Texas Workforce Commission Will No Longer Accept COVID-19 for Job Refusal

SAN ANGELO, TX -- This week the Texas Workforce Commission announced those receiving unemployment benefits will no longer be able to claim COVID-19 as a reason to refuse a job.

Last year the guidelines were put in place to protect individuals at high risk of contracting coronavirus.

"The decline in COVID cases in Texas, widespread availability of vaccines, and greater availability of services such as child care renders such guidance out of date as Texas ends certain federal unemployment programs with the benefit week ending June 26, 2021 and Texas’ economy continues to recover," said TWC in a statement.

Both federal and state laws require individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits to actively search for work, and be able and available to work. Individuals who refuse a suitable work offer may result in a loss of benefits.