Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend (WFSCB) is closely watching recommendations from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in monitoring the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness worldwide.
If you are in need of services, we ask that you please work with us remotely. Call us at (361) 882-7491 rather than stopping by in person to get the best service possible and help keep our community healthy.
Stay healthy and safe. We will see you soon. Thank you for your patience.
Job Seekers
If you’re looking for work or workers, visit WorkInTexas.com.
No Homebound Veterans Left Behind
Nueces County Veterans Service and the Coastal Bend Food Bank are giving food to veterans that have to stay at home due to age, an illness or disability.
For more information on how to receive these services, call 361-888-0820 Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or email DeLaCerda@nuecesco.com
Resources By County
Community partners offer assistance during your time of need. Find your county in the list below for contact information.
Workforce Orientation for Applicants (WOA) Choices Program Regional Schedule
Please see the following note regarding the WOA requirements and how we can assist you during this time.
Texas Workforce Commission Update on Unemployment Insurance Benefits
March 17, 2020
Waiting Week and Search Requirements Waived for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
To support the impact the COVID-19 virus is having on the state’s economy and its workforce, the waiting week and search requirements are being waived for Unemployment Benefits. The waiting week is the first payable week of an individual’s claim for Unemployment Benefits.
Those seeking to apply for Unemployment Benefits will need to submit an application. In order to apply you will need:
- Last employer’s business name and address
- First and last dates (month, day and year) you worked for your last employer
- Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked this week (including Sunday)
- Information related to your normal wage
- Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen or national)
Additional Assistance
State benefit programs help people with little or no money who are in need. To apply for SNAP Food Benefits, TANF Cash Help, WIC Food Benefits, Health Care and other Support Services, visit YourTexasBenefits.com
About COVID-19
If you are feeling ill or want to learn more about COVID-19, please visit the following site to learn what to do if you’re sick, testing information, symptoms, and prevention tips to help share facts, not fear. You can find the current Texas case count on the DSHS News Updates page.
This is a rapidly evolving situation and WFSCB is working to get important information regarding services being provided. Follow, Like, and Share on all social media platforms to stay updated! Stay safe, healthy and alert.
Employer Resources
Employers are encouraged to enroll in the Shared Work program as an alternative to layoffs. For more information about the Shared Work Program and to apply visit the twc.texas.gov/businesses/shared-work. However, if you are faced with temporary or permanent layoffs of 10 or more employees, you may qualify to enroll in the Mass Claims program. Please see this FAQ Sheet or visit TWC’s COVID-19 Resources for Employers page for more information.
Child Care & Early Learning COVID-19 Information
Update – March 24, 2020
Attention Child Care Providers and Parents
WFSCB continues to receive child care updates from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) during this public health crisis. This update contains information regarding the impact of absences during the COVID-19 Pandemic on children’s regular attendance; when a child’s active referral payment rate should change from a “blended” rate to a “full-time” rate; what should happen if a parent is unable to pay their parent share of cost (PSC) fee; and discontinuation of provider payments.
Click Here To Read More…
Update – March 17, 2020
Many families and child care programs that participate in the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) subsidized child care program have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, TWC’s three-member Commission approved the following actions to mitigate the impact:
- Effective March 1, 2020, children may accrue absences without impacting ongoing eligibility for services or provider reimbursements. TWC will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and make a future determination on when this absence policy will conclude. Providers will continue to be paid, if children are absent, or if the provider is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
- Workforce development boards are authorized to make supplemental payments to child care programs to cover lost parent share of cost payments. TWC will issue further guidance on calculating supplemental payments.
We are closely following the states guidelines and posting information on all social media platforms and on our website as it becomes available. Please Like, Follow and Share Posts and Subscribe to the WFSCB E-Mail List to stay informed.
For more information, please see Child Care & Early Learning COVID-19 Information. To apply for Child Care Services, visit wfscb.org/child-care.