DATA: Rate of new unemployment claims filed in Cy-Fair area continues to slow

The total number of residents in seven Cy-Fair-area ZIP codes who filed claims for unemployment benefits between April 29-May 30 clocked in at 10,375, according to new data released June 8 by the Texas Workforce Commission.

That total can be compared to the 19,136 claims filed between April 1-May 2 in those seven ZIP codes, according to TWC data.

Between April 29-May 30, the following numbers of claims were made in each ZIP code.

• 77040: 1,180 claimants (4.4% of the workforce)
• 77064: 1,270 claimants (4.7% of the workforce)
• 77065: 992 claimants (4.8% of the workforce)
• 77070: 1,302 claimants (4.4% of the workforce)
• 77095: 1,758 claimants (4.4% of the workforce)
• 77429: 1,756 claimants (3.9% of the workforce)
• 77433: 2,117 claimants (5.3% of the workforce)

Statewide claims between April 29-May 30 totaled 559,977. The unemployment rate statewide was 12.8% as of May 22.

Texans normally can receive 26 weeks' worth of unemployment benefits. However, in a June 3 press release, the Texas Workforce Commission announced that the state triggered an extension that will allow for an additional 13 weeks' worth of unemployment benefits for workers who have exhausted regular unemployment benefits.

Under the CARES Act, claimants are also eligible for an additional $600 per week in benefits through July 25 via the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program. The types of people who can apply for unemployment has also been opened up to include the self-employed, contract and gig workers and those that were previously ineligible, according to the TWC.

Unemployed individuals looking for work can visit www.workintexas.com to find job openings in their area.