A new federal policy for Lost Wage Assistance provides $300 weekly in addition to regular unemployment benefits. To qualify, recipients must receive at least $100 in regular unemployment benefits per week. Future funding may be available, but the program currently extends through August. If you have unemployment benefits questions, use the chat function on the TWC website, and TWC staff will call you back. If you use a phone only, TWC offices are open and less busy on the weekends from 7am–7pm, and you can reach them at 1-800-939-6631.
After waiving fees for extra trash in the spring, Austin City Council has reinstated extra garbage fees effective Sept. 7, 2020. Residents can purchase extra trash stickers from grocery stores for $4 each plus tax; or the City will charge $9.60 plus tax for extra bags set out with the trash cart. Beginning Sept. 8, 2020, the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center will reopen by appointment only. To make an appointment for recycling styrofoam, tires, electronics, etc., call 512-974-4343.
Austin & Travis County have established a COVID-19 Isolation Facility, which provides free lodging and services for community members who do not have the ability to safely self-isolate due to COVID-19. Members of multi-generational households, households with members who live with medical conditions, and multifamily households are particularly in need of isolation facilities in case of COVID-19 contact. To make arrangements to use the facility, call their intake line at 512-810-7554.
If you have a question for KOOP about COVID-19, leave a message for us at 512-710-5353 or covid19@koop.org. We will respond to questions and share other community updates weekly on Reflections of Community Outreach or the In Touch Interviews show.