GETTING HELP CORONAVIRUS

HOUSTON – As Texas continues smashing unemployment records, many people who are out of work are still struggling to find jobs, file claims, and collect benefits. Since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Texas in March, the Texas Workforce Commission says it’s helped more than 3.4 million Texans file for unemployment insurance and paid out $14.4 billion in benefits. Scott Leonard, 60, of Seabrook is a former petrochemical project manager who has been waiting six weeks for benefits. “Oh I’ve called at least a hundred times or more, every day, different times of the day,” he said. A spokesperson tells us while the agency is still slammed with applications, the unemployment crisis in Texas is improving.

Consumer expert Amy Davis is answering some of the most common questions she’s getting about the application process. A: Usually in Texas, you can only collect unemployment benefits for 26 weeks. A: When a claimant applies for unemployment benefits TWC sends the last employer a “Notice of Application for Unemployment Benefits” that asks the employer to provide information regarding why the claimant lost their job. If an employer does not respond or does not respond on time, they can lose their right to appeal any decision TWC makes about the claim. TWC does not reach out to the employer if they do not respond on time or at all.

Dial 2-1-1 find out if an agency near you provides diaper assistanceWhere to find deals:RetailMeNot offers coupons and promo codes for baby items to hundreds of stores. Houstons Food for Babies program provides free emergency formula assistance to eligible parents. The nonprofit also provides baby cereal and jarred baby foods when the items are in stock. The ministrys Gabriel Project provides assistance to qualifying low-income pregnant women and new parents. Baby items and supplies are given as needed and available.

MortgagesHomeowners struggling to pay their mortgage should contact their loan servicer to discuss payment options. Some states are offering rent assistance, like Delaware, which offers up to $1,500 to residents struggling to pay rent or electric bills because of coronavirus. Student loansThose with federal student loans may not have to make payments through September 30, as the government is suspending payments and waiving interest on federal student loans for six months. The six-month suspension and interest waiver applies only to federally held loans, roughly 85% of federal student loans. That includes Direct federal loans, as well as PLUS loans that parents may have taken out on behalf of their children.