Confused about DUA application dates after temporary work stoppage - what dates should I enter?

For DUA applications after temporary work stoppages, you should use your original hire date as the 'date you started work' and July 4, 2025 (the day before the disaster impact) as your 'last date worked.' TWC looks at these dates to establish your employment status at the time of the disaster. Since you returned to work after the temporary layoff, be sure to also indicate your return-to-work date (July 13) in the appropriate field later in the application. This shows you're only claiming for the specific disaster period.

Put ur hire date when u first startd at the job and last day workd should be july 4 right before the flood. Thts how i did mine for the hurricane last yr. they want to know when u were working b4 disaster not when u went back

When I lost work during the big freeze, I put my original start date at the company (even though I'd been there for 5 years) and then put the day before the disaster hit as my last day worked. I think most people get confused because they think "last day worked" means your final day at the job, but for DUA it just means the last day you worked before the disaster interrupted your work.

OMG the TWC forms are THE WORST!!! I tried to apply for disaster unemployment last year after that chemical spill and got denied TWICE because I filled out the dates wrong. I spent 3 DAYS trying to get through to someone at TWC to fix it. Busy signals and hung up on constantly. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual TWC agent in like 20 minutes. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. The agent fixed my application right away and I got my DUA benefits the next week. Worth it just to avoid the headache of getting rejected and having to appeal.

Just to provide the official answer: For DUA claims involving temporary work stoppages, you should enter: 1. "Date you started work" = Your original hire date with the employer 2. "Last date worked" = The last day you physically worked before the disaster (July 4 in your case) In a later section of the application, you'll be asked about your return to work date, which would be July 13, 2025 (the day after your temporary layoff ended). DUA is specifically designed to cover situations exactly like yours where disaster conditions cause temporary work stoppages. The key is making sure your application clearly shows you're only claiming for the specific disaster period (July 5-12) and not ongoing unemployment.

Does anyone know how long DUA payments take to process? Is it faster than regular unemployment?

One important thing to remember about DUA that many people miss: You need to provide proof of employment within 21 days of applying. This can be pay stubs, employment records, or bank statements showing deposits from your employer. Since you're still with the same employer, ask them for a letter confirming your employment status and the dates you were temporarily laid off due to the disaster. Having this documentation ready will prevent delays in your claim processing.

I put the wrong dates on my application and got denied. Had to appeal and wait 6 weeks to get it fixed. Don't make the same mistake!