Employment
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
House Bill 481 (Hochberg/Zaffirini)
Position: FOR
Outcome: PASSED
Background and Purpose: People with MS who are receiving Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI) often work part time to supplement their income. Cash benefits from Social Security are usually not enough to make ends meet. Under current law, when a part time employee is laid off, the person must seek full time employment in order to qualify for unemployment benefits. Since full time work would likely disqualify the person for their disability benefits (most importantly the health benefit that comes with it), this policy excludes part time workers who have SSDI.
House Bill 481 will extend eligibility for partial unemployment benefits to part time worker who have Social Security Disability benefits. The payments will be based on the hours worked over the previous year. The benefit will not be “charged back” to the employer. As with other unemployment benefits, individuals that quit their job or are fired for cause will not qualify.
NATIONAL MS SOCIETY Action:
1. Provided verbal and written testimony at House and Senate committee hearings
2. Staff worked with bill sponsors on bill language and strategy
Partners: Coalition of Texans with Disabilities; Advocacy Incorporated