Over half a million Texans have filed unemployment claims in the last 18-days as a result of COVID-19. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will soon outpace the total number of claims received in all of 2019. This unprecedented increase has led to long wait times, overwhelmed call centers and technical issues with the Unemployment Benefit Services portal. TWC staff is working around the clock to expand the capacity to take claims but needs your support. TWC recommends that Texans stagger their calls and access to the online portal based on applicant's area codes.