Texas Workforce Commission Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance available for workers who apply by September 27.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of severe weather due to Hurricane Harvey. Under Presidential Disaster Declaration, (FEMA 4332-DR) dated August 25, 2017, workers who lost their jobs and self-employed individuals who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from Hurricane Harvey can submit applications for DUA must be submitted by September 27, 2017. TWC's website contains more information about Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

When applying for unemployment to cover lost wages due to Hurricane Harvey, there is no special section on the TWC website that specifies that the request is due to hurricane issues. So when answering questions, it is important to enter information that lets them know this is specifically due to the hurricane/disaster relief.

For example, one of the questions asks “why are you not working,” and an example of a good response would be “unable to work due to Hurricane Harvey/business closed – applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.” Another question is “what are you doing to get back to work,” and the best response would be something like “waited for flood waters to recede” or “waited for business to reopen after Hurricane Harvey.”