The deadline for jobless Texans to file for emergency unemployment benefits has been extended from February 27 to April 3, 2010, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced today. This new filing deadline allows long-term claimants to continue receiving unemployment benefits.

Congress approved this deadline extension before qualified claimants faced a gap in receiving benefits. Claimants should continue to request unemployment benefit payments on their scheduled day.

Claimants who are currently receiving emergency unemployment benefits may find updated information on their claims at http://ui.texasworkforce.org, or by calling UI Tele-Serv at 1-800-558-8321 and pressing option 2. There is no need to call TWC to qualify for this extension unless claimants receive a letter telling them to call.

Emergency unemployment benefits are entirely federally funded, so Texas employers will not be charged for any claims paid on this extension.

Currently, approximately 385,000 Texans who would have lost their emergency unemployment benefits are eligible for continuation of emergency benefits without delay.

The Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and the services it offers in cooperation with its network of local workforce development boards, call (512) 463-8556 or visit www.texasworkforce.org.