One more important thing: keep requesting payment every two weeks while your appeal is pending! If you win, they'll pay you for all those weeks, but ONLY if you've been submitting your payment requests on time. A lot of people forget to do this during the appeal process and miss out on weeks of benefits.

Almost forgot - make sure you understand exactly how the hearing works. It'll be a phone call with you, the hearing officer (like a judge), and probably your former employer. You'll all be sworn in. The hearing officer asks questions first, then you and the employer each get to tell your side. At the end, you can make a final statement. Be super professional no matter what your ex-employer says. Don't argue or get emotional even if they lie. Just say "That's not accurate" and refer to your evidence. Also, expect the call to last 30-60 minutes, so be somewhere quiet where you won't be interrupted.

btw if ur stressing about money while waiting, once ur claim is approved they'll backpay u for all the weeks u requested payment during the waiting period. so make sure u keep requesting payment every 2 weeks even if its still pending

It's worth mentioning that your situation is classified as a "lack of work" separation, which is one of the clearest qualifications for unemployment benefits. When a business closes entirely, there's no question that the separation wasn't your fault. Your claim should be straightforward once TWC completes their verification process. The most important thing now is staying on top of your payment requests and work search activities while your claim is processing.

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!

Another thing nobody mentioned yet - DUA has different documentation requirements than regular unemployment! They will ask for proof of employment or self-employment that was affected by the disaster. If you don't provide this proof by their deadline (usually within 21 days of your application), YOUR BENEFITS WILL STOP and they'll demand everything back as an overpayment! Make sure you've submitted all required documentation!!!

To summarize what everyone has shared: 1. DUA benefits last up to 26 weeks from the disaster declaration date (February 20, 2025 in your case) 2. You must continue filing payment requests every two weeks to receive benefits 3. Work search requirements (3 activities per week) apply unless you have a specific return-to-work date 4. You must report ALL income earned during your benefit period 5. Your benefits can end early if: - Your employer reopens - TWC determines suitable work is available in your area - You fail to provide required documentation - You miss payment request deadlines Since you're having trouble reaching TWC, I recommend trying early in the morning (right when they open at 7:00 AM) or using an assistance service to connect with them. Getting your specific questions answered directly by TWC is important since disaster benefits can have county-specific rules.