The coronavirus is severely harming the United States economy. As governments put in place social distancing protocols to prevent the spread of the virus, businesses are closing and workers are getting laid off. These laid off workers are seeking unemployment benefits.

The federal Employment and Training Administration announced new guidance outlining state flexibilities in administering their unemployment insurance programs to assist Americans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Under the guidance, federal law permits significant flexibility for states to amend their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits in multiple scenarios related to COVID-19. For example, federal law allows states to pay benefits where:

• An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work;

• An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over; and

• An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member.

In addition, federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.

In Texas, Gov. Abbott has instructed the Texas Workforce Commission to waive the usual 7-day waiting week for unemployment benefits.

The TWC is also waiving the requirement that unemployment applicants register on WorkinTexas.com as a part of the application process.

Here's how Texas workers who are out of work as a result of the pandemic can apply for unemployment benefits online:

1. Log on or create a new account on the Texas Workforce Commission website.

2. You'll need your:

- Social Security number

- Last employer’s business name, address and phone number

- First and last dates (month, day, and year) you worked for your last
employer

- Number of hours you worked and your pay rate if you worked during the week you apply (including Sunday)

- Military employment (service) start/end dates and a copy of your DD Form 214(s)(member copy 4 through 8), if you served in the military during the past 18 months

- Alien Registration number (if not a U.S. citizen or national)

3. Enter your personal information, most recent employment details, and payment option.

The TWC compiled a detailed step-by-step PowerPoint to guide you through the application process.

4. Review and submit your application. Your application is not complete until you submit it and receive a confirmation number.

5. Confirm your claim and complete the Next Steps section of the application.

6. Check your claim status online.

Thanks to the San Antonio Express News for the step-by-step instructions.