Governor suspends seven-day wait for jobless aid after Hurricane Beryl

Governor Greg Abbott has suspended the seven-day waiting period for certain state unemployment insurance claimants who have become unemployed due to Hurricane Beryl. This decision follows a disaster proclamation issued on July 5, 2024, which was amended in subsequent proclamations, certifying that Hurricane Beryl posed an imminent threat of disaster in specific Texas counties.

Hurricane Beryl struck the Texas coast on July 8, 2024, causing significant destruction to infrastructure and posing threats to public safety. The hurricane resulted in loss of life, widespread human suffering, loss of income, property damage, and interruption of essential services and supplies. Many places of employment sustained damage or had to close due to circumstances related to the hurricane, leading to a lack of work and loss of salaries.

The current seven-day waiting period for certain state unemployment insurance claims has been identified as a hardship for workers and employees who are totally or partially unemployed due to the disaster. In response, Governor Abbott has exercised his authority under Section 207.0212 of the Texas Labor Code to suspend this waiting period requirement.

The suspension applies if an individual is:

1. Unemployed as a direct result of a natural disaster that led to the major disaster declaration (FEMA-4798-DR) issued by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

2. Otherwise eligible for unemployment compensation benefits under the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act.

3. Not receiving disaster unemployment assistance benefits for the period included in that waiting period.

This executive order supersedes all previous conflicting orders and will remain effective until modified or rescinded by the governor.

Governor Abbott signed this order on July 15, 2024.

Attested by Secretary of State Jane Nelson.