COVID-19 Resources

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Unemployment Benefit Services (UBS)

Customers can get unemployment benefits information, file a claim or find the status of an existing claim by using:

TWC website: log on to ui.texasworkforce.org to apply for benefits or get claim-specific status and payment information. Best time to apply online is between 10pm to 8am.

Tele-Center: Call 800-939-6631, 8am to 6pm weekdays and 8am to 5pm Saturday, to speak with a customer service representative. Please note that call volume is extremely high.

Additional Numbers:
817-420-1600
956-984-4700
210-258-6600
915-832-6400

Tele-Serve: Call 800-558-8321, the automated phone system from 7am to 6pm to get claim-specific status and payment information.

Email: Send details about your question to UI_Info@twc.state.tx.us including your full name, address, phone number and last four digits of your SSN.

PIN Reset: Need to reset your unemployment benefit services PIN? If your account is from 2015 or earlier, TWC has removed your old PIN. Try the online system again. https://apps.twc.state.tx.us/USB/secuarity/logon.do If your unable to reset via the portal, you can now update your PIN over the phone without requiring you to file your claim at the same time. Call 800-558-8321 Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm; Saturday 8am – 5pm.

If you have previously exhausted UI they may be extended under the recent Federal Stimulus Bill. What do you need to do? Nothing. If you recently exhausted benefits, no action is needed from you. TWC will determine if you quality and notify you by mail or electronic correspondence of your eligibility.

Employees: Questions about Unemployment or Employment Insurance: 800-832-2829 or laborinfo@twc.state.tx.us

Employers: Legal options and work from home Policies: 800-832-9394 or employerinfo@twc.state.tx.us

General Assistance

If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, dial 211.
211.org also has a comprehensive list of available resources for the following needs:

• Health Insurance & Medical Expense
• Home Internet access
• Unemployment benefits
• Federal family and medical leave act
• Mortgage, rent and utilities payment assistance
• Supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) Food Stamps
• Relief for “gig economy” workers and contractors
• Mental Health and crisis

Financial Assistance

• Atmos Energy’s “Sharing the Warmth” program aids customers who are being financially impacted by COVID-19. To apply for the program, customers should visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/customer-service/get-help-paying-your-bill or call 888-286-6700.
• TXU is offering additional bill-payment assistance to customers in need through its TXU Energy AidSM program.
• All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through our Access from AT&T program. They have expanded eligibility to Access from AT&T to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Additionally, they offering new Access from AT&T customers two months of free service.

Utility Payment Adjustments

• ​Dallas Water Utilities has suspended water service disconnects until further notice. Customers who are financially impacted by COVID-19, should contact Water Customer Service at 214-651-1441 to make payment arrangements.
• TXU, Ambit, Tri-Eagle will waive late fees, extend payment due dates with no down payment required, reduce down payments and deferring balances over five equal installments.
• Reliant, Green Mountain, Cirro, Stream, XOOM and Discount Power are suspending disconnections for non-payment until April 3.
• Exelon brands (Constellation, Atlantic City Energy, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO) have suspended service disconnections and will waive late payment charges until at least May 1. Exelon has also committed to donating $1.15 million to local and national COVID-19 relief efforts.
• Vistra Energy brands (TXU, Ambit, Tri-Eagle) is waiving late fees, extending payment due dates with no down payment required, and reducing down payemnts and deferring balances over five equal installments. TXU customers can also receive additional bill-payment assistance through its TXU Energy AidSM program.
• NRG brands (Reliant, Green Mountain, Cirro, Stream, XOOM, Discount Power) is suspending disconnections for non-payment until April 3.
• Charter Communications is offering free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for 60 days for new K-12 and College Student households. Residents should call: 1-844-488-8395. Charter is also working with school districts to ensure that communication is provided about the free wi-fi; Charter continues to offer Spectrum Assist for households without school-aged children; Charter is also opening its Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.

Food & Grocery Assistance

• Texas Education Agency (TEA) has created the Texas Students MealFinder Map to help people locate closed schools that are currently serving meals. The map includes a list of schools, and their addresses and service times, which can be searched by address at https://schoolmealfinder.hoonuit.com/?filter_state=tx
• North Texas Food Bank has shifted to box distribution model with partner agencies. Food4Kids and School Pantry programs remain fully functional, and they are partnering with the City to deliver snack/hydration kits to the homeless.
• Dallas County Health and Human Services Older Adult Services Program is currently providing meals delivered to homebound seniors. There is a drive-thru for hot meal pick-up service set up at each senior center location. Seniors needing these resources can call 214-819-1860 to enroll.
• North Texas Food Bank Mobile Pantry will be making stops in select communities April 1 through 17. Visit the North Texas Food Bank website for upcoming dates and locations.
• Dallas Farmers’ Market: 920 S. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75201. Hours of operation: Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm and Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm.
• Salvation Army Drive-Through Grocery Services – In response to a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, The Salvation Army of North Texas is operating 13 drive-through grocery service locations in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis and Tarrant counties to support families experiencing a loss in income or lowered wages due to the coronavirus outbreak. To serve anyone that presents a need, income verification and other typical requirements for assistance have been suspended. Food pantries will continue to operate without disruption. To find a list of drive-through grocery service locations and hours of operations, please visit www.salvationarmydfw.org/

Health and Wellness Resources

• It is normal to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during times of public crisis. North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) has developed a dedicated COVID-19 mental health support line available to provide trauma informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety during this time of crisis. The NTBHA COVID-19 Mental Health Support line can be reached at, 833-251-7544.
• The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line is available during normal business hours Monday through Friday for those Dallas County residents experiencing high anxiety or depression during these turbulent times. The Metrocare Coronavirus Support Line for Dallas County is 214-743-1215.
• North Texas Behavioral Health Authority – Individuals can contact the 24/7 COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-251-7544. Those needing support outside of the COVID-19 crisis can still contact our NTBHA 24/7 Crisis Line at 866-260-8000.
• Contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 that provides 24/7, crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress.
• Call NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI (6264) Monday – Friday between 10am and 6pm for mental health resources.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1 (800) 273-8255

Suicide Crisis Center – 24 hours – (214) 828-1000

Crisis Text Line – Text the word HOME to 741741

Crisis Text Line – Special keyword for students of color – Text the word STEVE to 741741

Mortgage, Rent and Housing Resources

• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Foreclosure Prevention 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission has resources available. There may be vouchers to assist those in need with paying their rent. Also get government assistance with other needs, including lease application fees, information on low income housing and security deposits. Dial 1-877-541-7905 to find additional ways to get rent help.
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers programs that can help you with paying your mortgage and also avoid foreclosure. Local resources, including government and non-profit assistance, can help qualified homeowners.
  Childcare Resources
• The Texas Workforce Commission’s subsidized childcare program is making changes to their requirements in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Please check their website regularly for announcements coming soon.
• Due to COVID-19, YMCA branches are currently closed; however, they continue to offer limited childcare programming on a daily basis, supporting the childcare needs of first responders, medical professionals, government officials, and those that must continue their work in this challenging time. This care will be offered until further notice, at 11 YMCA branches across the Dallas Metroplex, in accordance to state guidelines.

Job Search Resources

• Job-seekers may visit www.WorkInTexas.com to search for opportunities in the area
• You can email Goodwill at jobs@goodwilldallas.org with your name, city/zip code, contact number and any additional information. A Goodwill Job Connection Center Manager or Specialist will contact you directly and set up an appointment for virtual employment services. You can also contact a Job Connection Center by phone at the location nearest you:

3020 N. Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75212: 214-638-2800 x185

919 W. Main Street, Lewisville, TX 75067: 972-436-3681

1661 E. Northwest Hwy., Garland, TX 75041: 214-227-5549

Small Businesses and Non-Profits

• Communities Foundation announced a collaborative fund to provide grants for non-profits engaged in the COVID-19 response. The North Texas Cares Fund is for non-profit service providers ONLY who are responding to the Covid-19 crisis. Applications from nonprofits are being accepted on a rolling basis and can be submitted via www.NorthTexasCares.org

Criteria for eligibility and consideration includes:

• • Must be 501c3 organization
  • Must provide services in the North Texas area
  • Must provide services that address immediate response or long-term relief efforts in response to COVID-19
  • Requests should focus on first responders and/or support for vulnerable populations– (i.e. seniors, children, homeless, low-income)
• If you have business questions about “Stay home stay safe,” contact BusinessCOVID19@dallascounty.org
• Employers needing essential workers call 214-302-5555