Regular TWC benefits expiring before Christmas - can I apply for DUA now?

DUA is not something you can just apply for when regular benefits run out. Disaster Unemployment Assistance is only available when there's a federally declared disaster in your area, like a hurricane or major flood. It's not an extension program. What you're probably asking about is Extended Benefits, but those aren't currently active in Texas since our unemployment rate isn't high enough to trigger them. Once your regular benefits exhaust, you'll need to look at non-TWC assistance. Check with 211 Texas for rent assistance programs, local food banks, and utility payment help. Also, make sure you're registered with WorkInTexas.com and actively applying to jobs - that's your best option right now.

ur thinking of the pandemic stuff that doesn't exist anymore lol

I was in your exact situation last year. DUA definitely isn't available unless you're directly impacted by a declared disaster (not just living in the area). There are no benefit extensions currently available in Texas. However, what you should do IMMEDIATELY is double-check your maximum benefit amount on your TWC account. Sometimes people miscalculate what's left. Log in to your TWC account and check the "Claim and Payment Status" section - look for "Remaining Benefits" amount. Also, make sure you know the exact date your benefit year ends (different from when your payments run out). If your benefits are truly exhausting, start applying for SNAP benefits now through YourTexasBenefits.com - don't wait until your unemployment runs out completely. Also contact local churches and community action agencies, many have special Christmas assistance programs this time of year.

The whole system is RIGGED against us!!!! I ran out of benefits last month and there's NOTHING. Texas DELIBERATELY keeps unemployment rates just below the federal requirement for extended benefits. They don't WANT to help people!!! And just TRY getting through to a real person at TWC to ask about options - IMPOSSIBLE!!! I spent THREE WEEKS trying every day!!! The "work search" rules are a JOKE too - I'm applying to 10+ jobs a week and they either never respond or offer $9/hour which doesn't even cover childcare!!! Don't waste your time with WorkInTexas garbage site - use Indeed or LinkedIn instead.

When I was having the same problem last month, I used Claimyr.com to get through to TWC. They got me connected to an actual TWC agent in about 20 minutes after I spent days trying on my own. The agent confirmed there aren't extensions right now but did tell me about some other resources I hadn't considered. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Seriously saved me days of frustration and at least I got clear answers about my options.

my sister thought her benefits were ending but actually she qualified for TRA benefits because her job went to mexico or something. did your job get outsourced maybe? you should ask about TRA when you get someone on the phone

One important thing to remember: even after your benefits exhaust, continue to request payment every two weeks as scheduled until your benefit year ends. Sometimes TWC releases additional funds or makes retroactive adjustments, and you won't receive those if you've stopped requesting payment. Also, triple-check that you've provided ALL employment from your base period. Sometimes people forget about a part-time job or short-term position that could add to their total benefit amount. If you left anything out, contact TWC immediately to have your monetary determination recalculated. Lastly, make sure you're documenting all your work search activities correctly. If TWC finds additional wages or determines you were eligible for more than initially calculated, you'll want to ensure you've met all requirements to receive those funds.

Yes, absolutely continue requesting payment until your benefit year expires (usually 12 months from when you first filed). The system will show you have $0 remaining, but still complete the process. One other thing to check - log into your TWC account and make sure your previous employer didn't contest your unemployment claim. Sometimes they do this at the last minute, and if TWC sides with you, they might add additional weeks to your claim. Also verify that your work search activities are all being properly recorded - sometimes a technical glitch can cause benefits to stop prematurely. I'd also recommend updating your resume on WorkInTexas.com weekly - this makes it appear at the top of employer searches and counts as a work search activity. The holiday season actually has decent hiring for temporary positions that sometimes convert to permanent.