Why don't you just call the FEMA helpline instead? They coordinate with TWC on disaster benefits. I found them MUCH easier to reach than TWC. They helped me understand my DUA timeline when I couldn't get through to TWC.

UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC this morning! For anyone who has the same question - DUA end dates vary depending on which disaster affected you. The November 17th date was specifically for Hurricane Emily victims in certain counties. My benefits (Jefferson County flooding) actually continue until January 15, 2026! The agent said I should have received a determination letter with this info, but they had my old address on file so I never got it. She's sending a new copy. Thank you everyone for your help! Such a relief to know I've still got benefits while my workplace is being repaired.

Make sure you request a copy of your employer's response to TWC before your hearing! You have a right to see what they claimed about you. This way you can prepare to address their specific allegations. Call TWC and ask for this information - it might take some persistence to get through. Btw what kind of cleaning job was it? My wife works in that industry and unfortunately this kind of thing happens a lot with certain companies.

After your appeal is filed, TWC will mail you a notice with the date and time of your hearing, which will likely be conducted by phone due to the high volume of cases they handle. Make sure your phone number is current in the TWC system! On the day of the hearing: 1. Be in a quiet place with good reception 2. Have all your notes and evidence ready 3. Don't interrupt others (the hearing officer will give you time to respond) 4. Answer questions directly and truthfully 5. If you don't understand something, ask for clarification And remember to keep requesting payment every two weeks while waiting for your appeal. If you win, you'll receive benefits for all eligible weeks you requested payment.

btw the hearng will probly be over the phone not in person. thats how mine was. make sure ur in a quite place with good signal so u dont get cut off!!!

The real problem is TWC is DESIGNED to side with employers initially. They know most people give up and don't appeal. And they make the appeal process as slow and painful as possible hoping even more people give up. I filed a complaint with the DOL after my case because of how they handled it. Didn't change anything for me personally but maybe if enough people report the issues they'll be forced to improve the system.

everyone giving good advice but nobody mentioning you should RECORD THE HEARING!!! texas is a one-party state which means you can record without telling them. that way if they lie you have proof for next appeal level if needed. saved me when my employer straight up lied

After using Claimyr to finally reach TWC (was getting nothing but busy signals for weeks), the agent told me that staffing agency cases often hinge on the specific wording in their policies. Make absolutely sure you're using their exact terminology from their documents when describing what you did or tried to do. If their policy says "update availability" but you keep saying "I tried to request reassignment," it can create confusion. Use their exact words.

i got dua last year and they kept sending me emails about the disaster period ending soon but then they extended it twice. ended up getting almost 8 months total but they kept saying it was gonna end. the whole thing is confusing nobody at twc gives the same answer

I finally got through to someone at TWC this morning! For anyone else wondering about DUA duration, the agent confirmed my benefits will last exactly 26 weeks from the disaster declaration date (not from when I applied). But she also said benefits could potentially end earlier if FEMA declares the disaster period over or if my workplace reopens sooner than expected. I need to keep checking my TWC correspondence since they'll send notices about any changes. Thanks everyone for your help!