Gov. Abbott Ends Texas Federal Unemployment Benefits

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Gov. Abbott wants Texans to get back to work.

Starting this weekend, Texas businesses that are hiring will likely see a record flood of job applications being submitted.

Texas Federal Unemployment Benefits will end after tomorrow, Saturday, June 26th.

Gov. Abbott offers his thoughts to Texans, "The Texas economy is booming and employers are hiring in communities throughout the state," adding, “According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the number of job openings in Texas is almost identical to the number of Texans who are receiving unemployment benefits."

It's with that in mind Gov. Abbott announced on May 17th that Texas is opting OUT of ALL federal unemployment assistance programs after tomorrow, June 26th. And, this also includes the additional $300.00 weekly benefit Congress had previously approved earlier this year.

But wait, there is more.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits Texans receive will end as well, which greatly affects Texans who are self-employed and needed additional support throughout the pandemic to keep their doors open.

Where can I get more information?

You can read the full announcement from the Office of the Governor of Texas here.

The news came as a shock to thousands of Texans who receive unemployment benefits, who now have this last weekend to decide if they haven't already, whether if they are able to go back, they will, or if they are not able, what life will be like for their families without the benefits.

Why are the benefits ending?

One of the biggest reasons given by Gov. Abbott in his official announcement that he is ending federal unemployment benefits for Texas has to do with the growing number of fraudulent unemployment claims, which is estimated to be AT LEAST 18 percent of claims, which if paid, would be estimated to be worth 10.4 billion dollars. 

10.4 billion dollars in fraudulent claims.

Sadly, this means that those who will suffer the most are likely those that really needed the benefits the most.