Skip to content
Welcome, we're here to help.
Resources, tips and tools to build a stronger Texas workforce.
Texas Back to Work — Program Overview
Texas Back to Work is a wage incentive program that provides Texas employers with up to $2,000 for each qualified, out-of-work Texan they hire.
On this page:
Customers
Texas Back to Work (TBTW) offers employers monetary incentives of up to $2,000 for hiring qualified out-of-work Texans. TBTW is a statewide employment initiative funded by the Texas Legislature and promoted by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
The purpose of TBTW is to establish public-private partnerships with employers in the local workforce development areas, targeting first-time unemployment insurance claimants who previously earned less than $15 an hour. The primary goal of TBTW is to aid Texans’ timely reattachment to the workforce with the appropriate skills needed to be successful on the job and to reduce reliance on public assistance.
Authority & Funding
This grant award is funded under the authority of the General Appropriations Act, Rider 31, 81st Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2009), and is subject to the statutory and regulatory requirements of all related federal and state guidance for reemployment programs.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers TBTW. Each of the 28 Workforce Development Boards drives the project in its region. The program provides a $2,000 incentive to employers for each qualified Texan hired and retained for 120 days. Employers must have the intent to retain the employee full-time at the end of the contract period.
Employers train, develop, and oversee the new employees.
Tips & Guides
Guidance on the Texas Back to Work Initiative.
Other Resources
Additional information on the Texas Back to Work initiative.