I handled several DUA appeals after the March floods. This is what's likely happening: TWC uses an automated system to check addresses against FEMA's disaster declaration database. Common errors include: - Address format mismatches (St. vs Street, directions like N/S/E/W in wrong field) - ZIP code boundary issues (some ZIP codes cross county lines) - Business vs residential address confusion - Data entry errors by TWC staff The good news: This type of denial has a very high reversal rate on appeal because it's objectively verifiable. While waiting for your appeal, I recommend: 1. Contact your state representative's office - they can often expedite TWC issues 2. Submit a TWC password reset request through the portal - this often triggers a call back from TWC within 48 hours (unusual trick but works) 3. Prepare a simple one-page document with your address highlighted on a FEMA disaster map Be persistent. DUA benefits are federally funded but state-administered, so TWC has to follow specific verification protocols.

Just wanted to follow up - did anyone get this resolved? I'm now assisting another client with the exact same issue and would love to know what ultimately worked. The TWC appeal process timeframes seem to be all over the place lately.

Update: I finally got through to TWC this morning! The agent confirmed that DUA benefits from the May disaster are indeed ending on November 16th for everyone. However, she reviewed my case and said I might qualify for regular unemployment now because I had enough wages in my base period from before the disaster. She helped me start a new application for regular UI. Just wanted to update everyone in case you're in the same boat!

I used Claimyr after trying the regular line for two days with no luck. Got connected to a TWC agent in about 15 minutes! So worth it. Now I just need to wait for my new determination letter to see if I qualify for regular UI.

One other important thing to remember is that if your determination letter approves your claim, your employer still has the right to appeal that decision. They have the same 14-day appeal window that you would have if denied. So even if you're approved tomorrow, don't spend all the money right away, as there's still a possibility your former employer could contest it. About 30% of employers appeal initial determinations that favor the employee, especially in performance-related cases. That said, in my experience as someone who's helped many people through this process, reasonable performance goals that were constantly changing often results in approval if you can document those changes. The key is demonstrating that you were making a good faith effort to meet expectations.

UPDATE: Got my determination letter today! I was APPROVED!!! The letter said something about "insufficient evidence of misconduct" and that my "inability to meet performance standards alone does not constitute misconduct." Thank you all so much for your help and advice! I'm going to keep documenting everything in case my employer appeals, but for now I'm just relieved. My payment request day is Monday, so I'll be doing that and making sure I keep up with my work search requirements (already applied to 5 jobs yesterday just to be safe). This forum has been a lifesaver - I was so stressed I could barely sleep last night!

why was she lissening to the trainer instead of jus reading the handbook tho? like did she ever even look at the policy?

She did read the handbook when first hired, but during hands-on training the manager specifically told her and the other new hires \

my cousin went thru this after hurricane and said you gotta be super specific about dates and how the disaster directly caused your job loss. they're real picky about approving DUA claims

I went through a similar situation after Harvey back when I lived in Houston. The big thing they looked for was whether the unemployment was a DIRECT result of the disaster. In my case it was my workplace that got flooded not my home so that qualified. Since your situation involves infrastructure damage (internet) that prevented you from doing your job, that should qualify too. Just be clear and consistent with your explanation.