The Texas Workforce Commission is changing the way it hands out unemployment benefits.

Over the next several weeks, TWC is replacing the paper checks with debit cards.

The agency is partnering with J.P. Morgan Chase in the conversion to the cards. TWC says it is converting to the cards to streamline the benefit process.

"I believe that this tool and this debit card program provides increased security, increased convenience and is protected by a personal identification number and the fact that the accounts the claimants will are federally run," said Ron Lehman, TWC Commissioner.

The cards can be used at any merchant that accepts Visa. TWC says they hope to have all of the cards mailed out by the end of the month.

Currently, 55,000 people across the state receive benefits from the TWC.