How long does TWC Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) last in Texas?

DUA (Disaster Unemployment Assistance) benefits typically last up to 26 weeks (about 6 months) from the date the disaster was declared, not from when you applied or were approved. The exact end date should be listed on your determination letter, but if Hurricane Marybeth was declared a disaster on February 15, 2025, then benefits would run until approximately mid-August 2025. However, your specific situation may vary. And yes, you still need to complete work search requirements with DUA unless you have a definite return-to-work date with your employer. I believe the standard is still 3 work search activities per week in Texas, but sometimes TWC adjusts this for disaster-affected counties.

Im pretty sure its differnt then regular unemplyment. my sister got DUA after that tornado in Dallas like 3 yrs ago and she said it was shorter, like 3 or 4 months? but maybe its changed since then idk

NOPE, DUA is NOT the same as regular TWC unemployment! With DUA, you only get benefits until you can return to your regular work or "suitable work" - so if your restaurant opens back up OR if TWC decides there's "similar" work available in your area, they can cut you off before that 26 weeks is up! Happened to me after Hurricane Neil in 2024. They terminated my DUA after just 12 weeks because they said there were "comparable restaurant jobs" available even though none of them paid what I was making before! FIGHT if they try to cut you off early!

Call TWC and ask them. It varies.

I went through Hurricane Neil disaster unemployment last year, and I had to get through to TWC to clarify my situation. I was in the same boat with the busy signals and disconnects. I ended up using Claimyr.com to connect with a TWC agent when I couldn't get through on my own. They have a system that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. They helped me reach TWC in about 30 minutes when I'd been trying for days. There's a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh As for your actual question - DUA lasted 26 weeks from the disaster declaration date in my case, but I had to complete my work searches every week. The TWC agent explained that some businesses had definite return dates, and those people got a work search exemption.

heres what some ppl dont realize - the clock for DUA starts ticking on the date of the disaster declaration NOT when u get approved for benefits! So if it took u 5 weeks to get approved, u still only get whats left of the 26 weeks from the disaster date. also u have to report ANY income even side gigs or cash jobs or they can hit u with overpayment later!!

I'm going through DUA right now after the hurricane too. My TWC agent told me it lasts 26 weeks from the disaster declaration date (which was Feb 20, 2025) BUT there's a really important detail - you have to submit your continuing payment requests every two weeks on time or you lose those benefits! I missed one payment request deadline by ONE DAY and they wouldn't pay me for that period. So make sure you calendar all your payment request dates. Also, my agent clarified that I have to do work searches even though my employer said they'll rehire me "eventually" - because they couldn't give me a SPECIFIC return-to-work date. If your boss gives you an exact date, you can get the work search requirement waived.

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.