SAN ANTONIO -- The current economic dive is starting to take a serious toll on Texas and here in San Antonio.
The latest numbers show San Antonio's jobless rate at 5.4 percent. While that's still less than the state rate, it's risen by 0.3% since November.
The Texas Workforce Commission call centers is where many people call to file for unemployment benefits. TWC officials say their offices have been swamped with calls for weeks.
People like Mark Tyson can vouch for that. He's an aircraft mechanic who's been out of work for months. He's been trying to reapply for unemployment insurance by calling the number that the state told him to call for 3 weeks now.
But when he does, he just gets a busy signal, over and over again.
For Tyson and many others like him trying to apply for benefits to stay afloat, it's been incredibly frustrating.
"Very...And it seems like it's compiling," Tyson told News 4 WOAI. "It tough to keep your head above water when it doesn't seem like anyone wants to help."
The number of people calling in unemployment claims has snowballed so quickly that Texas Workforce Commission officials say it's dealing with an unprecedented demand at the 4 statewide call centers, and it's increased staff by 30% since the summer and is also adding 150 more phone lines.
If you visit the local Workforce Solutions Office in San Antonio, you can see how the jobless rate has ballooned.
"Yes, we have seen an increase in the number of individuals who are utilizing our services, only because our services are free," explained Eva Esquivel of the Workforce Solutions Alamo.
Whether it's free or not, a lot more people are looking for help. The area's jobless rate is accelerating, and the sources to help are being stretched to the limit.
Texas Workforce Commission officials says a faster way to get through is e-mail. Staying on the phone could take days and days. But if you email your claim, you should get a response within 48 hours.
Email TWC at
ui_info@twc.state.tx.us.
