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Employment and Financial Resources During COVID-19

Money & Debt

This article compiles some employment and financial resources available to Texans during the covid pandemic.

Here, find information on employment and financial resources related to the COVID-19 crisis, including unemployment benefits, FMLA, employer rights and responsibilities, reasonable accommodations at work due to COVID-19, disability discrimination in the workplace during COVID-19, staying safe at work during the coronavirus pandemic (whether in agricultural or non-agricultural workplaces), estate planning, bankruptcy, debt, and student loan relief.

Unemployment Benefits

You can apply for unemployment benefits with the Texas Workforce Commission.

The National Employment Law Project also has COVID-19 resources for unemployed and frontline workers.

Taking Leave

Read about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which requires some employers to give unpaid leave during a family health crisis.

Note that the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) no longer requires an employer to give you paid leave.

Things Your Employer Can and Can’t Do Because of COVID-19

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid has information about what employers can and can't do to address COVID-19.

See also COVID-19 Vaccinations and Your Employment.

Reasonable Accommodations at Work Due to COVID-19

Disability Discrimination in the Workplace during COVID-19

Disability Rights Texas has an FAQ, Disability Discrimination at Work During COVID-19.

Staying Safe at Work During the Coronavirus

Read Staying Safe at Work in the COVID-19 Pandemic from Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. The article discusses your safety rights, how to report safety violations, and general safety tips.

The National Employment Law Project also has COVID-19 resources for unemployed and frontline workers.

Farmworker COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan

Use this Farmworker COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan from Texas RioGrande Legal Aid to evaluate how prepared your workplace is for COVID-19 and how you can take steps to protect yourself from the virus.

Bankruptcy

See TexasLawHelp's bankruptcy library

See also the Tarrant County Bar Association's bankruptcy handout.

Student Loan Relief and COVID-19

Federal student loan payments are paused, interest-free, until 60 days after the ongoing federal debt relief lawsuits are resolved or until September 1, 2023whichever comes first. See the Federal Student Aid website for more information.

Dealing with Debt During COVID-19

COVID-19 has caused much financial hardship. Many people have gone into debt due to businesses having to close. Learn about your options for dealing with housing debt, medical debt, credit card debt, and more here: Debt During COVID-19.

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