Losing a job for any reason can be scary. If you have been laid off or lost your position due to COVID-19, filing for unemployment is the first thing you need to do.
The federal government partners with the State of Texas to administer unemployment benefits.
- U.S. Department of Labor general eligibility guidelines.
- You can apply for unemployment benefits by visiting the Texas Workforce Commission View tutorial How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits Online
You can also apply by phone at 1-800-939-6631. You may have an extended wait period either online or on the phone because of the high volume of applicants. The TWC asks that Texans call based on their area code. See Workforce Solutions Contact Information
- There are other benefits you may qualify for, depending on factors such as family size or income. A questionnaire will identify the federal and state benefits you may be eligible for. Programs include: SNAP (assistance buying food), TANF (cash benefits to eligible families), WIC (healthy food assistance for pregnant mothers and young children), and others.
Learn how Your Texas Benefits can help you.
- Call 2-1-1. A free helpline operated by United Way of Greater Houston is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in many languages.
Having health insurance is always important, but during a pandemic it is critical. Explore options for keeping health insurance after you have lost your job:
- Check with your Employer. Some employers will continue to provide paid health coverage to their former employees under certain conditions.
- COBRA. You may be able to continue your current employer-sponsored healthcare plan under COBRA for an additional 18 months. Employees must apply for COBRA within 60 days of job loss and will be responsible for paying the bill.
- Texas Department of Insurance. State Continuation of COBRA coverage. Texas law requires some group plans to continue your health care coverage for six months after COBRA coverage ends. Your plan must be subject to Texas insurance laws. Call Consumer Help Line at 1-800-252-3439 to obtain information about Texas state continuation requirements.
- The Marketplace. Check the Affordable Care Act Marketplace health exchange for insurance plans.
- Medicaid or Medicare. Official U.S Government website for Medicare. Texas Medicaid.
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Texas Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). If you have children, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) discusses the options available for you.
It might have been a while since you last updated your resume, or maybe this is your first time writing one!
- San Jacinto College. You can access FREE help with writing your resume, cover letter, and employment guidance through our Career Services office. There is no cost and services are available to students, alumni, employers, and the greater community.
- United Way THRIVE, 1300‐A Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058. Phone 281‐282‐6000. Email: Bayarea@unitedwayhouston.org. The Bay Area Service Center offers FREE employment search assistance. Services are being provided during this pandemic through tele‐assistance (phone, text, email, video call). Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am ‐ 5:00pm. Thrive Centers Flyer
It may have been a while since you’ve had to search for a new job. Perhaps you’re also looking to level up to something new or better! Here are some tips and resources to help you find a new job, ace the interview, and update your job skills.
- Make sure you have a professional email address. Outlook and Gmail from Google are free, popular sources if you need to create a new one. Use something that includes your name, such as javier.garcia@ xyxmail.com. It’s best to avoid using nicknames, hobbies, or anything that’s personal to you. Remember, you’re trying to put your best foot forward!
- LinkedIn. Create an account using the professional email address you created. Keep the information and photo you post professional. You can use this account to connect with former or current coworkers, supervisors, local and national companies, and schools you may have attended.
- Prepare for a phone or video interview. When you are selected for an interview, there’s a good chance that it will be done over the phone or through videoconferencing. While it’s natural to be nervous, don’t let that stop you from shining!
- Phone. Learn some critical phone interviewing skills and etiquette from the University of Houston
- Video. Prepare for a video interview with tips from Northeastern University.
It’s helpful to get a free account with software like Zoom and Skype, and then practice beforehand so that you are comfortable with using the technology, and with doing a virtual interview. With any software or app you use, make sure that you’re using the latest edition, and that you have antivirus software on your computer. This way you can help protect yourself from hackers and other cybersecurity issues.
- Update your job skills. San Jacinto College Continuing and Professional Development (CPD) offers quality job training programs to help individuals acquire the skills that today’s employers demand. Our noncredit courses keep workers up-to-date on the latest technologies in industries such as petrochemical, manufacturing, health care, aerospace and maritime.
View the CPD Summer 2020 Schedule Book.
Limited financial aid is available for those who qualify. Current grant funded opportunities.
