Time Running Out: East Texans Facing Deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is urging residents of East Texas impacted by the spring severe weather to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) by July 16, 2024. This is the final deadline to claim these benefits, which can provide crucial financial support for those who lost work or were unable to start new jobs due to the storms.

Understanding Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a federal program administered by the TWC that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment is negatively affected by a declared disaster. This can include situations where workplaces are damaged or destroyed, transportation routes become impassable, or power outages disrupt business operations.

Who Qualifies for DUA in East Texas?

To be eligible for DUA in connection with the spring severe weather in East Texas, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have been unemployed due to the disaster and unable to find new work.
• You must have lived or worked in a county designated for DUA assistance (Anderson, Henderson, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, Smith, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt).
• You must meet the work and wage requirements to qualify for regular unemployment benefits in Texas (you can find details on these requirements on the TWC website).
• You must not be receiving regular unemployment benefits or any other form of unemployment compensation.

Applying for DUA Benefits

There are two ways to apply for DUA benefits:

• Online: Visit the Unemployment Benefit Services (UBS) portal on the TWC website (https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/unemployment-benefits) and select “Apply for Benefits.” Be sure to mention that your application is related to the spring severe weather disaster.
• Phone: Call the TWC Tele-Center at 1-800-939-6631 and speak with a customer service representative. Inform them that you are applying for DUA due to the East Texas severe weather.

Required Documentation

Once you submit your application, you will need to provide documentation to verify your eligibility. This typically includes:

• Proof of your Social Security number
• Documentation of your employment or self-employment at the time of the disaster (paystubs, tax returns, etc.)
• Proof of residence in a DUA-designated county

The TWC requires all supporting documentation to be submitted within 21 days of filing your application. Failure to do so can result in delayed or denied benefits, and you may be required to repay any payments received.

Don’t Miss Out on Critical Support

The deadline to apply for DUA benefits related to the spring severe weather in East Texas is fast approaching. If you were impacted by the storms and are facing unemployment, don’t hesitate to apply. The TWC is here to help you through this challenging time.