Confused about TWC disaster unemployment for Texas floods - anyone approved yet?

Yes, I was approved for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) last year after the tornados. It took about 10 days from application to approval, but that was after FEMA had already declared our county a disaster area. The key things to know: 1. Your county MUST be officially declared a disaster area by FEMA 2. You need to apply for regular unemployment first, then get denied 3. After denial, you apply specifically for DUA through TWC 4. You'll need documents proving employment (pay stubs, tax forms) 5. You still have to do the 3 weekly work searches just like regular UI The biggest difference is you can qualify for DUA even if you wouldn't normally qualify for regular unemployment. So self-employed, independent contractors, and people with limited work history can still get help. Make sure you're checking your correspondence inbox on the TWC portal daily - they'll send requests for additional documentation there, and you only have a short time to respond.

my sister got it after hurricane damage last year took like 3 weeks tho and she had to call like crazy to get anyone on the phone

I got approved last week!! But only after being denied regular benefits first. Its confusing but thats how the system works I guess. You have to get officially denied for regular UI then the system automatically considers you for disaster assistance. Took me about 15 days total.

The entire TWC disaster assistance program is a JOKE. I was affected by the tornados last year and it took SEVEN WEEKS to get a determination letter, by which point I had already found other work! Everyone keeps saying "oh, just wait for them to process your claim" but meanwhile your bills don't stop coming. And good luck getting through on the phone - I called 87 TIMES in one day before giving up. If you're counting on this money anytime soon, DON'T. Find temporary work if you can, because TWC disaster assistance moves at a glacial pace. Nothing about their system is designed to actually help people in a timely manner during a crisis. Just my experience.

does anyone know if you have to do the work search requirments with disaster unemployment? my regular job is starting back up in a few weeks so seems pointless to apply for other jobs right now

I'm a TWC claim specialist and want to clarify a few things about Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): 1. You DO NOT need to be denied regular benefits first if you already know you're not eligible for regular UI (self-employed, insufficient wage credits, etc). You can apply directly for DUA. 2. If you might qualify for regular UI, then yes, you need to apply and be determined ineligible before DUA can be considered. 3. For the current flooding disaster, you must file your DUA application by [a date within 30 days of the disaster declaration]. 4. Documentation requirements: You'll need proof of employment at the time of the disaster (pay stubs, employment records, tax documents for self-employed). 5. Important: Continue requesting payment every two weeks even while waiting for a determination. If approved, you'll receive benefits for those weeks you properly requested payment. 6. Work search requirements DO apply to DUA claims unless you have a return-to-work date within 8 weeks (then you can request an exemption). Hope this helps clarify the process!

To answer your follow-up question - yes, without a definite return date within 8 weeks, you'll need to complete the work search requirements. Your employer would need to provide something in writing with a specific return date for you to qualify for the exemption. But here's a tip: for disaster claims, TWC sometimes considers job search requirements fulfilled if you're actively helping with disaster recovery (like cleaning up your employer's flooded workplace or helping rebuild). Document these activities carefully if that applies to you, and mention them when requesting payment.

btw has anyone elses payment request been delayed? mine usually hits my direct deposit on tuesdays but its thursday now and still nothing...

I used Claimyr last week when I couldn't get through about my disaster claim. Totally worth it! The agent I talked to explained that disaster claims take longer because they have to coordinate with FEMA. She also told me exactly what documents I needed to send in, which wasn't clear from the website at all. Just wanted to share since getting through to TWC right now is nearly impossible with regular calling.

For those asking about documentation for disaster claims, here's what TWC typically requires: 1. Proof of employment at the time of the disaster (pay stubs, employment verification letter) 2. For self-employed: tax returns, business licenses, 1099s, or client statements 3. Documentation showing how the disaster directly affected your employment 4. Any correspondence with your employer about closures or reduced hours The most common reason for DUA claim delays is insufficient documentation. Submit everything upfront if possible. Also, if your regular employer isn't reopening or you're unsure when they will, remember that accepting temporary work doesn't necessarily disqualify you from benefits. You just need to report any earnings when requesting payment, and if they're below your benefit amount, you may still receive partial benefits.