TWC regular unemployment vs. DUA after storm layoff - which to apply for?

Don't apply for DUA if you've already applied for regular unemployment. DUA is specifically for people who DON'T qualify for regular benefits but lost work directly due to a disaster. Since you were laid off (even though the storm was the reason), you should qualify for regular UI. Your regular claim is likely still processing - TWC is probably swamped with claims after the storm. Eight days isn't unusual even in normal circumstances. They typically take 2-3 weeks to process claims, sometimes longer when there's a disaster situation. If you need to check on your claim status, try calling first thing in the morning (7:00 am) when they open the phone lines. That's usually the best time to get through.

R u sure the layoff is permant? My company did something simlar but called it 'temporary layoff' and I had to apply for PARTIAL unemployment. Different rules. Check ur paperwork from HR!

Having worked with TWC claims for years, I can tell you that applying for both regular UI and DUA simultaneously will cause problems. The TWC system will flag the duplicate applications and might put both on hold while they investigate. Here's what you need to know about your situation: 1. Regular UI is for people who lost their job through no fault of their own (including layoffs), which covers your situation 2. DUA is specifically for people who DON'T qualify for regular UI but lost work directly due to a disaster (like self-employed people whose businesses were damaged) 3. Since you were an employee who was laid off, regular UI is the correct program for you 4. Regular UI typically pays more and lasts longer than DUA 5. The standard processing time is 21 days, but can be longer during disaster periods If you need to check on your claim status, I recommend calling the TWC Tele-Center, but be prepared for extremely long wait times due to the storm aftermath.

OMG I feel your pain!! Was without power for 6 days and I'm also trying to get benefits after being laid off from my restaurant job. This storm has been HORRIBLE!!! I applied for regular benefits and it took almost 3 weeks before I was approved. Just keep checking your account online every day. The TWC Teleserv number (800-558-8321) sometimes works better than trying to talk to a human.

This happened to me after the flood last year. My advice - DON'T apply for DUA if ur elegible for regular UI benefits!!!! It will flag ur account and make everything take 10x longer. Trust me I learned the hard way and ended up waiting over 2 months for benefits!!!!

I went through something similar after Hurricane Harvey hit us a few years back. I got impatient and applied for both, and it created a HUGE mess. TWC froze both applications and I had to go through extra identity verification steps that took forever. Honestly, I know it sucks to hear, but 8 days is nothing in TWC timeframes. After disasters they get THOUSANDS of extra claims. 3-4 weeks is more realistic. One thing that helped me finally get through to someone was using Claimyr to connect with a TWC agent. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked when I couldn't get through for weeks. Check out their video demo: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh or go to claimyr.com. They connected me to a TWC agent when regular calling was impossible.

Jst to let u kno, having a 'pending review' status is acually GOOD! It means they got yr application and its in the system. When I applied after the last big storm, mine said 'additional info needed' and i had to upload a bunch more documnts. So yr probably on the right track!

Your situation is SO familiar! I was laid off after the ice storm in early 2024, and I made the mistake of applying for both regular UI and DUA. It caused a massive headache - I ended up with a "potential disqualification" on both applications and had to do a phone interview to sort everything out. Just stick with your regular UI application. By the way, make sure you're doing your work search activities even while waiting for approval! You need to complete at least 3 per week. I got caught off guard when they asked for my work search log retroactively to when I FIRST applied, not when I was approved.

Just to follow up on what was said about work search - you absolutely need to be doing this even while waiting for approval. You need 3 work search activities per week in Texas, and TWC can and will ask for your records going back to your initial application date. Also, make sure you're requesting payment on your regular schedule (every two weeks) even while your claim is pending. Many people miss this step and it causes further delays.

Yes, a spreadsheet is perfect for tracking work search activities. Include these details for each activity: 1. Date of contact 2. Company name and contact information 3. Position applied for 4. Method of application (online, in-person, etc.) 5. Result/follow-up Remember that "work search activities" can include: - Job applications - Creating a profile on WorkInTexas.com - Attending job fairs - Creating a resume - Registering with a staffing agency Keep good records because TWC can audit these at any time. And yes, definitely set those payment request reminders - your request day is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number.