Can I get disaster unemployment after exhausting regular TWC benefits last week?

I was in almost the same boat during Hurricane Harvey! From what I understand, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is meant for people who DON'T qualify for regular unemployment, so since you were already in the system, you might not be eligible. BUT - and this is important - you should apply for a DUA claim anyway because your situation changed due to the disaster. The factory shutdown could be considered a new circumstance caused by the disaster. I recommend checking out Claimyr.com if you need to talk to someone at TWC quickly. I was getting busy signals for days until I used their service. They got me through to a TWC agent in about 25 minutes, and the agent explained all my options. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Way better than calling for hours and getting disconnected!

Just to clarify some facts here - Disaster Unemployment Assistance is specifically for people who don't qualify for regular UI benefits or who have exhausted their benefits. So the fact that your benefits just ran out might actually HELP your case, not hurt it. You need to apply for DUA through TWC within 30 days of the disaster declaration. Make sure you mention: 1. The date your regular benefits exhausted 2. The specific storm damage that affected you 3. How the factory closure due to the disaster directly impacts your employment prospects The key eligibility requirement is that your unemployment must be a direct result of the disaster. Since you mention the factory you were interviewing with was damaged, that could qualify as a disaster-related reason. Document everything!

The TWC system is such a JOKE when it comes to disaster assistance!!! I went through this exact same thing last year and they denied me even though my entire NEIGHBORHOOD was underwater. They kept saying my unemployment wasn't "directly caused" by the disaster because I was already on UI when it hit. Had to appeal THREE TIMES before someone actually read my case properly! The whole system is designed to deny you the first time! DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and be prepared to fight for what you deserve. And good luck getting anyone on the phone - I spent 4 days calling non-stop before I got through!!

Let me clear up some confusion here. There are two separate issues: 1. Regular UI benefits exhaustion - When you exhaust regular UI, you would normally check if you qualify for Extended Benefits (EB) if they're available in Texas currently. 2. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) - This is specifically for people whose unemployment is a DIRECT result of the disaster AND who don't qualify for regular unemployment. In your case, since you were already unemployed before the disaster, your initial unemployment wasn't caused by the disaster. However, you might argue that your CONTINUED unemployment is now disaster-related because the place you were interviewing was damaged. What you should do: - File for DUA immediately (30-day deadline from disaster declaration) - Be very specific about how the disaster is now preventing you from finding work - Include details about the factory closure and any other job prospects affected by the storm - Submit photos of damage if possible Expect that you might need to appeal if denied initially. The system often requires additional clarification for unusual situations like yours.

just apply man they can only say no worst case lol

i had a freind who got DUA after her regular benefits ran out but she had to show that she had a job lined up that got cancled bcuz of the storm. do u have any emails or texts from that factory about your interview or job offer??? that would probly help ur case alot

I process benefits applications (not for TWC, but similar agency), and I can tell you that these disaster situations often have special rules. The most important thing is to apply IMMEDIATELY and be very specific about your timeline: - When your regular benefits exhausted (exact date) - When the storm hit - When your job interview was cancelled - Any other storm impacts on your job search The key factor will be whether the disaster created a NEW reason for your unemployment or continued unemployment. Having your benefits exhaust right after the storm actually creates an interesting case. Make sure you provide documentation of the factory closure and any communication about your interview being cancelled. One more tip: when you call, specifically ask to speak with someone who specializes in disaster claims. Regular agents sometimes aren't fully trained on the disaster-specific guidelines.

To answer your follow-up question about the timing: The fact that your benefits exhausted one week AFTER the storm might actually help your case. Here's why: 1. You were still receiving benefits when the disaster hit 2. The disaster directly impacted your ability to secure new employment (the factory interview) 3. Now that your benefits have exhausted, you have a new situation that didn't exist before Be very clear in your application that while you were already unemployed, your job SEARCH was directly impacted by the disaster, creating a new circumstance. Emphasize that you had promising employment prospects that were derailed specifically because of the disaster. Also, make sure to file both an Extended Benefits claim (if available) AND a DUA claim. Document everything and be prepared to appeal if necessary.

Regarding your timing question - the fact that your benefits exhausted one week after the storm is actually a neutral factor. What matters more is that you can demonstrate the disaster created a NEW barrier to employment that didn't exist before. The strongest evidence in your case is: 1. The cancelled interview at the factory (get documentation) 2. Any other job prospects affected by the storm 3. Physical barriers to job searching (damage to your home/transportation) Focus your application on how your path to reemployment was specifically disrupted by the disaster. This frames your case as a disaster-caused continued unemployment rather than just a regular benefits exhaustion. Be prepared that you might need to appeal if denied initially, as these cases often require human review to fully understand the timeline and circumstances.