AUSTIN, Texas -- Thousands of Texans are trying to make an unemployment claim amid the coronavirus crisis, but many have expressed frustration that they can’t get through because the system has been overwhelmed at times.

“We really never experienced anything of this magnitude. None of our plans prepared us for the intensity and the magnitude of this emergency,” said Ed Serna, the executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission.

RELATED: Texas Workforce Commission System Slammed as Thousands Attempt to File for Unemployment

Serna said they are working to expand technology being used and call capacity, as well as extending hours.

“Yesterday [Thursday], we received 1.7 million calls. A peak in the past was 60,000 calls. We handled over 46,000 claims and probably about 30,000 were COVID-19 related,” he said.

To apply for benefits, click here. 

Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Serna.