Unemployed Texas receive boost from stimulus dollars

Additional $25 Per Week
in Unemployment Benefits Tops $100 Million

Unemployed Texas receive boost from stimulus dollars

AUSTIN - The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has distributed more than $100
million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) unemployment funds
since February 22, 2009, when ARRA provided a $25 increase to weekly
unemployment benefits.

Eligible Texans began receiving the additional amount in unemployment
benefits beginning mid-March. The increase is effective for all initial
claims filed through December 26, 2009.

"The $100 million for increased unemployment benefits supplied by the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is being pumped back into the Texas
economy," said TWC Chairman Tom Pauken.

The increase is federally funded, and Texas employers do not contribute the
additional benefits. TWC administers unemployment benefits to workers who
become unemployed through no fault of their own and are actively seeking
work.

Claimants may receive unemployment benefit information online through
texasworkforce.org or by using our e-mail form. A staff member will call you
back within 48 hours. Claimants may also contact a UI Tele-Center listed
below:


Austin local: (512) 340-4300
Dallas local: (214) 252-1200
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: (800) 939-6631

Reemployment services are available through Texas Workforce Centers at
www.texasworkforce.org or by accessing http://www.WorkInTexas.com for
information.