The Texas Workforce Commission has announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available for workers and self-employed individuals affected by Hurricane Beryl. This follows the Presidential Disaster Declaration issued on July 9.
Residents of the following counties who have been unable to work due to hurricane-related damage may be eligible for DUA benefits: Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Walker, and Wharton.
Affected individuals can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at 800-939-6631 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications must be submitted by September 9, 2024, and should specify that they are related to Hurricane Beryl.
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DUA is available to individuals who:
- Have exhausted regular unemployment benefits or do not qualify for them.
- Were employed, self-employed, or scheduled to begin work or self-employment in the disaster area.
- Can no longer work due to physical damage or destruction to their workplace as a direct result of the disaster.
- Established that their work or self-employment was their primary source of income.
- Cannot work due to an injury caused by the disaster.
- Became the primary support of a household due to the death of the head of household.
- Were unable to reach their job or self-employment location due to travel restrictions caused by the disaster.
To receive DUA benefits, applicants must submit the following documentation within 21 days of filing:
- Social Security number.
- Proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the disaster, or documentation showing a scheduled start date that was impacted by the disaster.
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Failure to provide proof of employment by the deadline will result in halted DUA payments and possible repayment of received benefits. TWC may use existing system information, such as wage records, to verify employment.
For the fastest review, submit proof of employment via TWC’s online UI Submission Portal. Select “DUA Proof of Employment at Time of Disaster” from the Type of Submission drop-down menu. Alternatively, documentation can be submitted by fax or mail to:
Texas Workforce CommissionAttn: DUA Proof P.O. Box 149137 Austin, TX 78714-9137
For further information and to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, visit the TWC website or contact their helpline.