a hold of them and he was in the same situation and the very nice gentleman at TWC on the phone said he would handle my friends issue while he was on the phone with me so that was great just hang in there I think that they’re doing the best that they can do I think I got my back paycheck after I finally got the right paperwork I asked him I said can we just do this by phone please just let me do this by phone and he did I mean he was if you long as you get to a TWC actual employee not the TWC contract employee which is the first person that answers the phone but the actual TWC staff member employee they can take your questions to fill out anything and all of it by phone as long as you get them on the phone they can do it all right there so good luck and I will check back on this website again if anybody has any questions for me okay thanks.

      • Yes. Email [email protected]( may be .net) you can google it with the first part. They have to call you and file the claim for you. They will not go all the way back until March unless you gave proif you tried to apply. They only let me go back to middle of April. I got a phone call on Saturday morning and then a call back on Monday to file the claim and the mobey showed up Wednesday.

        Reply
  23. Yes I applied for benfits I got denied cause I dont have no wages recorded I get paid cash in self employed why dony I quilfly

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    • You do . You need to request payment on the website. I was denied for UI and didn’t know I was approved for PUA. You have to request payment.

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      • To all who apply for DUA and PUA benefits once your account is set up on TWC and pin is established log i n and the always pay close attention to the correspondence box because all information relating to regular and DUA unemployment is located there! donot concern yourself with regular benefits because Dua is what most of us qualify for .So press but that indicates DUA and it Allows you to start bi wekly payment request etc. good luck and this should help others to navigate much better.

        Reply
    • You need to apply. Then you will receive a denile. Then they will start you automaticly. Then they will ask for proof of income. I used my contract invoices.

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    • I’m so sorry to hear this. Will they accept tax return self employment Schedule C as proof ? If they open this to self employed applicants, they MUST give a few/ several ways to show income (or what they deem “proof”).

      Reply
  24. I had already exhausted my benefits for the year and just started a new job. After two weeks I was laid off due to the pandemic. I filed a claim and it said I was Approved to receive benefits. When looking at my claim status, it said “Benefits Remaining: $0”. I thought that was odd, seeing as how I was approved, but chalked it up to TWC upgrading their systems to handle to traffic and call volume increase. When it was my day to make a payment request, it became even more confusing- it said again I have no benefits, but then took me to the screen of questions to make the payment request. I successfully made the payment request, but the next day I got something in my inbox that made absolutely NO SENSE about how my total payment amount was $0. One week said the payment amount was “**$469”, the 2nd week said my benefit amount was $375, but at the bottom it says: “Total payment: 0$”
    Anyone else have this problem?

    Reply
    • Yes, Igot the letter that showed I have exhausted my benefits and I can’t get through to ask someone i am very upset!

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      • Try calling the employer number..thats what i had to do..and i got laid off in February….just google it…hope it helps…i got thru on the first call..

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      • Sharon, I’m so sorry. I too ran out of my regular UI after 11 weeks (not 26)… But…
        I found once you log in, click on the “Claims and Payment Status” link on the left side & once on that page, right above the “Claim Information” line, clock on the barely visible light blue “Select Another Claim to View”. That is where I found they had approved & set up my EB(extended benefits). It says to “you haven’t requested a payment, please do so”, on the new claim screen, but when I do, it says, “too early, request payment Sept 20th”…. I Pray it works, come 9/20 and I hope everything works out for you !

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    • Same for me they haven’t gotten to the exhausted claims still it’s been 6 weeks of no payment but I keep requesting payment and haven’t heard nothing can’t get thru the lines so I checked my email and tec sent out a email saying may 9 they are sending out letters to exhausted claims members and will go from there so start looking for mail

      Reply
    • Apply in April got my denial paper on July 13!! Unemployment denied me because they said because i stop working to care for my child due to school closure is not a good reason to stop working! Wtf! I appeal my case..

      Reply
    • Steve
      Your situation is similar to mine. I exhausted my benefits prior covid. I found employment right before covid shut down. I worked for about a month when the world came to a stop. I had to relocate because the job I got was not stable and I couldn’t pay my rent bills, i moved across the state with family. This is late March early April when Im homeless out of money with no possible way to file due to exhausted benefits. Come May I get letter in the mail stating I may qualify for pandemic emergency benefits, I apply online for it. Comes June no word from TWC, I try calling to no avail, no word at all from TWC , I wait for July I apply for regular unemployment again , I get approved I make payment request . I get no response correspondence from TWC , I continue to make payment request to no avail try calling TWC no avail , all I get on my TWC account is TWC is reviewing my case if they need more information from me they will contact me. I keep making payment requests . I continue to call but I can’t get in touch with TWC representative. It’s now August and I continue to do that same with absolutely no response from TWC .

      Reply
      • I’m from a different state, I’ve lived here for a couple of years now. It hinted before, but since this pandemic started it’s very obvious to me that TWC and other Texas agencies are seriously shady. I’ve had had major issues in different areas trying to get help that’s owed to all of us. This is federal money that is being issued to states each month for a specific purposes, and some major Texas agencies are doing more to help you not qualify for something you’re owed, than help you during these extremely hard stressful times. There’s the Care’s Act in place to supposedly ease stress and help families through these hard times, but I do not feel Texas is following all the rules. It’s so stressful and beyond frustrating. Also, there has been no compassion from any of these agencies for the situation we’re dealing with. If not for this pandemic, I would be working 2 job’s right now, doing very well. Instead I feel like I’m being punished, my children and I. I feel like I need a law degree to go through the information get all the facts straight, so that when I speak to these Texas state agency workers I can prove to them I am aware of what procedures they are supposed to following. Otherwise, (yes I’m saying it, it’s a FACT) Some workers at these “major” Texas agencies will flat out “LIE” to you so you can not get the help you deserve on purpose. ..I must add, “in time”, because they’re aware of deadlines that will disqualify you. I’m very confused why it’s so hard to get help at a time like this. A lot of these state workers are still trying to implement normal pre-covid POLICY for specific things the government says to waive during this time, and if you don’t prove it to them, they will flat out LIE to you. I’m wondering, when a government covid program has reached it’s deadline, all the billion’s of dollars the government issues every month to State government agencies for different programs, does the State agencies take the left over money and get raises or bonuses???? Because I feel they aren’t following all the rules and procedures and helping people the way they should at a time like this. In June I finally got in to make claim, an eventually started receiving payments. Every day I would call and get automatically dropped. If finally got through last week and asked about 600 dollar retro pay because from mar, April,may because I was supposed to be working all those months. The TWA worker said it’s only from my claim date in June. Is it my fault I literally couldn’t get in before that date so I’m just out of luck?? I read these extra 600 dollars payments are retractive from March or April. Does anyone know the exact law on this specifically, and clearly?

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  25. I haven’t received anything from Texas Workforce Commission yet, I got through 1 time with receiving any help with my case, I don’t even think the call centers are quilified to help those with unusual cases. This is extremely frustrating, to say the least. You would think they would try to handle the cases that were already on file. SMH.

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  26. Why should I care about this cause there is alot of people that is living on the streets and they are living off of SSI and SSDI and the have already received there Stimulus Payment and here I am and I hand not yet seen mine at all I already sent a message to the IRS and no response back oh well I guess all they want to do is take and give to the ones that want to put the NEEDLE in there arm or SUCK ON THE GLASS PIPE and DO THERE LIL CRACK as they do. I am married and we do not hardly have any food I need to stay home I have EPYLYPSY and COPD and my wife stays here with me saying andday out and we will be at risk atlosing our place due to the IRS REPEAT I AM ON SSI

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    • This is very accusatory and angry. just because you re struggling in a different way does not make you more important. People who did their taxes in 2019 and don’t have any offsets were served first look in the mirror buddy!!! This is your fault!

      Reply
      • Well said! Those were some pretty harsh comments made on his fellow american peers – we are all flawed to a point & we all face battles of some kind weather it be addiction or other cripling events!! Compassion is the only Effective remedy- your response was perfect! After all- “we are in this together” right???
        Have a blessed day!

        Reply
    • How rude how hurtful how evil how bitter it’s just awful just horrible shameful God doesn’t like ugly and you get out of life what you put into it so I guess that’s why you are where you are

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    • I’m sorry you’re hurt & please know your struggle isn’t worse or less than others, just different. I’m a nurse (you’d think I’d be in high demand, but NO… not in my small rural town). Single mother of 2 teenagers, trying to keep my financial (& all other) obligations taken care of… so my children don’t worry & they feel secure & focus on school, health, etc. **I know MANY children don’t have that security & I get sad, frustrated… & pray!
      However; in all the chaos of this, I’ve never assumed who got what amount before me or what they did w/it. But, we are a STRONG NATION, we have to stand together & get through this, TOGETHER, not divided. I hope the best for you, truly.
      The Government fighting like children doesn’t help the moral of the people, but let’s be above them, don’t let that energy turn things worse.

      Reply

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