Looking for Work

Workforce Solutions offices have resource rooms with computers, copy machines, phones, and fax machines to assist in your job search. Many employers post their jobs on the company website or through online job databases. Don't forget to tell your friends and family that you are looking for a job. Networking is a great way to learn about available work. Remember, not every job opportunity is publicly advertised.

Job Training

If your layoff was certified by the U.S. Dept. of Labor as Trade Adjusted, you will receive a letter from the Texas Workforce Commission. When you receive the letter, visit your nearest workforce center as soon as possible to retain expanded training benefits available through Trade Adjustment Asssitance (TAA). View other training options.

Financial Tips

There are a number of resources available to help you plan for the financial impact of a layoff. Financial or credit counselors may be able to assist you in developing a plan to pay off debts, establish a household budget, and provide suggestions for how to manage your retirement accounts such as your 401k.

Retirement Benefits and Health Insurance

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) provides employees and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits through their former employer for a limited period of time under certain circumstances. For more information, visit the US Dept. of Labor’s section on continuation of health coverage.

If you have been laid off from your job and you do not wish to continue your health insurance through COBRA, you may want to research your options in the private insurance market. Many private insurance carriers offer health insurance coverage for individuals and families. Don’t forget to check with an accountant to see if there are any tax benefits to purchasing your own health insurance. Click here for more information on Protecting Retirement and Health Benefits after Job Loss. 

Dependent upon your age, the age of your spouse or the age of your children, you may choose to research other options for healthcare insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP / Children’s Medicaid.

Retirement and Health Care Coverage...Questions and Answers for Dislocated Workers

Retirement and Health Care Coverage...Questions and Answers for Dislocated Workers (Spanish)

Filing for Unemployment

All unemployment claims are handled by the Texas Workforce Commission. You must apply for unemployment benefits by phone or online. To file for unemployment benefits by calling the telecenter, call (800) 939-6631, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If you are a dislocated worker, you must register in WorkInTexas.com within three days of filing for your unemployment insurance benefits.



Housing Assistance

The following housing assistance resources can be helpful during a time of unemployment, hardship, or reduction of income.

Making Homes Affordable

TXHousingSearch.org