Can I get DUA after my regular TWC benefits run out from hurricane damage?
I lost my job after the hurricane hit our area last month, and TWC put me on regular unemployment benefits because I qualified for those first. I'm getting $468 weekly right now, but I'm worried because my benefits calculation letter says I only have about 3 months of regular UI. When that runs out, can I switch over to Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)? My home had major damage and my workplace is still closed for repairs - they're saying possibly 6-8 months before reopening. I don't want to be left with nothing when my regular benefits end. Has anyone gone from regular UI to DUA after a disaster? The TWC website isn't clear about this situation.
21 comments
Join the conversation
Brandon Parker
No u cant get DUA if u already qualified for regular benefits. DUA is only for ppl who DONT qualify for regular UI
0 coins
Chloe Zhang
•Are you sure about that? My neighbor said she got DUA after her regular benefits ran out from Hurricane Harvey. So confusing!
0 coins
Adriana Cohn
Same situation after hurricane hit my area. Called TWC and they basically told me once you're on regular UI, that's it. You use those benefits up first. DUA is only for people who don't qualify for regular benefits from the start. Really sucks because disaster situation lasts longer than my benefits will.
0 coins
Chloe Zhang
•That's what I was afraid of. Did they mention any extensions or other programs available once regular benefits run out?
0 coins
Adriana Cohn
•Nope. Just said to keep checking for job openings on WorkInTexas and make sure I do my 3 work searches each week. Like that helps when half the businesses around here are still closed!!
0 coins
Jace Caspullo
To clarify for everyone: DUA and regular UI are mutually exclusive programs. If you qualify for regular Texas unemployment benefits, you cannot receive DUA for the same period. This is clearly stated in TWC disaster guidelines. However, there are a few options to consider after your regular benefits exhaust: 1. If disaster conditions persist, check if there are any special extensions available for disaster-affected areas. These aren't guaranteed but sometimes become available. 2. If your workplace reopens but with reduced hours, you might qualify for partial unemployment. 3. Make sure you're fully utilizing all FEMA disaster assistance programs which are separate from unemployment. 4. Document all disaster-related impacts on your job search for your work search requirements. I recommend calling TWC directly to discuss your specific situation and timeline.
0 coins
Chloe Zhang
•Thank you for the detailed information! I've been trying to call TWC for 3 days but can't get through. Always busy signal or it hangs up after 2 hours on hold. Any tips for actually reaching them?
0 coins
Melody Miles
I was in the same boat after Hurricane Laura. Found a service called Claimyr that got me through to TWC when I couldn't get through myself. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh - basically they hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. I used it to discuss my options after my regular benefits were running low. The agent confirmed what others said here but also told me about some retraining programs that were available for people in disaster areas. Worth checking out at claimyr.com if you need actual answers from TWC instead of guessing.
0 coins
Chloe Zhang
•That sounds promising! I'll check it out because I really need to talk to someone who can look at my specific case. Did they actually help with your situation?
0 coins
Melody Miles
•Yeah, the TWC rep I spoke with didn't have a magic solution for extending benefits, but she did connect me with some disaster recovery employment programs in my area that I didn't know about. Having an actual conversation with someone who could see my file made a huge difference versus trying to figure things out from their website.
0 coins
Nathaniel Mikhaylov
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO FAIL US!!! I went through this EXACT thing after Harvey. They put me on regular UI even though I SPECIFICALLY asked for DUA. Then when my benefits ran out they said "too bad so sad" even though my employer was STILL closed due to flooding damage!! FEMA was useless too. No one cares about us until election time!!
0 coins
Eva St. Cyr
•I totally get your frustration, but there actually is logic to why the system works this way. Regular UI benefits come from employer-paid insurance funds, while DUA is federal emergency funds. They're required by law to use the employer-funded program first. That said, I agree there should be better safety nets when disasters create long-term unemployment beyond the regular benefit period.
0 coins
Kristian Bishop
not to change the subject but make sure ur doing all ur work searches! my cousin got his benefits stopped cuz he missed ONE week of work search and it was a nightmare getting them started again
0 coins
Chloe Zhang
•Thanks for the reminder. I've been keeping detailed records of all my work searches even though it's frustrating applying for jobs that I know aren't hiring yet because of hurricane damage.
0 coins
Eva St. Cyr
The previous responses are correct - you cannot receive both regular UI and DUA for the same period of unemployment. However, I want to add some important information: 1. When your regular benefits exhaust, you should immediately check with TWC about Extended Benefits (EB) - these sometimes become available in high unemployment areas or after disasters. 2. Make sure you're also registered with the Disaster Recovery Employment Program through WorkInTexas. They prioritize hiring people affected by the disaster for recovery jobs. 3. Document all disaster-related barriers to employment in your payment request notes. This can help if there are later appeals or special programs. 4. Keep requesting payments even after benefits exhaust - this keeps your claim active in case additional assistance becomes available. Disaster recovery is a long process, and sometimes additional help becomes available months later. Staying in the system is important.
0 coins
Chloe Zhang
•This is incredibly helpful! I didn't know about the Disaster Recovery Employment Program. I'll look into that right away. And I'll definitely keep submitting payment requests even after benefits run out - that's a great tip.
0 coins
Brandon Parker
Has ur employer filed a mass claim for everyone? My job did that after the hurricane and it made everything easier
0 coins
Chloe Zhang
•They didn't file a mass claim. The company has about 30 employees, and I think they were too overwhelmed dealing with the property damage to handle unemployment stuff. Should I ask them about that?
0 coins
Eva St. Cyr
•At this point, since you already have an individual claim established, having your employer file a mass claim wouldn't be helpful. However, you should ask your employer to provide TWC with a projected reopening date if they haven't already. This information can sometimes affect how your claim is processed.
0 coins
Jace Caspullo
Based on all the information shared in this thread, here's what I recommend you do: 1. Use Claimyr or keep trying to reach TWC directly to discuss your specific situation 2. Ask about any Extended Benefits or special disaster-related extensions that might be available after your regular benefits exhaust 3. Register with the Disaster Recovery Employment Program 4. Maintain your work search activities and payment requests even after benefits exhaust 5. File for all available FEMA assistance if you haven't already 6. Get written documentation from your employer about their projected reopening timeline The system is definitely imperfect when it comes to long-term disaster recovery, but staying proactive and maintaining all requirements gives you the best chance at accessing additional help if it becomes available.
0 coins
Chloe Zhang
•Thank you so much! I'm going to follow this plan exactly. I really appreciate everyone's help and advice - feeling much more clear on what to do now even though the situation isn't ideal.
0 coins