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One requirement of receiving unemployment is to continuously be looking for work, unless exempt.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Juan Figueroa\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n
Dallas city employees will begin scheduled furloughs<\/a> Friday, with most workers expected to take several unpaid days off this year. Several D-FW employers have also announced layoffs, including JPMorgan Chase<\/a> in Plano and Microsoft<\/a> in Richardson.\u00a0<\/p>\n North Texans facing layoffs or reduced work hours may qualify for state unemployment benefits, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Here\u2019s who qualifies in Texas, how much money you could receive and when to apply.\u00a0<\/p>\n What are unemployment benefits in Texas?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Unemployment benefits<\/a> in Texas can provide temporary, partial income while individuals look for a new job. According to the commission, benefits are paid by employers through state taxes and reimbursements.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Texans who qualify for unemployment benefits could receive from $75 to $605 per week<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Sarah Fischer, press officer for the Texas Workforce Commission, said in an email that individuals should try to get the furlough notice or separation agreement in writing, if possible, to help with applying for benefits.\u00a0<\/p>\n Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?\u00a0<\/p>\n Fischer said Texans who have lost their job or are working reduced hours, through no fault of their own, may be eligible for unemployment.\u00a0<\/p>\n The commission determines eligibility based on past wages, job separation circumstances and meeting ongoing eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n According to the Texas Workforce Commission, examples<\/a> of unemployment that could qualify include:<\/p>\n However, any kind of separation pay or severance package must be reported to the Texas Workforce Commission. Under Texas law, individuals cannot receive unemployment while on certain types of severance pay, so the commission will determine whether individuals qualify based on the severance package.<\/p>\n More information about how other money sources can affect unemployment benefits can be found on the commission\u2019s website, twc.texas.gov<\/a>. Search for unemployment benefits program.<\/p>\n When can I apply for unemployment?\u00a0<\/p>\n Texans can apply for unemployment benefits the first day they are no longer working, Fischer\u00a0said.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The claim would start on the Sunday of the week an individual applies for benefits. Individuals should not apply until after their last workday.\u00a0<\/p>\n Can I qualify for unemployment if I was furloughed?<\/p>\n Any employee whose work hours or pay is reduced can apply for unemployment benefits.\u00a0<\/p>\n Fischer said employees who are furloughed for specific dates, such as Dallas city employees who will be furloughed for several nonconsecutive days this year, could also apply for benefits.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe individual could keep their claim open by requesting payment every two weeks and reporting their earnings, or they can stop requesting payment when they are not furloughed and apply again the next time they have reduced hours,\u201d Fischer said.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Related<\/strong>: Some Dallas city services are closed Friday. Here are the departments hit by furloughs<\/a><\/p>\n How long can I receive unemployment benefits for?\u00a0<\/p>\n Texans can receive unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks, Fischer said.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, the actual number of weeks eligible Texans can receive unemployment benefits is based on past wages that were used to calculate the weekly and maximum benefit amount for the claim.\u00a0<\/p>\n To continue receiving benefits, Texans must continue to request payment<\/a> every two weeks and remain eligible. Ongoing eligibility requirements can be found on the commission\u2019s website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n One requirement of receiving unemployment is to continuously be looking for work, unless exempt. Fischer said the commission works with more than 170 local Workforce Solutions Offices statewide, such as Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas<\/a>, that assist with job search, resume resources, interview preparation and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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